couple renovating looking at samples

After poring over stacks of design magazines, perusing Pinterest, and pulling together project estimates, you’re finally ready to renovate your home! Now the big question: how do you pay for it The most common ways to finance home improvements are: (1) to refinance your home and use the cash out to pay for renovations or (2) take out a home equity loan. Of course there are other options available, but today we’ll compare these two popular choices.

When is refinancing the right choice for you?

  • If you have some equity in your home and you’ve paid off more than 20% of your home’s current value
  • If you plan to stay in your home for at least 5 more years
  • If your renovation project has a high price tag
  • If the current interest rate is lower than your existing mortgage rate
  • If you can afford closing costs

A nice benefit of refinancing is that, in some cases, you may lower your interest rate, reducing the overall cost of the loan, without increasing your mortgage payment.

When is a home equity loan the better option?

  • If your current interest rate is low and you can afford both your current mortgage and home equity loan payment comfortably
  • If you’re looking for a shorter process from application to closing than a refinance
  • You don’t want to pay closing costs
  • You plan on moving in 5 years or less
  • You don’t want to add any length to your mortgage payment plan (you want your home renovations paid for in 15 years or less)

Still trying to decide if you’re comfortable with a home equity loan payment on top of your existing mortgage? Use this handy calculator to estimate a home equity loan payment.

Because your financial situation and goals are unique to you, the best approach is to sit down with an experienced mortgage lender who can walk you through your options and even illustrate payment plan comparisons, like the one below, just for you.

Home Equity Loan chart

 

Please Note: This comparison chart is for illustration purposes only. This chart does not reflect today’s actual rates and is not applicable to your individual situation.
*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is effective as of 05/09/2018 for refi first lien mortgage on single-family primary residence with LTV ≤ 70% and Home Equity junior lien on single-family primary residence with LTV ≤ 80%.
**Monthly payment does not include property taxes or insurance; actual payment obligation will be greater.
^ Customary closing costs include: title search, title insurance, settlement fees, closing protection letter, recording fees, secondary market fees, processing fee, appraisal fee, credit report fee, employee verification fee, and flood certification and monitoring fee.  Other fees may apply.
^^ Exceptions may apply.