Tuesday, November 25, 2008

What is a Second Mortgage

A second mortgage is a secured mortgage loan which is secondary to another loan against the same asset. In the real estate arena, a singular property can have numerous loans against it. The mortgage loan that is duly registered foremost with the proper state, city or county agency is classified as the first mortgage. Hence, the mortgage loan registered second is classified the second mortgage, a third loan against the same property is considered a third mortgage, and so on. So the same property can have multiple mortgage loans.

A second home mortgage loan is also called a subordinate mortgage because if this loan goes into default, the primary or first mortgage is paid in full then, the second mortgage receives any money. Due to this reason, second mortgage lenders are taking on more risk, thus they pass on some of the risk to you by charging a higher interest rate. If you are thinking about taking out a second mortgage make sure that you can afford to do so and are prepared to place yourself in more challenging financial circumstances with regards to your mortgage loan.

Once upon a time second mortgage loans had a stigma of financial hardship attached to the homeowner who sought the loan. However, overtime this is no longer the case and there is wide spread appeal and acceptance of second mortgages.

Types of Second Mortgages:

  • Home Equity Line of Credit
  • Home Equity Loan
  • Traditional Mortgage

A second mortgage may be good option for:

  • Home improvement
  • Home renovation
  • College tuition
  • Debt consolidation
  • Emergencies

Make sure you get a free second mortgage rate quote to see if it makes sense for your specific financial goals.


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