Poor Credit Home Equity Loans - Avoiding Home Equity Loan Scams

By Carrie Reeder

Obtaining a home equity loan makes it possible to payoff credit
cards, finance a home improvement project, etc. In fact, one of
the benefits of homeownership is being able to tap into your
home’s equity for large expenses. Many lenders offer great rates
on home equity loans and lines of credit. Yet, homeowners should
beware home equity loan scams that place them at risk of losing
their home.

Understanding Home Equity Basics

A home equity loan is essentially a personal loan that is
secured by your home’s equity. The amount you are able to
acquire will vary. For the most part, you are able to obtain a
loan up to the amount of your home’s equity. However, lenders
will usually review your credit and income to ensure that you
qualify for the requested amount.

Home equity loans are beneficial because the funds may be used
for a multitude of purposes. If you are looking to payoff credit
card balances, a home equity loan will help you achieve this
goal. Nonetheless, exercise care when applying for such a loan.
Because your home serves as the collateral, failure to maintain
regular payments will result in foreclosure. Sadly, some lenders
are betting on your inability to repay a home equity loan.

Common Home Equity Loan Scams

Lenders use an array of fraudulent schemes to steal your
equity. For starters, there are lenders who cleverly convince
homeowners to borrow more than they can afford to pay.

Moreover, a lender may encourage homeowners to exaggerate their
income in order to qualify for a larger amount. Instead of
having your best interest in mind, these lenders knowingly
position their clients for defeat. Hence, when you can no longer
afford the payments, the lender forecloses.

If applying for a home equity loan, it is important to read the
loan agreement carefully. If possible, have the contract
reviewed by an attorney. Some home equity loans involve a large
balloon payment at the end of the loan term. The typical
homeowner cannot afford to pay this amount. Regardless of
whether you maintain timely payments, the home equity lender may
claim your home if you are unable to make the final payment.

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