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by: MikeCotter
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A second mortgage typically refers to a secured loan that is subordinate to another loan against the same property. Proceeds from a second mortgage can generally be used by the borrower for any purpose. Often proceeds from second mortgages are used to pay off consumer debt, such as credit cards or car loans. Proceeds can also be used for home improvements, college tuition, or to take a vacation. Some borrowers use second mortgages to secure lines of credit for future needs.

Until a few years ago, the total amount of debt from the 1st and 2nd mortgages combined could exceed 80% of the total market value of the home. Recently however, low interest rates combined with a competitive marketplace have created a lending environment where some lenders have approved 2nd mortgages that, when combined with the balance due on the 1st mortgage, total as high as 125% of the home value.

However, financial advisors will tell you that carrying that much debt on your home is never a good idea. I never recommend borrowing more than 100% of the value of your home and I rarely recommend a second mortgage with a loan to value of greater than 90%.

A second mortgage is always subordinate to the first mortgage. This means that in the event of a default, the property is sold and the proceeds are used to pay the first mortgage first, including any legal costs and other costs of the sale. The remaining proceeds are applied to the second mortgage. If there is not enough money remaining from the sale of the home, the second mortgage does not get paid.

A Higher Interest Rate

The interest rate that a lender is willing to loan money out at for a home mortgage is dependent on the risk level to him. For this reason that a high risk borrower with a poor credit history will always be charged a higher interest rate than a low risk borrower with a strong credit history.

The same theory also applies to second mortgages. Second mortgages typically are given a higher interest rate, because by definition a lender of a second mortgage is second to be paid off in case of a default, and because there is a greater chance that a default might result in not enough equity left in the home to pay off the second mortgage in full.

Second Mortgage Terms

In general, the terms given for second mortgages are shorter than those for first mortgages - primarily because the dollar amount of the second is generally much lower than that of the first.

2nd mortgage repayment terms can vary considerably, so look around for the one that is best for you. Then usually range in length from 5 to 20 years, with the majority being 10 to 15 years. A few lenders may even offer a 30 year amortization. Just like first mortgages, the longer the maturity, the higher the interest rate. Conversely (just like first mortgages), the higher the credit score - the lower the interest rate.

Types of 2nd Mortgages

Just as the length of the second mortgage can vary, so can other repayment terms. However, the majority of second mortgages are paid back in equal monthly payments with a portion of the payment going to interest and a portion to the principal balance, just like a first mortgage.

The two most common types of second mortgages are the fixed rate and HELOC (home equity line of credit). The fixed rate mortgage is a standard offering. The HELOC is a little unique and has been very popular. This loan type typically calls for interest only payments for the first 5 to 10 years and then the line of credit is frozen at the outstanding balance of the loan. At that point, the loan payments are recast and a standard principal and interest payment is established for the remaining 10 to 20 years. HELOC's are typically priced with a variable interest rate.

HELOC interest rates are similar to other loan pricing; the lower the FICO score and the higher the loan to value, the higher the interest rate.

When considering a second mortgage, do your homework and shop around to ensure that you get the best deal for you!

About the Author

Mike Cotter has been a professional lender for over 30 years. He began his career in the commercial banking industry in 1976 and in 1982 opened his own commercial bank and served as President and CEO for 10 years. He has been a successful mortgage broker for over 16 years and owns Micott Mortgage.

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