ComputerHunter.org

 

Home Equity Loan ? Good Choice for Luxury Purchases?


Home equity loans or lines of credit have increased dramatically in popularity in recent years. One of the reasons is that interest rates are at or near historic lows; borrowing money has rarely been more affordable. Another reason is that Americans are enjoying record amounts of equity as home values have skyrocketed in recent years. Given that the loans are affordable and the equity is available, many homeowners are wondering if a home equity loan would be a good way to finance expensive lifestyle items. Would borrowing against your home be a good way to purchase that Dodge Viper you've always wanted? How about that around the world cruise you have always dreamed about? Is taking out a home equity loan for luxury purchases a good idea?

As with any financial transaction, there are good points and bad points to borrowing against your home to buy luxury items. The good points are numerous. Unlike a credit card or standard auto loan, a home equity loan offers deductible interest on your tax return, provided that the loan does not exceed $100,000. If you pay taxes in the 28% tax bracket, you are effectively getting a 28-cent rebate on every dollar you pay in interest. That is certainly appealing. The fees associated with a home equity loan have come down in recent years, and the application process is much simpler than in the past.

The good points make it seem like a good idea, but the bad points are considerable. Most home equity loans have terms that extend quite some time, typically ranging from 5-15 years in duration. Do you really want to pay for a car for fifteen years? It is quite likely that you'll still be paying for that luxury car long after it has gone to the junkyard. The same applies to that around the world cruise, which will be long forgotten by the time it has actually been paid for. It may make sense to fund a luxury car with a home equity loan if the term of the loan is only five years and you actually plan to keep the car for that long. Otherwise, funding the purchase with a more traditional loan would be a better choice.

Of course, if you have already made the purchases and you are maintaining a balance on a high-interest credit card, it might be wise to consolidate your debt with an equity loan. Trading a 20% loan for a 6% loan is certainly a smart move. The best advice for anyone considering funding a luxury purchase through a home loan would be to consult with a tax advisor.

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing.

Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a Website devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling information and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on mortgages and home equity loans.







Google News - Top Stories

Boston Globe

McCain, Obama Battle for Mantle of Change
FOXNews - 2 hours ago
by FOXNews.com John McCain will jump back on the campaign trail Friday, as he seeks to build on a narrative that the Republican ticket can deliver the kind of reform in Washington that Barack Obama only talks about.
Video: John McCain's Summer Tour WSJDigitalNetwork
McCain pledges change, touts his experience Detroit Free Press
Seattle Times - Kansas City Star - CBS News - Buffalo News
all 1,781 news articles


Canada.com

NJ braces for gusty rains as Hannah swirls up coast
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - 1 hour ago
by The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk Most of the New Jersey is under a flood watch as Tropical Storm Hannah churns up the Atlantic Coast, unleashing a barrage of heavy wind and rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Video: Hanna Eyes Coast, Ike Possibly Following AssociatedPress
Tropical storm watch posted for NJ Newsday
Los Angeles Times - WBZ - WBIR-TV - Tallahassee.com
all 4,799 news articles


3 Killed in Pakistan Airstrike
Voice of America - 48 minutes ago
By VOA News Witnesses said they saw drone (unmanned) aircraft flying above a village in North Waziristan. Officials said one house was destroyed and several people were injured when the planes fired missiles.
Missile strike in Pakistan kills children and women: officials AFP
US forces 'kill five in Pakistan' BBC News
guardian.co.uk - The Associated Press - Reuters - Reuters India
all 2,341 news articles


ABC News

Detroit’s Mayor Will Leave Office and Go to Jail
New York Times - 3 hours ago
By SUSAN SAULNY and NICK BUNKLEY DETROIT - Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to felony charges here on Thursday and agreed to resign from office and serve 120 days in jail, ending eight months of political turmoil but also opening a new era of ...
Video: A Timeline of Detroit Mayor's Text Scandal AssociatedPress
MAYOR'S SPEECH Kilpatrick promises he will come back Detroit Free Press
Seattle Times - WLNS - San Jose Mercury News - WKZO News
all 5,157 news articles


Canada.com

US 'spying' on Iraqi leadership
BBC News - 47 minutes ago
The US has been extensively spying on Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, a new book by renowned US reporter Bob Woodward claims. A source in the book is quoted as saying "we know everything he says", according to the Washington Post.
White House spied on Iraq leaders, says Bob Woodward book guardian.co.uk
New book says US spied on Iraqi PM AFP
Reuters - Los Angeles Times - China Daily - Telegraph.co.uk
all 253 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base