No-Equity-Loans

Thanks to the combination of low interest rates and skyrocketing property values, home equity loans are more popular than ever. The value of home equity loans taken out by Americans has doubled in the last two years, and the market for them shows no signs of slowing down. Obtaining a home equity loan is usually a fairly simple process involving some paperwork, a credit check, and a home appraisal, and the entire process can often be done in just a few weeks. Lenders will often lend up to 80% of the value of the home’s equity, and some lenders will even lend up to 125% of a home’s equity.

The first thing the homeowner must understand is the difference between a home improvement and a home repair. Simply put, a home repair is classified as fixing a problem. For example, repairing a hole in the roof, fixing a leak or repainting a room would be considered repairs. On the other hand, remodeling a kitchen, adding a couple of rooms, building a garage or installing a swimming pool would be classed as improvements. These improvements add to the living amenity of the home’s owners and usually add value to the home.

Tax deductible home equity loan can fall into any of several different categories. A medical condition that required providing disabled access to home would normally be classed as a home improvement.

If you are planning a home improvement to an area of your home that is in need of repair you may be able to include the repair as an improvement. The Tax Act states that where a repair is carried out in the same area of the home that is being remodeled then the repair can be included as part of the improvement project. So, if you are planning on remodeling your kitchen don’t forget to take care of the leaking pipes at the same time and claim the entire project as a tax deductible home equity loan.

If you find that your home loan debt exceeds mortgage caps, you may still be able to deduct the interest as an investment cost or business expense. Otherwise, excess debt is considered personal debt and non-deductible. But the next year, your home equity debt interest debt may qualify if it meets all requirements. Before taking any tax deductible home equity loan, verify that IRS rules have not changed in the preceding yea