Is a cash out refi or heloc better

Your home is not just a place to live, and it is also not just an investment. It's both, and more. Your home can also be a handy source of ready cash to cover emergencies, repairs, or upgrades. The process of releasing the money you've invested in your mortgage is called mortgage refinancing, but there are several ways to do this.

Two of the most common are cash-out refinancing and home equity loans.

A cash-out refinancing pays off your old mortgage in exchange for a new mortgage, ideally at a lower interest rate. A home equity loan gives you cash in exchange for the equity you've built up in your property, as a separate loan with separate payment dates.

Key Takeaways

• Cash-out refinancing and home equity loans can benefit homeowners who want to turn the equity in their homes into cash. To decide which is the best move for you, consider how much equity you have available, what you will be using the money for, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
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  Homeowners are swimming in record levels of equity right now, but tapping into it can be expensive if you choose the wrong method. 

  Thanks to a hot housing market and skyrocketing home prices, homeowners gained an average of $63,600 in equity between the first quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022, according to a June 2022 report from data analytics firm CoreLogic. Meanwhile, interest rates have also spiked in the same period, as the Federal Reserve hiked the federal funds rate multiple times in an effort to curb runaway inflation. 

  With mortgage rates now hovering around 5%, cash-out refinancing has lost much of its popularity after its pandemic-era boom. By contrast, second mortgages like home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are seeing a resurgence as more homeowners — many of whom bought or refinanced at lower interest rates in 2020 and 2021 — want to tap into their new home equity gains without losing their original low mortgage rate. 

  Using your home’s equity — the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage — to secure a loan can be an affordable way to fund a host of projects, from home improvements to debt consolidation. It’s important to remember, however, that using your house as collateral for a loan shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you fail to keep up with your payments, you risk losing your home. With that in mind, here’s what you should understand when weighing the merits of a HELOC vs. cash-out refi, and how both stack up against home equity loans.  

  Key Takeaways

  A HELOC is a variable-rate, revolving line of credit secured by your home equity. A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger one, and lets you pocket the difference as cash. A home equity loan is a fixed-rate installment loan that’s also backed by your home equity.

  Which one is best for you depends on your individual situation, but for many homeowners, a HELOC or home equity loan is a better option than a cash-out refinance right now. This is because mortgage rates are currently relatively high. Homeowners who bought or refinanced when rates were at historic lows in 2020 and 2021 might not want to give up their current mortgage rate and refinance to a higher rate. In those cases, a home equity loan or HELOC — commonly called second mortgages because they don’t replace or alter your primary mortgage — might be a cheaper alternative.

  • What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?
  • What Is a Cash-Out Refinance?
  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Cash-Out Refinance
  • Pros and Cons of a HELOC
  • Pros and Cons of a Cash-Out Refinance
  • Is a HELOC or Cash-Out Refinance Easier to Apply For?
  • Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC
  • Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan
  • Why Home Equity Lending Makes More Sense Than Cash-Out Refinancing Right Now
  • What You Should Know Before You Refinance
  • Know Your Options: HELOC, Home Equity Loan, or Cash-Out Refinance
  • Is a HELOC, Home Equity Loan or Cash-Out Refi Best for Me?
  • Best HELOC and Cash-Out Refi Lenders

  What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?

  Home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, are revolving lines of credit that work much like credit cards secured by your home. They traditionally work on a 30-year model with a 10-year draw period and a 20-year repayment period. You can spend up to the credit limit of your line of credit during the draw period, and then you will have the repayment period to pay off whatever you spend (plus interest).

  HELOCs, along with home equity loans, are commonly known as second mortgages because they don’t replace or alter your primary mortgage like a cash-out refinance does. Instead, you’ll have a separate loan in addition to your existing first mortgage, with an additional monthly payment aside from your mortgage payment.

  HELOCs are variable-rate products, meaning your interest rate is determined by the prime rate plus a margin set by the lender. If the prime rate changes due to market conditions, so will your HELOC interest rate and monthly payment. Fixed-rate or rate-lock HELOCs do exist, but not all lenders offer this option. 

  What Is a Cash-Out Refinance?

  A cash-out mortgage refinance is when you pay off your mortgage by getting a new one that’s larger than the one you currently have, and collect the difference as cash. You’ll then pay down your new mortgage as normal, according to the terms of the new loan. 

  For example, if your home is worth $250,000 and you owe $100,000 on the mortgage, you have $150,000 (60%)  in equity. With a cash-out refinance, you might get a new mortgage for $200,000 — $100,000 more than you owe on the existing loan. You’ll then be able to receive that $100,000 as a lump sum cash payment — minus any closing costs — that you can spend however you wish. However, this will reduce the amount of equity you have in your home: from $150,000 (60%) to $50,000 (20%).

  Keep in mind that a cash-out refinance will reset your loan term. If you’re 10 years into a 30-year mortgage and refinance to another 30-year mortgage, you’ll be back to year zero on your new mortgage.

  Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Cash-Out Refinance

  HELOCs and cash-out refi loans differ in two ways: how they affect your primary mortgage, and how their interest rates and payments are structured.

  Just like a rate and term refinance, a cash-out refinance replaces your primary mortgage with a new one that has new rates and terms. This can be detrimental if current refinance rates are higher than mortgage rates were when you first took out your mortgage, as it means your entire home loan — not just the extra cash you’re taking out — will have a higher interest rate. By contrast, a HELOC is a type of second mortgage, meaning it acts as a separate loan on top of your primary mortgage. This makes it a good way to tap into your home equity without altering your primary mortgage.   

  A cash-out refi is typically a fixed-rate mortgage that requires equal monthly payments over a repayment term that often lasts 15 to 30 years.  

  HELOCs’ variable interest rates fluctuate with the prime rate — something to bear in mind in today’s rising rate environment. HELOC rates will almost always remain lower than credit card rates (which are also variable), but they can be expected to keep rising along with market rates. 

  You must make HELOC payments each month, but during the draw period, the minimum payment required is often a relatively-low interest-only payment. You always have the option to pay more than the minimum, however, and it’s wise to do so if possible. Paying more can lower the amount of the principal-plus-interest payments you must make during the repayment period.

  With some HELOCs, paying the required monthly minimum will not fully cover your balance. Unless you account for that discrepancy with extra payments, you’ll need to make a potentially large balloon payment at the end of the repayment period to satisfy your debt. As you enter the repayment period on a home equity line, it’s critical to understand that timing to avoid unpleasant surprises.

  HELOCCash-Out RefinanceTypical Length30-year term (10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period)30 or 15 yearsInterest RatesSee the current HELOC ratesSee the current cash-out refinance ratesMonthly PaymentsVariable payments based on what you spent and the current (variable) interest rateFixed principal and interest payments according to a standard amortization schedule

  Pros and Cons of a HELOC

  Pros

  • Revolving credit line means you only pay interest on funds you use, not the entire line amount

  • Convenience of a credit card account at a far more affordable interest rate

  • During the draw period, you can make relatively low interest-only payments (or pay more if you wish)

  • Interest is tax-deductible if loan funds used for IRS-approved home improvements

  Cons

  • Adjustable interest rate could change at any time

  • Potential sudden shift to higher principal-plus-interest payments during repayment period (if using an interest-only HELOC)

  • Potential balloon payment can be challenging

  • Interest rates can be higher than on refinance loans

  Pros and Cons of a Cash-Out Refinance

  Pros

  • Fixed interest rate with stable monthly payment

  • If your original mortgage carries a high interest rate, you may be able to refinance at a lower rate

  • Only one monthly payment to manage

  • Interest paid on cash portion of the loan is tax deductible if used for IRS-approved home improvements

  Cons

  • Refinancing could extend your payment period significantly if you’ve been paying your first mortgage for years

  • Current high interest rates mean you may pay a higher rate than on your original mortgage

  • May come with significant closing costs

  • Stretching payments on a cash loan over out over the life of a mortgage adds to total interest costs

  Is a HELOC or Cash-Out Refinance Easier to Apply For? 

  The application process for both HELOCs and cash-out refis is similar to what you’ll encounter with traditional mortgage applications. You’ll need to show proof of your income and document your monthly debt spending. Lenders use this information to calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — the percentage of your monthly pre-tax income required to pay your debts.

  You should also expect to document your home’s market value, so your lender can calculate how much equity you have in your home and determine how much cash you can borrow. In the case of a cash-out refinance, that could mean paying an appraiser of the lender’s choosing to evaluate the property. You may need an appraisal for a home equity line of credit as well, but if your home equity significantly exceeds the amount you want to borrow, it may not be necessary.

  Lender requirements vary, but to qualify for a HELOC you’ll generally need:

  • At least 15% – 20% equity in your home
  • A debt to income ratio of 43% or less, though some lenders will accept DTIs as high as 50%
  • Sufficient monthly income to cover your existing mortgage and anticipated HELOC payments
  • A credit score of 720 or better

  Lender requirements for cash-out refinances also vary, but you’ll generally need:

  • At least 20% equity in your home (VA cash-out refinances are an exception; they allow borrowing up to 100% of the home value.) 
  • A DTI ratio of 43% or less, though some mortgage lenders may require as little as 40% and others may allow as much as 50%
  • Proof of reliable income sufficient to cover the loan payments.
  • A credit score of at least 620, though some lenders may accept scores as low as 580. 

  Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC

  A home equity loan is similar to a fixed-rate mortgage, or any other fixed-rate installment loan, such as a student loan or auto loan. With a home equity loan, you borrow a specific amount of cash at a set interest rate and pay it back in predictable monthly payments of equal size over a set number of years.

  HELOCs are more like credit cards. The amount the lender authorizes you to borrow serves as a spending limit against which you can write checks or use a debit card to charge purchases. During the draw period, you can charge any amount up to the limit and repay some or all of the balance in payments of any size, as long as you meet a monthly minimum. Interest, charged at a variable rate that tracks the prime rate, only applies to outstanding balances. 

  When the HELOC draw period ends and the repayment period starts, you can no longer make charges and must repay all outstanding balances by the end of the repayment period. 

  Minimum HELOC payments during the draw period can be based on interest charges alone. During the repayment period, payments are based on outstanding principal and interest. Depending on the size of your balance, that can mean a significant increase in monthly payments.

  Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan

  A cash-out refinance loan replaces your existing mortgage loan with an entirely new loan. By contrast, a home equity loan places a second mortgage on your home. In practical terms, that means that a cash-out refinance will result in a larger monthly mortgage payment due to the larger principal balance (unless you can lower your interest rate enough to offset that difference) while a home equity loan results in a separate monthly loan payment while everything about your primary mortgage remains the same. 

  The interest rates on both cash-out refinances and home equity loans are higher than those on traditional home purchase mortgages, but home equity loan rates can be higher than those on cash-out refis. However, keep in mind that because a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one, it can still be more expensive in the long run if rates have risen since you first took out your mortgage and you must give up your old, lower mortgage rate. 

  The higher rates on home equity loans reflect the fact that if your home is foreclosed, your primary mortgage lender gets to recoup its losses before the issuer of a second mortgage. Second mortgage issuers charge more for taking on that risk, and often require higher credit scores than cash-out refi lenders for the same reason.

  Why Home Equity Lending Makes More Sense Than Cash-Out Refinancing Right Now 

  Popular during the past few years of low mortgage rates, cash-out refinancing allowed many homeowners to turn their home equity into cash while simultaneously securing a lower mortgage rate. This was a win-win for many borrowers, as it gave them access to increased cash flow while saving money on their primary mortgage. 

  Today, as mortgage interest rates surge, the chances of securing a lower mortgage interest rate have evaporated for many homeowners, and cash-out refis have lost much of their appeal. Instead, consumers are increasingly turning to HELOCs and home equity loans to tap into their record-high levels of home equity. These two products, both considered second mortgages, allow homeowners to borrow against their home equity without altering the rate or terms of their primary mortgage like cash-out refinancing does. 

  For example, let’s say you have a home worth $400,000 today. When you bought the home five years ago, you took out a 30-year mortgage of $320,000 with an interest rate of 3%. The principal and interest portion of your monthly mortgage payment is $1,349. If you’ve been paying your mortgage for five years according to a standard amortization schedule, you would now owe $283,871 on your mortgage and have $116,129 in home equity.

  If you wanted to tap into your home equity for $50,000, you might have two options: a 30-year cash-out refinance at a 5% interest rate and a 30-year home equity loan at a 6% interest rate. Here’s how much your total monthly debt payments, and your total cost of borrowing over 30 years, would be with a home equity loan and a cash-out refinance:

  Home equity loanCash-out refinanceNew mortgage balance$283,871 (same as original)$333,871Home equity loan balance$50,000N/AMonthly mortgage payment$1,349 (same as original)$1,792Monthly home equity loan payment$300N/ATotal monthly debt payments$1,649$1,792Total paid in mortgage interest for the remaining duration of the loan$119,557
  *interest paid on the remaining 25 years of the original loan$311,492
  *interest paid on the remaining 30 years of the refinance loanTotal paid in home equity loan interest for the duration of the loan$57,919N/ATotal interest paid on all debts$117,476$311,492*Figures calculated using NextAdvisor’s mortgage calculator and loan calculator. These calculations did not include fees and closing costs, which vary widely by lender and may even be waived in some instances. 

  When available mortgage rates are higher than your original mortgage rate, getting a home equity loan or HELOC can be cheaper than getting a cash-out refinance — even if the interest rate on the home equity loan or HELOC is higher than the cash-out refinance rate. This is because the higher interest rate applies to a smaller loan amount, while a cash-out refinance causes your entire mortgage to have a higher rate, not just the extra money you want to borrow. 

  What You Should Know Before You Refinance

  Before refinancing, you should consider a few factors. Most importantly, you should know that refinancing comes at a cost. You’re getting a new mortgage to replace your old one, and you may have to pay closing costs —  typically 3% to 6% of the total value of the new mortgage. If your cash-out refinance brings your home equity to less than 20%, you may also have to pay private mortgage insurance — an added monthly cost that most mortgage lenders require when you don’t have enough equity in your home.

  Another thing to keep in mind is that refinancing will reset your loan term so you start from year zero on your new loan, regardless of how many years you’ve had your original mortgage. Consider refinancing into a shorter loan term, if possible, so as not to prolong the time you are paying a mortgage and the interest that comes with it.

  You’ll want to have a handle on your credit score before you try to refinance. If your credit score has gone down since you took out your current mortgage, you may not be eligible for a refinance at all. 

  As a baseline, it makes sense to refinance if you can get a new interest rate that is a full percentage point lower than your current one, says Darrin Q. English, a development loan officer at Quontic. So a move from 3.5% to 2.5% would be a good move using that baseline.

  Also consider your “recovery time.” For example, if you refinance and save $100 a month, and it costs you $2,000 to refinance, then you’ll recover and start saving from that refinance in 20 months.

  “If you can recover from the cost of that refinance within two years, then absolutely [do it],” says English. But if the cost of your refinance takes you outside of a two-year period, and “you don’t have the monthly savings to make sense of it, then you probably want to stay put,” he adds. 

  Know Your Options: HELOC, Home Equity Loan, or Cash-Out Refinance

  While getting a home equity loan or HELOC makes the most sense right now based on current rates, each option has its own advantages, disadvantages, and unique uses. The important thing is to understand what you need, know the full range of options available and how they work, and do the math to figure out what works best for your individual situation.

  CASH-OUT REFINANCEHOME EQUITY LOANHELOCWhat it isA new, larger mortgage that takes the place of your current mortgageInstallment loan secured by your homeRevolving line of credit secured by your homeLengthSame as mortgage terms — usually 15 or 30 yearsVaries depending on how big your loan is; generally 10-30 yearsTraditionally works on a 30-year model with a 20-year draw period and 10-year repayment periodRateFixedFixedVariable (fixed-rate options may be available depending on lender)How you receive the moneyLump sum at beginning of the loanLump sum at beginning of the loanOngoing access to a line of credit during the draw period (up to the credit limit)Option for interest-only payments?NoNoTypically yes (some lenders may not offer this option)Best forWhen market refinance rates are lower than your current mortgage rate, allowing you to refinance to a lower rate while taking equity out of your homeWhen you need a lump sum of cash upfront and don’t want to touch your primary mortgageWhen you need ongoing access to a line of financing you can tap into at will

  Is a HELOC, Home Equity Loan or Cash-Out Refi Best for Me?

  If you took out a fixed-rate mortgage within the last few years, when rates were at historic lows, you’re unlikely to get a cash-out refi rate that beats your current rate or justifies the closing costs (roughly 3% to 6% of the loan amount) associated with a new mortgage. 

  While cash-out refinances are rapidly losing their advantages due to higher mortgage rates, they may still be a good fit for you if:

  • You obtained your current mortgage before the 2008 market crash
  • You have an adjustable-rate mortgage with a high interest rate
  • Poor credit led you to resort to a subprime loan and now your credit picture has improved significantly — e.g., if a bankruptcy has fallen off your credit report and your score has seen a major improvement.

  If these circumstances apply to you, do the math and compare the monthly and long-term costs of a cash-out refinance vs. a HELOC or home equity loan on top of your current mortgage. It’s possible that a cash-out refi could still save you money. 

  If a second mortgage backed by home equity seems like the better option for you, you need to think about whether a HELOC or a home equity loan makes more sense.

  A HELOC gives you the convenience of borrowing funds as needed against a spending limit, so it can be good for managing multiple or ongoing projects during the draw period. You can withdraw money as needed, repay the balance as you can, and then borrow against the limit for another use, while only incurring interest on the outstanding balance. On the other hand, a HELOC’s variable interest rate can make payments unpredictable, and the shift from relatively low interest-only minimum payments during the draw period to principal-plus-interest payments in the repayment period can pose budgeting challenges.

  A conventional home equity loan, which provides a lump sum cash payment, can be great for covering major expenses. Also, its fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments make it relatively easy to plan for. In inflationary times, however, it’s important to make sure the amount you borrow is adequate for your needs because you won’t be able to withdraw more money down the line without taking out a new loan.

  Finally, as most experts predict we’re heading into a recession, you should also make sure you’re financially stable and able to keep up with both the loan payments and your primary mortgage before you take out any type of debt secured by your house. Only borrow what you need and can afford to pay off, and don’t take out a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance for non-essential expenses like a vacation or wedding. 

  Best HELOC and Cash-Out Refi Lenders 

  Best HELOC lenders

  These are NextAdivsor’s picks for the best cash-out refinance lenders. These lenders were chosen after a detailed review process that looked at online convenience, transparency, nationwide availability, loan product variety, and customer satisfaction. Read more about our methodology here. 

  What is the difference between a HELOC and a cash

  Although these loans are similar, they're not the same. If you already have a mortgage, a home equity loan or a HELOC will be a second payment to make, while a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one — complete with its own term, interest rate and monthly payment.

  What are the disadvantages of a home equity line of credit?

  Variable interest rates could increase in the future..

  There may be minimum withdrawal requirements..

  There is a set draw period..

  Possible fees and closing costs..

  You risk losing your house if you default..

  The application process for a HELOC is longer and more complicated than that of a personal loan or credit card..

  What are the disadvantages of a cash

  You owe more: With a cash-out refinance, your overall debt load will increase. No matter how close you were to paying off your original mortgage, the extra cash you obtained to pay the contractor is now a bigger financial burden. This also reduces your proceeds if you were to sell.

  Is it smart to take a cash

  You might want to get a cash-out refinance if it will save you money, increase your quality of life, or make your monthly payment more affordable. Cash-out refinancing might save you money if: You use the cash to pay off high-interest debt. Your new loan will have a lower interest rate than your existing loan.