Are second mortgages about to make a comeback? Freddie Mac has a new proposal
In a landscape of fluctuating interest rates and economic uncertainty, homeowners are often on the hunt for financial flexibility. Their options include a second mortgage, which may get new fuel thanks to a proposal from Freddie Mac that could revive interest in the long-dormant borrowing strategy.
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Second mortgages, which allow homeowners to tap their home equity for loans, have fallen in popularity. Scars from the 2008 financial crisis left both lenders and borrowers cautious. Stricter lending standards and regulations have made it more difficult to qualify for second mortgages.
Meanwhile, rising home prices have increased home equity levels for homeowners. U.S. homeowners with mortgages saw their equity increase by a total of $1.3 trillion from Q4 2022 to Q4 2023, a gain of 8.6% year over year, according to CoreLogic analysis.
Now, Freddie Mac – the government-sponsored enterprise that buys and sells mortgage-backed securities – wants to make it easier for homeowners to tap this home equity. It has proposed the purchase of single-family closed-end second mortgages from lenders. It says it will only purchase a second mortgage if it currently owns the first mortgage in order to assist with servicing and risk oversight.
The primary goal here is to provide borrowers more financing options and "a lower cost alternative to a cash-out refinance in higher interest rate environments." The notice said, "A significant portion of borrowers have low interest rate first mortgages, and the proposal would allow those homeowners to retain this beneficial interest rate on the first mortgage and avoid resetting to a higher rate through a cash-out refinance."
By purchasing these second mortgages, Freddie Mac would encourage lenders to offer more of these products, potentially leading to better rates and terms for borrowers – part of a broader effort to adapt to changing market conditions and offer more robust support to the housing market.
How Do Second Mortgages Work?
A second mortgage is a loan taken out on a property that already has an existing mortgage. It allows homeowners to tap into the equity they’ve built up in their homes. There are two primary types of second mortgages:
**Home Equity Loan: **This is a lump sum loan that homeowners receive upfront, which they repay over a fixed term with a fixed interest rate. It’s often referred to as a second mortgage because it is secured by the home, just like the primary mortgage.
**Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): **HELOCs operate more like a credit card. Homeowners are given a revolving line of credit based on the equity in their home, which they can draw from as needed. The interest rates on HELOCs are usually variable, and the repayment terms can vary.
Second mortgages are subordinate to the primary mortgage, meaning that in the event of foreclosure, the primary mortgage lender is paid first. This higher risk for lenders typically results in higher interest rates for second mortgages compared to first mortgages.
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Pros and cons for US Consumers
Second mortgages allow homeowners to receive an immediate cash infusion, which can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, education expenses, or other financial needs. And since second mortgages are secured by the property, they usually come with lower interest rates than unsecured personal loans or credit cards.
There may also be tax benefits. In some cases, interest paid on a second mortgage can be tax-deductible if the funds are used for home improvements. It’s important to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specifics of your situation.
Perhaps best of all, the money from a second mortgage can be used for a wide variety of purposes, offering homeowners considerable flexibility in managing their finances.
But remember: Taking out a second mortgage increases your overall debt burden and requires careful financial management to ensure timely repayments. Second mortgages also generally come with higher interest rates and additional fees compared to primary mortgages due to the increased risk for lenders. If you default on a second mortgage, you risk losing your home – adding pressure to ensure that payments are made on time.
HELOCs come with a unique risk: Because they often have variable interest rates, loan owners can face higher payments if interest rates rise.
Call it a comeback?
The potential comeback of second mortgages, spurred by Freddie Mac’s proposal, could offer homeowners increased access to their home equity and greater financial flexibility.
But like any financial product, second mortgages come with their own set of risks. Homeowners considering this option should carefully weigh the pros and cons, consider their financial situation, and possibly consult with a financial advisor to make an informed decision.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
