You need to use your house as equity to get some extra cash. However, you don’t know whether you should take out a second mortgage or a home equity loan. What’s the difference anyway? Wouldn’t Utah home equity loans and Utah home mortgages be the same over the long run? Well, not really. Consider the differences before making your decision and realize that mortgage planning is important.First of all, the wording is difficult to understand. But, you must understand the difference in order to make the right decision. A second mortgage is simply another lien on your property. A second mortgage is very similar to the first mortgage, just that it comes second. It is likely to be an adjustable rate or fixed rate loan just like the first mortgage.Then there are home equity loans. These loans appeared in the 1980s as a second mortgage that was a line of credit open for the individual to “borrow” from as needed. The loans were called home equity loans and they allowed the borrower to take what was needed on an ongoing basis up to a certain limit. The difference between the two has now been discussed, but which one is the best one for you?If you are trying to decide whether you need a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit you simply need to answer a couple of questions. First of all, what do you need the money for? If you need the money for a big repair project on the house or some other situation where you need a large sum of money in the exact moment then a second mortgage is a good option. But, if you need money over time, say to pay for college, then a home equity line of credit is the better option. You really need to determine your needs and what is available to you before making a decision. Once you have all of the information you will be ready to choose the best option for you.Remember that when it comes to mortgage planning you can rely on a banker or someone else to guide you. But, you should be informed and educated on the options and what you are able to chose. Not to mention how it will affect you. When you have this information you will make better financial choices. So, do your research, learn the difference between the two, and then go ahead and make the best decision for you.