Getting a home equity loan allows homeowners to tap into the equity they have built up in their home to access funds for major expenses or projects With home values rising across the country, many homeowners find they have significant equity available Freedom Mortgage offers home equity loans that allow borrowers to leverage their equity for lump sum cash.
As you consider a Freedom Mortgage home equity loan, it’s important to pay close attention to the interest rates and fees. The rate will determine your monthly payment amount and total interest costs over the life of the loan. With the right rate, a home equity loan can be an affordable way to access funds – but a high rate can make it overly expensive.
In this article, we’ll explain how Freedom Mortgage home equity loan rates work, provide tips for getting the best rate and answer frequently asked questions about rates. Read on to make sure you’re getting the most competitive rate when you tap into your home’s equity.
How Are Home Equity Loan Rates Determined?
Home equity loan rates are based on a number of factors related to your finances and credit profile. Lenders will consider:
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Your credit score – Borrowers with higher scores tend to qualify for lower rates.
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Loan-to-value ratio – Your LTV compares the amount borrowed to your home value Lower LTVs get better rates
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Debt-to-income ratio – Lenders look at your total debts compared to income. Lower DTIs get preferable rates.
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Equity amount – More equity may allow you to qualify for a lower rate.
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Loan term – Shorter loan terms often have lower rates.
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Property type – Primary residences sometimes get lower rates than investment properties.
Your personal financial profile will be assessed along with current market conditions when determining your rate. Having a strong credit score, sufficient home equity, and low debt burden will help you qualify for the best rates Freedom Mortgage offers.
Tips for Getting the Lowest Freedom Mortgage Home Equity Loan Rate
While you can’t control financial market conditions, you can take steps to improve your rate on a Freedom Mortgage home equity loan:
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Boost your credit score – Review your credit reports and work to improve your score. Higher scores unlock better rates.
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Pay down existing debts – Reduce credit card balances and other debts to lower your DTI.
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Make a larger down payment when you bought your home – Having more equity allows you to qualify for lower LTV ratios.
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Choose a shorter repayment term – Loan terms of 10 or 15 years often have lower rates than 20 or 30 years.
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Borrow a smaller amount – Borrowing less means paying interest on a smaller principal balance.
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Switch to a fixed rate – Adjustable rates have lower initial rates but the tradeoff is unpredictable future increases.
Taking steps to put yourself in the most favorable position before applying for a home equity loan can make a significant difference in the rate you are offered.
What Is a Typical Home Equity Loan Rate from Freedom Mortgage?
Since home equity loan rates can vary considerably based on your specific qualifications, there is no single rate that can be considered “typical” for all borrowers. However, based on current market conditions, here are some general guidelines for rate ranges with Freedom Mortgage home equity loans:
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Borrowers with excellent credit (scores over 760) – You may qualify for rates around 5% to 7% fixed.
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Borrowers with good credit (scores of 700 to 759) – Expect rates from 7% to 9% fixed.
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Borrowers with average credit (scores of 620 to 699) – Your rates may fall between 9% and 12% fixed.
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Borrowers with poor credit (scores under 620) – You are likely looking at double digit rates above 12% fixed.
These ranges demonstrate how important your credit profile is in determining your rate. Improving your credit or waiting until your score increases can open the door to thousands of dollars in interest savings over the life of your home equity loan.
Keep in mind that in addition to credit, factors like loan amount, home value, and income will impact your specific rate offer. Getting pre-qualified can provide a more tailored estimate based on your situation.
Answers to Common Questions About Freedom Mortgage Home Equity Loan Rates
Many borrowers have additional questions about the rates on home equity loans offered by Freedom Mortgage. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How often do home equity loan rates change?
Rates are subject to daily fluctuations based on financial market conditions. There can be frequent up and down movements from day to day. Applying during a downward trend can score you a lower rate.
Do I choose between fixed or adjustable rates?
Yes, Freedom Mortgage offers both fixed rate home equity loans that lock in your rate for the full repayment term, or adjustable rate loans where your rate can vary over time after an initial fixed period.
What fees or costs affect my rate?
Your rate factors in the specific fees charged by Freedom Mortgage to process the loan. Higher fees allow them to offer lower rates, so be sure to look at both.
Can I lock in my rate when I apply?
Freedom Mortgage allows rate locks for 30 to 60 days so your rate is held until closing. There is often a small fee for this option.
How much equity do I need to get the best rates?
More equity results in better LTV ratios that qualify borrowers for lower rates. Aim for at least 20% equity if possible.
Can I improve my poor credit to get better rates?
Yes, taking steps to boost your score even by 50 points before applying can help you qualify for much lower rates.
How long will rates be high in today’s market?
It is hard to predict rate movements, but many expect high rates could persist throughout 2023 until inflation slows down. Apply when you see a downward trend.
Weigh Your Options for the Best Freedom Mortgage Home Equity Loan
The interest rate you are offered by Freedom Mortgage on a home equity loan has major implications for your total borrowing costs. Be sure to educate yourself on current rates and the factors that affect your specific qualification.
You can take proactive steps like boosting your credit score and reducing debts to potentially improve the rate you are offered. Get pre-qualified for an idea of your eligibility for Freedom Mortgage’s lowest advertised rates. With the right rate, tapping your home equity can be an affordable way to access funds – so run the numbers carefully as you consider your options.
Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans (100% CLTV)
Product/Terms | APR* | Payment Per $1,000 Borrowed |
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5 year fixed rate | 7.625% | $20.10 (60 mo.) |
10 year fixed rate | 7.750% | $12.00 (120 mo.) |
15 year fixed rate | 8.000% | $9.56 (180 mo.) |
20 year fixed rate | 8.250% | $8.52 (240 mo.) |
Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan
- *Annual Percentage Rate. Payments do not include amounts for tax and insurance premiums, if applicable, and the actual payment obligation may be greater.
- Borrow between 80.01% – 100% of the equity in your home. Minimum loan amount $10,000, maximum loan amount $250,000.
- Available on 1–2 family owner-occupied properties.
- Property and casualty insurance required. Flood insurance required if property in flood zone
- Before applying, please review your eligibility for membership (must live, work or attend school in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin or Berkshire counties in Massachusetts, and Hartford or Tolland counties in Connecticut, or have a family member with an active membership.) Membership requires a $5 deposit into a Share Savings Account and does not guarantee that you will qualify for a loan.
Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans (80% CLTV)
Product/Terms | APR* | Payment Per $1,000 Borrowed |
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5 year fixed rate | 6.625% | $19.62 (60 mo.) |
10 year fixed rate | 6.750% | $11.48 (120 mo.) |
15 year fixed rate | 7.000% | $ 8.99 (180 mo.) |
20 year fixed rate | 7.250% | $7.90 (240 mo.) |
Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan
- *Annual Percentage Rate. Payments do not include amounts for tax and insurance premiums, if applicable, and the actual payment obligation may be greater.
- Borrow up to 80% of the equity in your home. Minimum loan amount $10,000, maximum loan amount $500,000.
- Available on 1–4 family owner occupied properties
- Property and casualty insurance required. Flood insurance required if property in flood zone
- Before applying, please review your eligibility for membership (must live, work or attend school in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin or Berkshire counties in Massachusetts, and Hartford or Tolland counties in Connecticut, or have a family member with an active membership.) Membership requires a $5 deposit into a Share Savings Account and does not guarantee that you will qualify for a loan.