Major home projects can be costly, which means it's important to find the best way to finance home improvement. While there are plenty of financing options available, each can have serious drawbacks in addition to their benefits. Some situations might benefit from one type over the other.
So, how do you choose? Here is a simple guide to help you figure out the best financing option for your home improvement project:
To find the best home improvement loan or financing option, you'll need to know all the options. The main ways homeowners pay for their renovations include:
When deciding between financing or cash options, there are several things to consider. Primarily, think about the scope of the project. Are you planning to remodel an entire home, or start with a smaller project? Timelines are also an important factor. Do you need to complete your remodel as soon as possible, or are you more flexible with your time?
For many homeowners, the simplest and safest way to pay for a renovation is with cash. This cash typically comes from a savings account built up over time. However, not everyone has a lump sum ready for a project, which makes loans and other financing options better for homeowners in a hurry.
If you don't have cash on hand but are responsible with monthly payments and have an excellent credit score, a loan - either an unsecured personal loan or a home equity loan - might be more helpful for your situation. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit use the value of your home as collateral, and can offer more long-term flexibility with payments.
Ultimately, the best financial choice will come from considering your options and weighing their pros and cons. If you get stuck, remember that consulting a financial advisor or remodeling contractor can be beneficial if you ever need an expert opinion.
Lana Harris is a Chicago native who is a second-generation real estate professional. She was introduced to real estate at a very young age while attending open houses with her mother who is a broker. She honed her skills assisting in property searches (back in the thick, Multiple Listing Service book days,) and using map reading skills to help plan property tour sequencing. Lana’s love of working with people and delivering strong customer service led her to the retail sector, where she developed her management skills at MC Sports, Ann Taylor, and Adidas. She and her husband moved to Utah in 2008 to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, and she began her real estate career here in 2015. Most recently, she was a VP of sales for a large team; she thrives on challenges and is determined to overcome obstacles to achieve results for her clients. Lana and her husband enjoy their three large dogs, skiing, camping and paddleboarding.
