Financing Your Home Renovation

Putting renovation money into your home is definitely a good investment. While mortgage rates continue to sit at an all-time low, there are many buyers on the lookout for good deals. With incentives such as home improvement tax credits and the federal energy-efficiency rebates, renovating still depends on whether or not the cash is available. Since summer is here, now is the perfect time to tend to those large maintenance jobs or that much needed renovation. If you're wondering how you can finance your home renovation, here are a few ideas.

If you're looking at doing a large overhaul such as adding an addition or another level to your home, refinancing your exiting mortgage may be the best option. While you may incur some legal and appraisal fees, refinancing your mortgage will allow you to make the payments over a long period of time at a much lower interest rate.

Home equity loans or a secured line of credit is another great option to getting the money you need. Similar to a second mortgage, this can be a great source for low-cost funding since the equity in your home is used as security or collateral.

Of course paying by credit card is also an option. If you chose to use your plastic, you will be able to pay off as little or as much as you want each month without the worry of penalties. If your credit limit is high enough, you can purchase what you need at your own convenience without having to wait for a loan approval. The downside is the high interest rates on a maxed-out credit card. Something to watch out for.

A personal unsecured line of credit can also be an option to getting that renovation money. These popular lending vehicles have fixed or variable interest rates and flexible repayment plans making them useful to pay-as-you-go or paying the minimum monthly balance, which is usually very low.

Paying by cash is first choice for most people. If you are considering taking a substantial amount of money out of a high-interest investment account or mutual fund, you may want to reconsider. Weighing your losses in compound interest plus early withdrawal penalties against the cost of the loan may conclude that getting a loan may actually be cheaper.

Getting a bank loan for your upcoming home renovations is the most straightforward way to finance any project that requires a large amount of cash. Having a fixed repayment plan automatically withdrawn from your account ensure fast and efficient payments. If traditional banks are currently not an option, you may want to consider a loan from a private lender. There are many private lending institutions that offer car title loans specifically tailored to individuals and businesses with bad credit or no credit. They use the borrower's vehicle as collateral so that credit rating is virtually irrelevant.

There are many options out there to finance your home renovation. What is most important is that you take the time to research the best option for you.