A second mortgage can be the first step to getting debt, especially for homeowners with bad credit. A second mortgage is a loan taken out in a "second position" on a pre-owned home. There are fixed rate loans, adjustable rate loans, and home equity lines of credit (also called HELOCs). A fixed income loan is the way to go when you need all the money at once. A HELOC is a line of credit that can be drawn on as needed up to the loan limit.
"Bad Credit" Second Mortgage
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act guarantees your right to access credit. You cannot be denied credit because of your race, gender, marital status, or ethnicity. But how much you can borrow and how much interest you will be charged will depend on your credit score. Credit is easy to get and hard to control. Failure to use it properly will give you a lower FICO score from all three credit bureaus. Generally, a score of 680 or higher means good credit. A score between 680 and 620 is still considered good, but it will force lenders to check before lending you money. 620 and below, and you are in bad credit range.
Here are some signs that you are in bad credit territory:
You have to apply for a new credit card to pay off the old one, which goes up but doesn't pay your bills. You can make the minimum payment on your loan and card each month.
You are at the limit on all your cards and accounts. You need to get subprime financing when you want to borrow money.
Improve your financial situation
It's a catch 22 that getting bad credit for the second time can start your FICO score, but it can also help increase it in the long run, if you're using a higher credit score. This new loan does not reduce your debt; it is restructured only to help you get back on your feet financially. An added benefit is that the interest you pay is tax deductible. The IRS says that joint filers can deduct all interest up to $100,000 on a mortgage.
It's easy to shop and compare bad credit second mortgages online at popular sites like www.badcreditsecondmortgages.com. The offline application process is fast and private. Interest rates are still low, but they may rise in 2006, so now is the best time to see if a second mortgage is the right financial decision for you.