A Fixed Rate Home Equity Line of Credit

If you are looking to get a home equity line of credit, a fixed rate is probably a good idea. This is because when you have a fixed rate, it is not subject to the whims of rising interest rates. Additionally, a home equity line of credit can be a good idea anyway, since you have the ability to get money as you need it, rather than worrying about whether or not you have borrowed an appropriate amount with a lump sum regular home equity loan.What is a home equity line of credit?A home equity line of credit is one that works a lot like a credit card. The account is a revolving account, meaning that as you pay it down, you can borrow more. Just like a credit card, you have a specific limit. However, the limit on a home equity line of credit is based upon the amount of equity that you have in your home. You can borrow up to a certain amount, and as you pay it back, as long as the line of credit is still open, you can borrow more.The advantages of a fixed rate loanOne of the biggest advantages of a fixed rate loan is the fact that the interest rate is fixed. This means that the rate does not change, no matter how interest rates are rising or falling. While it is possible the interest rates will fall during the time of your loan, if you get a low fixed rate, they are not likely to get much below, and far more likely to rise quite a bit above your original rate. If you have a variable rate, this can mean paying thousands of dollars more over the life of your loan.Advantages of a fixed rate home equity line of creditWhen it comes to getting a home equity line of credit, it is advantageous to get a fixed rate if you can. This is because you can combine the advantages of having ready access to your home’s equity with an interest rate that will stay steady. You will have the ability to borrow what you need, when you need it, without worrying about having to reapply for a new loan each time, and without having to worry about varying interest rates.