How Does a Home Equity Loan Work in Idaho?

A home equity loan in Idaho essentially allows you to exchange the home equity you’ve accumulated for cash. This means that you provide your home equity as collateral and, in exchange, the lender gives you money that you can use for just about any purpose. 

While home equity loan rates in Idaho vary, they’re typically significantly lower than credit card and personal loan interest rates. This makes HELOANs a great debt consolidation solution if you want to take multiple forms of high-interest debt and consolidate under a single loan that generally offers a lower interest rate. 

Before getting approved for a home equity loan, you need to have a certain amount of equity in your home. Lenders usually allow you to borrow up to 90 percent of your home equity, but you must have 15 or 20 percent equity established. Your loan must be paid in full if you plan on selling your home. If you don’t repay your loan in full before selling your home, it will be paid using the proceeds from the home’s sale. 

Most lenders ask for W-2s and tax returns to apply for an Idaho home equity loan, but Griffin Funding offers additional options. For instance, if you’re self-employed, you can fill out a no doc home equity loan application.

Types of Home Equity Loans

There are different types of home equity loans in Idaho, so choosing the right loan is key. In general, you can choose between a home equity loan (HELOAN) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

An Idaho HELOAN allows you to take out a fixed-rate loan using the equity in your home as collateral. The fixed rate means your monthly payment will remain the same for the duration of your loan period. Your loan will also be paid in a single lump sum. Once you receive funding after being approved for a loan, you typically have a five to 40-year period to pay it back.

An Idaho HELOC is more like a credit card than a traditional loan. You’re still using your home equity as collateral, but you receive a set spending limit instead of a lump sum payment. This means your monthly payments will vary based on the amount you spend. Varying HELOC rates in Idaho can also lead to changing monthly payments.

There’s no right or wrong answer when you’re deciding which type of home equity loan is right for you. If you want to learn more about the differences between HELOANs and HELOCs, you can contact us before applying for a loan.

Pros and Cons of Idaho Home Equity Loans

While Idaho home equity loans can be an excellent tool if used properly, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Understanding how home equity loans work will help you determine if a HELOAN or HELOC is right for you.

Some of the pros of Idaho home equity loans include:

  • You can get access to cash flow for various emergency expenses and large projects
  • Griffin Funding offers competitive interest rates on home equity loans
  • Home equity loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards and personal loans
  • You don’t have to sacrifice your low-rate first mortgage for a home equity loan
  • Can be used on your primary home, second home, or investment property

There are also potential downsides to home equity loans in Idaho, such as:

  • Taking out a home equity loan can increase your total debt
  • You may lose your home if you’re not able to repay a home equity loan
  • HELOCs can lead to overspending if used irresponsibly 

It’s up to you to decide if a home equity loan in Idaho is the right solution for your needs. Depending on how much money you need and what you’re using it for, there may be a better loan option.

Idaho Home Equity Loan Qualification Requirements

Applying for an Idaho home equity loan is a fairly straightforward process as long as you meet the qualification requirements. Here’s what lenders look at before approving or denying your loan application:

  1. Lenders typically require that you have at least 20 percent equity in your home, although some will allow you to take out a loan with 15 percent equity. At a very minimum, you’ll need to keep five percent in equity after you take out a second mortgage.
  2. Your lender will also look at your credit score and debt-to-income ratio to learn more about you as a consumer. A high credit score and low debt-to-income ratio make it easier to qualify for a loan. The minimum credit score is 640 and the maximum DTI is 45%.
  3. Your income and mortgage payment history also play a role. If you have a history of missing mortgage payments or inadequate income to repay your loan, you’ll have a harder time getting approved.

Getting approved for a home equity loan isn’t especially difficult, but you do need to have your finances in order. The Griffin Gold app can help you keep track of your credit score, budget your money, and keep your finances organized. If you need help improving your credit score or reducing your total debt to apply for a loan, Griffin Gold can help.

Apply for a Home Equity Loan in Idaho

If you need access to cash so you can renovate your home or cover emergency medical expenses, a home equity loan in Idaho may be right for you. Before applying for a loan, do your research and make sure you meet the minimum equity and income requirements.

Once you’re ready to apply for your Idaho home equity loan, we’re here to help. Griffin Funding makes home equity loans easy with a simple application process and competitive interest rates. We can even help you explore other loan options based on your financial situation. Contact us or apply online to get started today.