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Are you looking to tap into your home equity in Florida? Borrowers who have built up enough equity in their homes can leverage it with a home equity loan. Home equity loans use your property as collateral and allow you to access the cash for any purpose of your choosing. In our comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how home equity loans work in Florida and how you can qualify for this type of loan.

What is a home equity loan?

As a borrower makes their monthly mortgage payments, they are building up equity in their home. Home equity typically increases over time as the property’s market value appreciates and as the homeowner pays down the mortgage. It can also be influenced by improvements made to the property.

How to calculate home equity

To calculate the amount of equity in your home, use the following formula:

Home Equity = Current Market Value of Home − Outstanding Mortgage Balance

Let’s say the current market value of your home is $400,000, and your outstanding mortgage balance is $250,000.

Home Equity = $400,000 - $250,000 = $150,000

In this example, you would have $150,000 of home equity.

How can you use the funds from your home equity loan?

To access your equity in Florida, you can take out a home equity loan secured by your home. A home equity loan can be used for any purpose of your choosing, including:

• Home improvements
• Debt consolidation
• Medical expenses
• Educational expenses
• Major purchases

The terms of your home equity loan depend on the type of loan you get.

What are the two types of home equity loans?

Borrowers have two options for home equity loans: Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).

Let’s take a look at the key differences between the two types.

Home equity loan

With a traditional home equity loan, borrowers receive a one-time, lump-sum payment at the beginning of the loan term. The lump sum is a fixed amount determined by the equity in the home and the lender’s terms. Home equity loans typically have fixed interest rates that remain constant throughout the life of the loan.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

HELOCs operate similarly to a credit card. They provide borrowers with a revolving line of credit that they can draw from as needed. HELOCs typically come with variable interest rates that can fluctuate based on market conditions.

How does a home equity loan work in Florida?

To get a home equity loan in Florida, you will have to find a lender who provides these types of loans. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union offers home equity loans to qualifying Florida borrowers.

Here is a general overview of the home equity loan process in Florida:

1. Assess Your Equity: Lenders typically set minimum equity requirements for home equity loan qualification. Evaluating your equity position is the initial step to determine eligibility.
2. Submit an Application: Meeting the equity requirements prompts the submission of an application. This application includes detailed information about your finances, credit history, and the intended use of the funds.
3. Appraisal Process: Your lender will order an appraisal to ascertain the current market value of your home. This step ensures the property's worth aligns with the loan amount.
4. Discuss Loan Terms: Upon completion of the appraisal, you and your lender engage in discussions regarding the terms of the home equity loan. Topics include the loan amount, interest rate, repayment duration, and any associated fees.
5. Closing Procedures: If the agreed terms are acceptable, the process proceeds to closing. At this stage, all necessary documentation is finalized, and legal requirements are met.
6. Receipt of Funds: Following the closing, you'll either receive a lump sum payout or gain access to a line of credit, depending on the type of loan selected. This marks the culmination of the loan process, enabling you to utilize the funds according to your needs.

Home equity loan vs. HELOC disbursement and repayment

The major difference in the process between a home equity loan and HELOC is the disbursement of funds and repayment process.

If you choose to get a HELOC, make sure you understand the terms, phases, and potential fees involved.

What are the home equity loan requirements in Florida?

Home equity loan and HELOC requirements vary slightly by lender, but you can typically expect to meet the following:

• Minimum equity requirement
• Minimum credit score
• Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
• Evidence of stable income and employment
• Property appraisal
• Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
• Closing costs and fees

Your lender will discuss their specific requirements with you, and ensure you understand your eligibility and terms.

What makes you qualify for a home equity loan?

Your lender will discuss their specific requirements with you, and ensure you understand your eligibility and terms. While your lender will help you determine your eligibility for a home equity loan or HELOC based on your unique loan scenario, there are some general figures that many lenders want to see.

Consider the following figures as you weigh your eligibility:

• At least 20 percent equity in your home
• Credit score in the mid-600s, but higher is better
• DTI ratio of 43 percent or less

Prior to applying for a home equity loan or HELOC, you may want to check your credit score and calculate your equity and DTI ratio to get an idea of your eligibility. However, it’s never too early in the process to connect with a lender. By providing basic information about your equity and financial situation, your lender can determine your personalized rate and term options.

Apply for a home equity loan with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

The mortgage specialists at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union are ready to discuss your home equity loan options. Whether you want funding for major home renovations or debt consolidation, we have options that can help you meet your goals. Start Your Application with MIDFLORIDA today to discover your eligibility and your full range of loan options.