
Velocity banking is a strategy that involves using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to pay off high-interest debt and invest in assets that generate passive income. This approach can be a game-changer for those looking to break free from debt and build wealth.
A HELOC is a type of revolving credit that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. For velocity banking, you'll want to choose a HELOC with a low interest rate, no origination fees, and a long draw period. Some HELOCs also offer a 0% introductory APR, which can be a huge advantage.
The draw period is the time during which you can borrow funds from your HELOC. A longer draw period gives you more time to pay off high-interest debt and invest in assets. For example, the article notes that a 10-year draw period is a common feature among top HELOCs for velocity banking.
The Perks
Velocity banking offers big financial perks for those who can make it work, including making debt consolidation and quick debt reduction possible.
By reducing debts more quickly, you'll have more cash flow available for investing and building wealth.
This can put you on a faster path to financial freedom than most people think is possible.
You can use velocity banking to pay off a mortgage early, achieving this goal faster than most.
Understanding HELOCs
A HELOC is a credit line that you take out using your home as collateral. It's essentially a loan that allows you to borrow money from a lender, using your home's equity as security.
To qualify for a HELOC, you'll need equity in your home, a solid credit score (680 or better), and a credit card for your normal living expenses.
Having more equity in your home will allow you to get a larger line of credit, which can help accelerate your payoff progress. But, you don't need a huge amount of equity – just enough to qualify for the HELOC.
Here's a quick rundown of the requirements for velocity banking:
The main idea behind a HELOC is to allow you to pay down your mortgage principal balance in large chunks, rather than bit by bit. This can help increase the velocity (or speed) of your mortgage debt payoff.
Interest Rates and Costs
Interest rates for Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) can be variable, with some lenders offering rates as low as 3.99% APR, while others may charge up to 18% APR.
The cost of a HELOC can add up quickly, with annual fees ranging from $50 to $1,000, and closing costs that can total up to 2% of the loan amount.
Variable Interest Rates
Variable interest rates can be a wild card with a HELOC.
Most HELOCs have a variable interest rate pegged to the prime rate, which can change every six weeks.
The current prime rate is historically low at 3.25%, but it's been as high as 21.5% in the past.
This means you can't count on rates staying low forever.
If the prime rate rises, your HELOC rates will increase right along with it.
You can't control when rates go up or down, which is why you're essentially gambling with a variable rate HELOC.
Today's HELOC rates are hovering around 4.5 - 5.5%, which is about 1-2% above the prime rate.
Expect to pay about another 1% if you fix the rate, bringing the total to 6-6.5% on a fixed-rate HELOC.
This is higher than a fixed-rate mortgage, and it's where the bank makes its profit.
In 10 years, interest rates could rise from 5.25% to 10.25% on your HELOC, assuming a 0.5% annual increase.
Additional Costs of a HELOC
When considering a HELOC, it's essential to factor in the additional costs beyond the interest rate. These costs can add up quickly.
The question of additional costs is a crucial one, as seen in the example of a borrower asking about fees associated with a HELOC. There are indeed fees to consider.
Origination fees, which can range from 0.5% to 2% of the loan amount, are a common additional cost. This fee is charged by the lender for processing the loan.
Other costs may include annual fees, which can range from $50 to $1,000 per year, depending on the lender and the loan terms. These fees are usually charged annually.
It's worth noting that some lenders may also charge late payment fees or fees for making extra payments. These fees can add up quickly if not managed properly.
Some borrowers may also be charged a fee for paying off the loan early, known as a prepayment penalty. This fee can be a significant additional cost to consider.
Getting Started and Repayment
The draw period of a HELOC is when you can borrow money from your home's equity, and it's essential to understand how it works before diving into velocity banking. The repayment period requires principal and interest payments, which can double your minimum payment, so it's crucial to plan ahead.
To get started with velocity banking, you'll need to open a HELOC and use the funds to pay down your mortgage. A common example is to take out a $20,000 HELOC and use it to pay down your mortgage by $20,000.
The key to velocity banking is to use your HELOC as a checking account, depositing your income into it to pay down the balance. You'll also use a credit card to pay for living expenses, taking advantage of the grace period to maximize your dollars. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
In the worst-case scenario, you'll need to plan for unexpected expenses or income drops, so it's essential to have a solid strategy in place. The best plans give you the best outcome in a wide range of circumstances, so make sure to prioritize your financial stability.
Getting Started
Getting Started with Velocity Banking requires some upfront planning, but it's a great strategy for paying down debt. To start, you'll need to open a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for $20,000.
This HELOC will be used to pay down your mortgage by $20,000, essentially replacing mortgage debt with HELOC debt. Think of it as a temporary swap to free up your cash flow.
To make the most of your HELOC, consider using it like a checking account. When you're paid by your employer, deposit your take-home income into the HELOC account, using all of your funds to pay down the balance. This reduces the interest charges on your HELOC.
As you manage your finances, use a credit card to pay for all of your living expenses. This allows you to leverage the grace period of the credit card, maximizing your use of every dollar.
The Repayment Period
The repayment period is a crucial part of a HELOC, and it's essential to understand how it works. Once the draw period is over, you'll enter the repayment period, where you'll need to pay back the entire balance of the HELOC.
During this time, your minimum required payment will significantly increase, sometimes even doubling. This is because you'll need to pay both principal and interest.
To ensure your strategy is solid, make sure it can withstand unexpected expenses or income drops. This will give you peace of mind and protect your financial stability.
Sources
- https://firstlienheloc.com/frequently-asked-questions/undestanding-velocity-banking/
- https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/accelerated-banking-unpacks-the-truth-about-using-heloc-to-pay-down-mortgage-1033073844
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/velocity-banking-fastest-way-pay-off-your-house-rachel-marshall
- https://www.thewaystowealth.com/velocity-banking/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pros-cons-velocity-banking-denzel-rodriguez
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