Home Improvement Loans

by: Beverly Kane

The best way to increase the value of your home is to make improvements. If you are like most people, this is nearly impossible to do without the help of a home improvement loan. These loans are tax deductable for home-owners seeking to make improvements on their primary residence, not rental properties or vacation homes. A home improvement loan can be used to a variety of upgrades and renovations including, but not limited to, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, installing a swimming pool or even re-carpeting your home.

Home improvement loans must be secured by collateral, this is equity built up in the home. Because these types of loans are less risky to company, they are typically offered at a lower interest rate. To be considered for a home improvement loan, you must own the home, or be in good standing with your mortgage payments.

There are two kinds of home improvement loans available to choose from. Those loans are, FHA Title I Home Improvement Loans and the Traditional Home Improvement Loans. Either one can be used for new construction, remodeling or upgrading things in your home like a garage, new roof, swimming pool or new bathroom and kitchen, among many other projects.

You must have equity in the home you intend to improve, if you are considering a Traditional Home Improvement Loan, generally about 20% of the home's cost. The equity you've already built and that gained by the improvements of the home are to be the collateral. The company that provides the loan is called a lender. When using a home improvement loan, the lender will take out a first or second lein or mortgage against the home.

Though the majority of home improvement loans are for terms or 10 years or less, there are programs and lenders available that will extend the term to 15 years. That is largely dependant on how much you intend to borrow. The difference between a Traditional Home Improvement Loan and a FHA Title I Home Improvement Loan, is that the latter is a Government program.

You may use the FHA loan for necessary repairs and maintenance to the home. Luxury upgrades are not allowed. This may be the way to go for many as equity in the home is not required for this type of loan and past credit issues are often not a problem. The repayment for the FHA Title I loan can be as long as a 20 year term, as long as the home-owner has kept their credit in good standing, recently.

If your home loan is under $7,500, there is no lein placed on the title of the home, making it possible for more home-owners to make improvements on their home, while being tax deductible at the same time.

Whether you've decided to purchase your first home, or your still in the researching phase, check to see if your state or local community has programs available for first time home buyers. Many of these programs will offer you step-by-step assistance in finding realator, a home and the loan that best suits your needs. They are an invaluable resource.

Programs for first time home buyers should have a proven track record. Look to see that they have been in business for a reasonable amount of time. Check with your local financial institutions for a list of mortgatge companies that are considered reputable.

Next, be sure you meet the criteria to take part in the program you've chosen. Remember, there are many to choose from and the best are those geared toward assisting low to medium income families by offering smaller down payments, no down payments, lowered closing costs and reduced interest rates.

A first time home buyer program should take the hassle out of buying a home, allowing you the freedom to enjoy the process of selecting your very own home.