Using Your Home's Value

Home Equity Line of Credit This option is a form of revolving credit, for which your home acts as the collateral. The line of obtainable monies is typically set at 75 to 80 percent of the appraised value of your house, less the balance of your mortgage; your credit history and ability to pay will also be considered in the amount of credit available. Usually, the line of credit will have a variable interest rate (typically a margin added to the current prime rate); you'll also incur costs when you set up the loan.

Once you've set up the line of credit, you can tap into these funds whenever you want. However, if you are new to your home, you may have very little actual equity built up. Moreover, the temptation to overuse a line of credit -- like credit cards -- can be difficult for some homeowners to avoid.

Home Equity Loan (or Second Mortgage) This is typically a fixed-rate, fixed-term loan based on the equity of your home, which you pay back in monthly installments just as you do your primary mortgage. Most lending institutions offer loans for up to 80 percent of the appraised value of your house, but some may go as high as 100 percent (though they will charge a higher interest rate). The balance of your primary mortgage, your credit history, and your ability to repay the loan will factor into the equation.

Cash-out Refinancing This is a terrific option if you've owned your home for a while, particularly if you purchased it at a high interest rate and current interest rates are lower. You would need to have your house appraised and undergo a new loan process, which would let you pay off your remaining mortgage. The remaining funds could then be used to finance your project. If you're planning on moving in a year or two, this may not be the most sensible alternative.