Heloc Loan Depot Home Equity Solutions Explained

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A Home Equity Loan from Loan Depot can be a great way to tap into your home's value, but it's essential to understand how it works. You can borrow up to 85% of your home's value, minus your outstanding mortgage balance.

To qualify for a Home Equity Loan with Loan Depot, you'll typically need to have a good credit score and a stable income. Loan Depot also offers a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), which allows you to borrow and repay funds as needed, up to a maximum limit.

The HELOC option can be especially useful if you need to cover unexpected expenses or make large purchases. With a HELOC, you can draw on your available credit as needed, rather than receiving a lump sum upfront.

What is a Heloc Loan?

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a flexible borrowing option that lets you borrow what you need when you need it based on the value of your home.

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You can use your home's equity to remodel your home without impacting your credit score. LoanDepot offers HELOCs from $35,000 to $250,000 with a variable interest rate.

The repayment period for a HELOC is typically 30 years, but it can vary by state. In Texas, the repayment period is 27 years.

Here's a breakdown of the HELOC repayment process:

  • Draw period: 3 years
  • Interest-only repayment: 3 years (in most states) or 10 years (in Texas)
  • Full HELOC repayment: 20 years (in most states) or 27 years (in Texas)

The interest rates on a HELOC are variable, based on the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin. LoanDepot does not publish its rates, but they are capped at 18% in most states.

You can access funds via ACH or wire transfer during the draw period, and you must draw at least 75% of the requested line amount (minus the origination fee) at the time of origination.

Eligibility and Application

To qualify for a HELOC from loanDepot, you'll need to have a significant amount of equity in your home, which is determined by its value and your current mortgage balance. The higher your home's value, the more credit you may be eligible for.

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Borrowers can apply for a loanDepot home equity loan on a primary or secondary property, making it a versatile option for homeowners. You can apply online or by phone at 866-790-3940 to find out whether you're eligible.

To be eligible for a loanDepot home equity loan, you'll need a credit score of at least 520, which is a relatively accessible requirement compared to other lenders.

What Determines Your Terms

Your home's value plays a significant role in determining your HELOC terms. The higher your home's value, the more credit you may be eligible for, assuming other financial factors meet the lender's criteria.

Your home's equity is the key to unlocking a larger HELOC. The amount you can borrow depends on how much equity you have in your home.

Many lenders have a combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of around 75% to 85%. This includes both your primary mortgage and the HELOC.

How to Apply

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Applying for a loanDepot home equity loan or HELOC is a straightforward process that can be completed online. You can also speak with a loanDepot officer on the phone to apply.

The first step is to prequalify, which allows you to check your rates without affecting your credit score. This step involves providing basic information about your financial situation.

You can prequalify online, and the process only takes a few minutes. The specific documents required can vary based on individual circumstances.

To proceed with the formal application, you'll need to provide more detailed personal and financial information. This step requires gathering and submitting necessary documents, such as proof of income, mortgage statements, and identification documents.

LoanDepot will also conduct a property appraisal using AVMs to determine your home's value and your available equity. This step is an important part of the application process.

Here are the steps involved in the application process:

  • Prequalify
  • Formal application
  • Documentation
  • Property appraisal
  • Final review and approval
  • Closing
  • Access funds

The time each step takes can vary, but loanDepot is known for its quick process, with the possibility of receiving funds in as little as three weeks after application.

Interest Rates and Fees

Credit: youtube.com, How Do HELOC Interest Rates Work?

loanDepot's HELOC rates and fees are crucial to understand before making a financial decision. Understanding the costs associated with their HELOC is important for making an informed choice.

loanDepot's HELOC rates are a key factor to consider. However, the article doesn't mention specific rates, so we can't provide a specific rate.

loanDepot's HELOC fees are also a significant consideration. Understanding these expenses can help you make a more informed decision about whether a HELOC from loanDepot is right for you.

Appraisal Process

The appraisal process for a HELOC is a crucial step in determining the value of your home. LoanDepot primarily relies on Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for appraisals.

AVMs are computer algorithms that analyze various data points to provide an estimated value in a matter of days. This is beneficial if you're looking to secure your HELOC quickly.

You might need to provide detailed information about your home, including its size, age, condition, and any improvements or renovations you've made. This information helps ensure the AVM provides a more accurate assessment of your home's value.

The virtual method of AVMs means there's no need for physical inspections of your property, streamlining the process.

What Are Rates & Fees?

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LoanDepot's HELOC rates and fees can be a bit tricky to understand, but it's essential to know what you're getting into.

The origination fee is a significant expense, ranging from up to 5% of the line of credit, or the maximum allowed by state law, whichever is less.

This fee is deducted from your funds upon your first draw, so it's a good idea to factor it into your budget.

LoanDepot doesn't charge third-party fees, which can be a relief if you're working with other lenders or service providers.

Debt Repayment

When paying off a home equity loan from loanDepot, you'll be glad to know that you can avoid any prepayment penalties. This means you're free to pay off your loan early without incurring extra costs.

The repayment term for a loanDepot home equity loan is 20 years, with each monthly payment going toward both the loan's interest and principal. You may be able to choose a shorter repayment term, depending on your loan-to-value ratio and other financial factors determined by a loanDepot loan officer.

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No prepayment penalty applies for paying off your home equity loan early.

A key difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC is the repayment structure. With a HELOC, you may have a variable interest rate, and multiple draws on the credit line could lead to higher rates over time.

Alternatives and Comparison

If you're not satisfied with loanDepot's terms, consider the top-rated competitors that offer more transparent rates. The company earns a 3.1 rating from our team.

One of the top-rated competitors is a company that earns a 4.9 rating and is considered the best overall. Another competitor earns a 4.8 rating and is best for customer reviews. A third competitor earns a 4.7 rating and is best for large HELOCs.

Here are some top-rated competitors to consider:

Pros and Cons

The loanDepot Digital HELOC has its advantages and disadvantages, which are worth considering before making a decision.

One of the biggest pros is the streamlined process, which allows you to apply from the comfort of your own home. You can even get no-obligation quotes without impacting your credit scores.

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The Digital HELOC also offers fast funding in as little as seven days, which is a significant advantage for those who need access to cash quickly.

However, it's worth noting that a hard inquiry will be made to one or more of the consumer reporting agencies, which will show up on your credit report.

Another pro is that the underwriting process is expected to be fast, with no third-party fees and no prepayment penalty.

A key consideration is the origination fee, which is 2.5% of the requested line amount (minus the origination fee). For example, on a $100,000 line, you'd be looking at $2,500 in origination costs.

Here are some key pros and cons of the loanDepot Digital HELOC:

  • Online application
  • Streamlined process
  • Fast funding in as little as seven days
  • No in-person appraisal process for most applications
  • Automated valuation models reduce complexity

However, it's worth noting that a desktop appraisal may be required, which could extend the funding timeline. Additionally, you'll need to make fully-amortized payments including principal and interest for the remaining 20 years after the 10-year interest-only period ends.

Alternatives to

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If you're considering alternatives to loanDepot, you'll want to know that their HELOC has a short 3-year draw period, which is much shorter than many other lenders offer.

Some top-rated competitors to loanDepot include companies that offer more transparent terms, such as 4.9View Rates, which is the best overall option.

Other competitors to consider are those with high customer reviews, such as 4.8View Rates, and those that offer large HELOCs, such as 4.7View Rates.

You may also want to consider lenders that offer a marketplace for accessing home equity loans, such as 4.5View Rates.

One thing to keep in mind is that loanDepot's HELOC is not suitable for those seeking a HELOC to have on hand in case of emergencies due to the required draw.

Here are some top-rated competitors to loanDepot:

How to Identify a Good Deal

To identify a good deal, pay attention to the margin, which determines your fully-indexed rate. The prime rate is currently at 7%, but it's expected to rise to 8% by early next year.

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Shopping around and finding the lowest margin can save you money. For example, if prime were 7%, a 1% margin would result in a rate of 8%, while a 2% margin would result in a rate of 9%.

Be mindful of the origination fee, which can range from 1% to 2% or more. Finding a company that only charges a 1% origination fee is a good deal.

Comparison shop and obtain multiple quotes to ensure you're getting the best rate. Also, consider closed-end, home equity loans with a fixed interest rate.

The origination fee is just one cost to consider - also look at closing costs, annual fees, and prepayment penalties.

Customer Experience

loanDepot's customer service quality is a major highlight, according to customer reviews.

Their overall reputation is reflected in their high customer ratings across various platforms.

The Better Business Bureau, a trusted source for evaluating business ethics, has accredited loanDepot with an A+ rating, indicating their responsiveness and reliability.

You can contact loanDepot's customer service team in the following ways:

These ratings demonstrate the high level of satisfaction among loanDepot's customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 HELOC?

For a $50,000 HELOC, the estimated monthly payment is $384 for interest-only or $457 for principle-and-interest, depending on the payment type.

Why are banks no longer offering HELOCs?

Banks stopped offering HELOCs due to the difficulty in determining home equity during the Great Recession and housing crisis of the mid-2000s. This led to a decline in their popularity and availability.

Are HELOCs hard to get approved for?

Generally, HELOCs are not difficult to get approved for if you've paid your mortgage on time and have sufficient home equity. Approval may depend on your individual financial situation and lender requirements.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

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