Thinking About Using Your Home as Collateral on a Loan? Here's What You Need To Know

By Kathleen Willcox

In the current economic climate of fluctuating interest rates and inflation, many individuals find themselves in need of extra funds to navigate tough financial times. As a result, personal or business loans have become a popular option for those seeking financial relief. However, the decision of what to use as collateral on a loan can be a daunting one. Recently, an increasing number of homeowners have turned to using their homes as collateral, primarily driven by rising home equity. While this may seem like a straightforward solution, the reality is more complex, and there are potential pitfalls to be aware of.

Reason 1: Educational Purposes

The rising cost of higher education has led some homeowners to consider using their homes as collateral to fund their or their child's education. Investing in education is undoubtedly a worthy cause, but borrowers must ensure they can repay the loan without difficulty. One cautionary tale involves homeowners who used their home as collateral for tuition expenses but struggled to meet loan terms during a period of job loss, ultimately resulting in the loss of their family home.

Reason 2: Funding a Business

Entrepreneurs often use their homes as collateral when applying for business loans, but this decision should be made with caution. Starting a business entails significant demands, sacrifices, and risks, which can lead to a high failure rate. Rather than risking their homes, borrowers may want to seek business partners or investors willing to take on financial risks.

And Never Use Home Equity To…

Certain loans should never be secured by your home equity, particularly those tied to emotional purchases. Using your home as collateral for non-essential items like boats, cars, vacations, weddings, or funerals that you can't afford is risky and may lead to the loss of your home equity.

If You Plan to Use Your Home as Collateral

If you decide that using your home as collateral is necessary, approach the process with caution. Make sure you have a solid repayment plan in place, especially considering the possibility of interest rate spikes. Ensure that you can pay off and close out the loan within six to 18 months to minimize potential risks.

Consider the Worst Possible Scenario

Before proceeding with using your home as collateral, thoroughly contemplate the potential consequences. The most serious risk is the possibility of foreclosure, which means losing your primary family home if you can't repay the loan. For most homeowners, their home represents not just a place to live but also their most valuable asset and nest egg for retirement. Therefore, using it as collateral should be seen as a last resort to avoid risking its loss.

Bottom Line: Proceed with Caution

Using your home as collateral on a loan is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and risking it for a loan requires careful consideration. Make sure you fully understand the terms of the loan and have a solid repayment plan in place before proceeding. Be cautious of unscrupulous lenders who may target vulnerable homeowners, offering loans based on home equity rather than the borrower's ability to repay. Protect your home and financial future by proceeding with caution and making well-informed choices.

Find the original article here: https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/thinking-about-using-your-home-as-collateral-on-a-loan-heres-what-you-need-to-know/