How best to use residential equity

[Antoinette Maria Russum-Hane]

I am a 50+ year-old woman interested in selling my residential home up north to take the equity and purchase either cash flowing duplex in NC/FL so that I can live in one and rent out the other, or I can refinance my residence and use some funds to put a deposit on a duplex in NC or FL. Since I do not have much retirement or savings, I hope to use my equity (about $100,000) to live in a newer property in a warmer climate and receive income in the future. I presently rent out a room in my home as well as work part-time so I am not happy with living close to my tenant but I am not sure if I can afford to purchase a newer duplex with my equity outright for investment/cashflow and also purchase a separate home for me to live in. I do want to move to a warmer climate since I am now in the northeast. I appreciate any advice you can provide this middle-aged newbie.

[Tom Wagner]

Hi Antoinette - love the idea! First of all, I would make sure to consider an FHA loan -- great option for low down payment owner-occupied investment property.

Additionally, take a look at both HELOC and refinance options on your current residence. Rates are at all-time lows, so it could be a great time to pull out some equity. And you could potentially time it by doing the refinance while still owner-occupying (to get a better rate), then stay there for 3-12 months, then do the FHA.