Second Mortgage
A second mortgage typically refers to a secured loan (or mortgage) that is subordinate to another loan against the same property.
In real estate, a property can have multiple loans or liens against it. The loan which is registered with county or city registry first is called the first mortgage or first position trust deed. The lien registered second is called the second mortgage. A property can have a third or even fourth mortgage, but those are rarer.
Second mortgages are called subordinate because, if the loan goes into default, the first mortgage gets paid off first before the second mortgage. Thus, second mortgages are riskier for lenders and generally come with a higher interest rate than first mortgages.
In most cases, a second mortgage takes the form of a home equity loan and the two are synonymous, from a financial standpoint. The difference in terminology is that a mortgage traditionally refers to the legal lien instrument, rather than the debt itself.
The term length of a second mortgage varies. Terms can last up to 30 years on second mortgages; however repayment may be required in as little as one year depending on the loan structure.
A second mortgage can occasionally be the catalyst to foreclosure when a homeowner defaults on their loan. The second lien holder then purchases the primary mortgage (which may still be in good standing) and then forecloses which leaves the homeowner losing their home to the 2nd mortgage lender.
Generally, when considering the application for a second mortgage, lenders will look for the following:
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Significant equity in the first mortgage
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Low debt-to-income ratio
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High credit score
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Solid employment history
How much you can borrow?
A second home loan allows you to borrow on the basis of your home equity. The equity is the difference between the current appraised value of your home and the amount you have paid towards the first mortgage. With most lenders, you can take a second loan such that the total loan-to-value ratio of your first and second loan is equal to 85% of the home's appraised value. However, there are lenders in almost all states excepting Texas and West Virginia who allow you to take out second mortgages equal to 125% of the appraised value.
What are possible rates,terms and options? The interest rates on a second loan are higher to that of the first loan. This is primarily because if you default, you will be paying off the first loan prior to that of the second and as such there is a risk involved in offering second mortgages. However, you may choose either a fixed rate
home equity loan or an adjustable rate home equity line of credit as your second home loan option. The lender will quote you a rate depending upon your credit score, total loan to value ratio and the current market trends. The loan term will vary from 15 to 30 years depending upon the option you choose. But in general, a second loan is offered over a shorter time period compared to a first loan.
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