Second Bonds Explained
In most cases people take out second bonds for upgrades or repairs to their property. Improvements and repairs are not mandatory for the second bond you can use the money for whatever you want. There are many people who take out the 2nd bond to pay for their children’s educations or to eliminate high interest debt.
The equity in the property will determine the lendable amount. If it is not a necessary reason then a 2nd bond should be avoided. You do not want to pay interest on your equity unless you have to or it makes sense to. If the 2nd bond will help increase the property’s value then a 2nd bond is a good investment. A bad investment decision would be to take out a 2nd bond for a vacation or a new car.
If you used the homes equity to pay student loans or to take a vacation then it is lost forever. You might find that upon selling the property that after closing you walk away empty handed. The point of owning a home is that it is an investment, so treat a second bond as an only if completely necessary option. If the home needs a roof or you would like to add a room then the 2nd bond would be increasing equity in the home and would be a good investment move.
You primary mortgage company is not your only choice. You can shop around for the best rates from many banks, credit unions, or even other mortgage companies. Just like your primary bond the 2nd bond will have terms and other features to the quote you need to have specified by the lender.
You may expect to pay a slightly higher interest rate on the second bond. Only a portion of the homes equity will be able to be taken out for the second bond. Some companies will offer 100% equity lending but the majority stay around 85% or lower.
The property will need to be appraised. The lender will send one out or you can find your own. Once the home is appraised for its current value the lender can determine exactly how much equity is in the home and what portion is available for lending.
The appraiser will check recent prices of surrounding homes that are similar to yours as well as check your properties overall condition. The better the appraiser feels about your property the more you will be able to gain in equity so be sure to take care of any minor repairs or damages. Simple things such as replacing a broken window or torn screen can earn you money. When the appraiser enters your home if he notices clutter, weeds, chipped paint, or hanging gutters you will lose hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars towards your equity.
It is a good idea to inform your lender and the appraiser of the improvements that are going to be made. If you supply them with a blueprint and working permit for the upcoming work you may be able to earn some bonus points for your 2nd bond.
