How do you use a HELOC on Investment Property?

[Dustin Ruhl]

How To Use A HELOC On Investment Property

A HELOC, or Home Equity Line Of Credit, is somewhat like a mortgage or a home equity loan. The difference between a mortgage and a HELOC is that while a mortgage is a loan for a fixed amount, a HELOC is a guarantee of a loan that can go up to a maximum amount. Also, while a mortgage is lend to the borrower at a set date, a HELOC can be borrowed from at a time or times of the borrower's choosing.

HELOCs have a number of benefits. For example, a borrower who owns rental properties can use funds from the HELOC to improve the rental properties. They can also be used for such things as debt consolidation. Some borrowers will use a HELOC to purchase more property or to make other types of investments. Another benefit of a HELOC is that the interest on the loan can be considered as a rental expense, which as tax benefits. One drawback to a HELOC is that if borrowing against a rental property or other investment properties, banks will be less likely to issue a loan, since such borrowers are more likely to default.

If a HELOC won't work for you, there are other alternatives such as a traditional home equity loan, a cash out refinance, or a personal loan.

Leverage the equity in your property to increase its value, or fund more properties

Key Points:

1. A HELOC uses the equity in a home or investment and provides homeowners or investors with extra cash.

2. One challenge that comes with using a HELOC for an investment property is finding a qualified lender.

3. One lesser-known benefit of using a HELOC is to consolidate debt.

Using a HELOC on investment property will allow investors to tap into assets that have managed to build up equity.

Leverage the equity in your property to increase its value, or fund more properties.

The power of leverage is a fundamental of the physical world, but it’s just as strong in the fiscal. Investing in one property will build equity. That equity can be used to power a line of credit, letting you tap funds to boost the value of the same property, or invest in another which can eventually restart the same scenario. With a single piece of property, given time and proper management, you can build value like an avalanche thundering down a mountain.