What is a Home Equity Mortgage & How Does It Work? A Complete Guide
What is a home equity mortgage? Learn about home equity mortgages, how they work, and their rates.
What is a home equity mortgage? Learn about home equity mortgages, how they work, and their rates.

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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower Interest Rates: Compared to credit cards or personal loans, home equity mortgages typically offer much lower interest rates. | Risk to Property: Because your home is used as collateral, there is a risk of foreclosure if you fail to repay the loan. |
| Large Borrowing Capacity: You can often borrow large sums of money with a home equity mortgage, making it ideal for significant expenses. | High Fees: Some home equity mortgages come with high fees, such as closing costs or appraisal fees. |
| Tax Benefits: In some countries, the interest on home equity mortgages may be tax-deductible. | Tax Benefits: In some countries, the interest on home equity mortgages may be tax-deductible. Long-Term Debt: A home equity mortgage can extend your debt repayment period, making it harder to pay off in the long run. |
Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio determines how much you can borrow, usually up to 80%-90% of your home's appraised value, minus the balance of your existing mortgage.
Louis-Marie Tortiello
Whether you are selling or looking to rent out your property, our Geneva team is here to help.Whether you are selling or looking to rent out your property, our Geneva team is here to help.