Home repair projects can be costly and unexpected, making home repair loans a preferred option for covering the cost. If you need some extra funding to cover home improvements or major repairs, you have several options available.
Here is a quick guide to the most common ways to pay for a home repair or home improvement project:
Home equity is a popular option for paying home repair costs. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, works similarly to a credit card with an approved borrowing limit. Typically, a HELOC has a borrowing period followed by a separate repayment period.
HELOC interest rates have the potential to fluctuate throughout the life of the loan. However, you only have to pay interest on the amount borrowed. Since you’re borrowing against your home’s equity, you’re also using your home as collateral, meaning you run the risk of losing it if you’re unable to make payments.
Another option for paying your home repair costs is a personal loan. Personal loans are unsecured, so you don’t need to be concerned with collateral. If your repairs are time-sensitive, you can often get an unsecured loan much more quickly than a HELOC or home equity loan. Sometimes you can receive financing as early as the next business day.
Typically, personal loans offer adjustable or fixed interest rates, although personal loans generally have higher interest rates than mortgage loans. However, you can generally expect decent rates as long as you have a good credit history.
If you need financing for a home repair, there are options beyond home equity loans and personal loans. Some other ways to pay include:
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right type of financing for your home projects. While home repair loans have their advantages, it’s important to consider all the options available to you.
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.
