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:
HELOC (Home equity line of credit)
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.
Personal home improvement loan
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.
Are there alternatives to home repair loans?
If you need financing for a home repair, there are options beyond home equity loans and personal loans. Some other ways to pay include:
- Credit cards with 0% introductory interest rates.
- Personal line of credit.
- Cash-out refinancing.
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.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
