How Does a Second Mortgage Differ from a First Mortgage?
Typically, a second mortgage is defined as a secured loan that is subordinate to a first mortgage on the same property. The borrower can generally use the proceeds from a second mortgage for any purpose. Currently, a popular use of second mortgages is to pay off high-interest consumer debt, such as credit cards and car loans. Other common uses are for home improvements, college tuition, or to take a vacation. Second mortgages can even be used to secure lines of credit for future needs.
Until a few years ago, the total amount of debt from the 1st and 2nd mortgages combined could exceed 80% of the total market value of the home. Recently however, low interest rates combined with a competitive marketplace have created a lending environment where some lenders have approved 2nd mortgages that, when combined with the balance due on the 1st mortgage, total as high as 125% of the home value.
However, financial advisors will tell you that carrying that much debt on your home is never a good idea. I never recommend borrowing more than 100% of the value of your home and I rarely recommend a second mortgage with a loan to value of greater than 90%.
Because a second mortgage is a property lien that is placed behind the first mortgage, this means that in the event of a default, after the property is sold the first mortgage gets paid first, including any legal costs and other costs of the sale, before the second mortgage can be paid. If there is not enough money from the sale of the home, the second mortgage does not get paid.
A Higher Interest Rate
When determining the interest rate that a lender is willing to loan money out for a home mortgage, he looks at the risk level to him for loaning that money. This is the reason that a high risk borrower with a poor credit history gets charged a higher interest rate than a low risk borrower with a strong credit history.
The same theory also applies to second mortgages. Second mortgages typically are given a higher interest rate, because by definition a lender of a second mortgage is second to be paid off in case of a default, and because there is a greater chance that a default might result in not enough equity left in the home to pay off the second mortgage in full.
Terms available for Second Mortgages
In general, the terms given for second mortgages are shorter than those for first mortgages - primarily because the dollar amount of the second is generally much lower than that of the first.
2nd mortgage repayment terms can vary considerably, so look around for the one that is best for you. Then usually range in length from 5 to 20 years, with the majority being 10 to 15 years. A few lenders may even offer a 30 year amortization. Just like first mortgages, the longer the maturity, the higher the interest rate. Conversely (just like first mortgages), the higher the credit score - the lower the interest rate.
Types of Second Mortgages
Just as the length of the second mortgage can vary, so can other repayment terms. The majority of second mortgages are paid back in equal monthly payments with a portion of the payment going to interest and a portion to the principal balance, just like a first mortgage.
The two most common types of second mortgages are the fixed rate and the home equity line of credit (HELOC). The former is a standard offering. The home equity line of credit is a little unique and has been very popular. The loan typically calls for interest only payments for the first 5 to 10 years and then the line of credit is frozen at the outstanding balance of the loan. At that point, the loan payments are recast and a standard principal and interest payment is established for the remaining 10 to 20 years. The HELOC’s are typically priced with a variable interest rate that is most commonly indexed to the New York City prime interest rate.
As with other loan pricing, the lower the FICO score and the higher the loan to value, the higher the interest rate for HELOC type mortgages.
When considering a second mortgage, do your homework and shop around to ensure that you get the best deal for you!
