The biggest differences between a home equity loan and a home improvement are that borrowers can get more money, lower interest rates and longer payoff times with a home equity loan, but they have to use their home as collateral. In contrast, the term “home improvement loan” generally refers to an unsecured personal loan used for the purpose of home improvement. Most personal loans can be used for any purpose and do not require collateral.… read full answer
Home equity loans also can be used for anything (including home improvement). But unlike the majority of personal loans, they are secured. If you fail to pay back your home equity loan, it’s possible the lender could foreclose on your house. Because of this, home equity loans are riskier for borrowers than personal loans for home improvement.
Home equity loans have the potential to be larger than personal loans, however. The amount you can borrow is based on your house’s market value minus the amount left to pay on the mortgage. You likely won’t be able to borrow 100% of your house’s equity, though. The lender will set a percentage.
Home equity loan vs. home improvement loan:
Category | Home Equity Loan | Home Improvement Loan |
Can be used for home improvement? | Yes | Yes |
Secured? | Yes (by home) | No (in most cases) |
Amount you can borrow | Percentage of home equity (value minus mortgage balance) | $1,000 - $100,000 |
Years to pay back | 5 - 30 | 1 - 5 (occasionally longer) |
Interest rates | 4% - 8% | 6% - 36% |
Usual credit score requirement | 680+ | 660+ for no origination fee 585 - 659 with an origination fee |
Pre-qualification? | No | Yes |
Approval/funding timeline | A month or more | Less than a week |
Home Equity Loan or Home Improvement Loan: Which is Better?
- Home equity loans are better if you’re looking for the lowest interest rates, very long payoff periods, and especially large loan amounts.
- Home improvement loans are better if you don’t want to put your home at risk, you have little equity in your home, or you need funding quickly.
Both types of loans are good for paying off home improvement expenses. But personal home improvement loans are definitely the less risky option.
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