Various Ways to Use an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan

An unsecured home improvement loan gives you money to fix up different areas of your home. You may have already borrowed money to buy your home so why not borrow some more money to make sure you get it in perfect shape for you? Using these types of loans can be a convenient way to pay for repairs and renovations. An unsecured home improvement loan is just a personal loan option that has a fixed purpose for home repair.

How to Find an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan

With an unsecured home improvement loan, you qualify for a certain borrowing amount, interest rate, and repayment terms based on your credit profile. These are available from many banks, as well as online lenders. Different lenders will have different options and no two lenders are alike. Different lenders will also allow you to borrow varying amounts. You may need to borrow more for bigger home projects, such as building a pool.

You can find this type of loan online, here, on Loanry. We help you connect with credible lenders you should definitely consider when loan shopping.

Applying for an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan

When applying for an unsecured home improvement loan, there are some tips you can follow.

It’s a good idea to start planning ahead and apply for a home before you plan to start improvements. Timing and paperwork may take longer than you think so start the process at least 30 days in advance.

Consider the project amount and be sure to leave some room for error. Keep your budget, the total loan-to-value ratio, and how long you want to pay in mind. Don’t take out a loan that is going to strain your finances to make just cosmetic improvements. Don’t go into foreclosure just so you can have a nicer kitchen.

Consider your budget and how quickly you can pay off the loan.

When you get prequalified, you can find out what your interest rates will be so you can compare what different lenders can offer you. You can get prequalified with multiple lenders but you want to make sure they are using only a soft inquiry. Multiple hard inquiries can ding your credit score.

While you are getting prequalified, you may want to consider your eligibility. Consider how qualified you are for the loan. Not only should you consider your credit history but also the loan-to-value ratio and the debt-to-income ratio as important factors in qualifying for the best rate and approval.

Ways to Use an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan

You can use an unsecured home improvement loan for a number of things, including painting the home, kitchen remodels, replacing the roof, and more. If you choose the right project then you can have an investment that will pay off in decades of personal enjoyment, as well as improved resale value.

Kitchen Remodels

Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home and any improvements in this room can pay off. You may expect to recoup 60% to 120% of your investment on a remodel, as long as you aren’t going overboard. You don’t want to make the kitchen much fancier than the rest of your house or the rest of the kitchens in the homes in the neighborhood. One of the best things you can do for a kitchen remodel is to replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Not only are these appliances better for the environment but they can also help you save money since they use less energy.

kitchen

Bathroom Additions

If your home has one bathroom then you can make good use of your investment when you add another one. If you are looking for space in your home for an extra bathroom, look at underutilized spaces. Consider other spaces, such as areas under the stairs and closets. If you want a half bath, you need about 18 square feet but if you want a full bath, you need between 30 to 35 square feet. The cost of adding a bathroom will depend on the type of accessories and additions you want.

Reinventing a Room

Adding square footage to the home with a new room can be a very expensive project. Although you can recoup some of the investment, the cost can quickly get out of control. Instead, you can reinvent existing spaces to save money. For example, convert the attic into a bedroom or finish a basement. Homeowners may be able to add small apartments in or over the garage, which can be rented out as a room. Before you start, think about how you and potential buyers can use the space. Versatile rooms will have great appeal for potential buyers. Basements work well as game rooms or second living rooms. Some people even turn this space into a small apartment for a tenant or aging relative. Attics can work well for game rooms.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Buyers will shop for energy efficiency in mind so anything you can do to make your home more energy efficient is best. Old drafty single-pane windows are a major turn off. You can expect to recoup a lot of the cost when you invest in energy-efficient windows. There can even be different available rebates and offers in your area.

Deck Addition

Adding a deck can help increase the value of the home. Outdoor living spaces are becoming more desirable, especially as people are favoring staycations. If you make your backyard and deck more appealing, your house can be more appealing to any prospective buyer and you can also enjoy it. The cost of adding a deck can vary widely. And it will depend on the size and the bells and whistles you want added.

Home deck

Energy-Efficient Insulation

If your home lacks any basic insulation and has old doors that let the cold and hot air escape the home then this can be a problem. Homes that don’t have the best energy efficiency in mind cost more to maintain and live in. Updating the home to save energy may not cost a lot of money and can make a big difference.

Basic Updates

Basic updates add some of the most value to your home. Fix the roof if it’s leaking, keep the paint fresh, and replace wood that rots. Get rid of any mold that you find. These types of chores can keep your home from deteriorating over time.

Upscale Garage Door Replacement

This may not be an exciting upgrade but when you replace your current garage door with an upgraded model, it can yield you about 98% in recouped costs. Some of the best garage doors are made from durable materials, such as wood composites, steel, aluminum, and high-performance additions, such as energy-saving insulation and glazing. Wood may be a classic choice but it’s not very weather resistant.

Updated Stone Veneer

Replacing the vinyl siding on your home with stone veneer in areas like the entryway can be a big curb appeal boost for the home.

Home improvement projects can extend the life of your home so you are less likely to pay for privacy repairs down the road. For example, when you replace the gutter and the roof, you could prevent future water damage and extend the life of the home’s exterior components.

You may think you can save money on your projects by doing some of the work on your own but it may not always be the best, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in home improvement. You could try DIY if the project is small enough for you to learn quickly and you are okay with the project just being good enough. There is a chance that the project won’t turn out as well as the pro’s work if you do it by yourself.

The floor tiles can be uneven or a painted room may have some visible brushstrokes. It’s much better to hire a home improvement contractor if a mistake could have disastrous or serious consequences. Faulty electrical writing could cause a fire so anything with electrical needs shouldn’t be done by yourself. If the home improvement requires permits then you also want to work with a contractor.

How to Determine if a Home Improvement Project is Worth the Cost

One of the best ways to determine the value of a project is to look at the project’s cost versus its value assessment. Before you begin the home renovation project, consider some of these questions:

  • Have you budgeted for this projected?
  • Is the remodel a long-term lifestyle change or a temporary fix?
  • How long do you plan on living in the home?
  • Can you afford the renovation?
  • How long will the renovations last?
  • Will improvements add value?

It’s important not to guesstimate your renovation budget. There will be unforeseen costs along the way. Plan ahead by getting a clear view of how much you can spend. Talk to different contractors, compare the rates, and get priorities in check. The size of your project will largely be dependent on the budget. But it’s important to remember that sometimes a quick fix can cost more money over time than a larger renovation that could solve a big headache. For example, if there is mold growing on the first floor tile because of a leak, replacing the grout could solve the problem in the short term. However, in order to keep the mold away for good, you may want to completely redo the tile and upgrade its quality. It may even be worth it to replace the pipes and drain as well.

Another thing to consider is if you are staying in your home long term or prepping it for sale. If you want to put your home on the market in the near future then make sure any renovations appeal to buyers. A big misconception is that major home improvements will equal more money in the final sale. But that’s not necessarily the case.

You want to consider the value of renovations in your area and not just the national average. Energy efficiency projects may have more value in colder climates. A swimming pool may do nothing to help buyers. However, in warmer regions, the pool can actually attract buyers to the home. Areas of your home, such as an office, may fit your lifestyle but pouring money into the home office may not help you if you have buyers who want to use the office as a playroom instead.

Things to Look for When Choosing an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan

You always need to shop around when looking for a consumer loan. The right home improvement loan is only going to be as good as the lender offering it. In order to figure out if you have the right lender, there are some things to keep in mind.

While you may be looking for an unsecured home improvement loan, loans can also come secured. Unsecured loans require a check of your credit history and secured loans will require you to put up some sort of collateral.

This is one of the first things you want to check once you figure out what loan type you want. Some lenders charge application fees so don’t waste time and money applying for a loan you won’t qualify for. Research ahead of time to learn about the minimum qualifications and only apply for lenders that will likely grant you the loan. Home improvement loans for bad credit are available if you do enough research to find lower eligibility requirements.

When you are looking at different lenders, check the APR. This is the interest rate plus the origination fee for borrowing. To find the best APR, you need to make sure your credit score is at its best. While there are home repair loans for bad credit, these don’t have the best APR. You may see a lender that offers a low promotional interest rate. Keep in mind the promotion period will eventually end and then, depending on your credit score, this low APR could climb into double digits.

Personal loans will typically be given for one, three, and five-year repayment terms. Some lenders may offer longer terms. The longer your term, the more interest you will pay. Use a loan calculator to see how a longer repayment term will affect your interest payments.

These can include late fees, processing fees, and closing costs. Lenders can roll the closing costs into the loan balance instead of requiring payment at closing but it helps to know all the fees you could be facing.

Lenders can offer plenty of different benefits so you may want to prioritize lenders that allow you to use a cosigner or a lender that gives better repayment protections. Whatever perk is important to you, be sure not to sign on the dotted line if you don’t get it in writing.

Final Thoughts

Getting an unsecured home improvement loan can be a great way to finance some improvements in your home. Applying for an unsecured home improvement loan works the same as many other loan types. There are a number of home improvements that you can do with the money from the loan. Some improvements may make more sense than others based on the projected ROI. You can make sure to use the money quickly by doing some research in your area. And determine which home improvements are the best for increasing the value of your home.

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How Do Home Improvement Loans Work: Build Cautiously

A home is one of the greatest investments that serve as a status symbol. However, it needs to be well maintained to increase in value. That includes performing necessary repairs, roof replacement, fixing some damages, or updating the plumbing. You also need to do some upgrades like renovating the kitchen, installing a swimming pool or even buying a washer and dryer.  Perhaps you don’t have enough cash to cater for the cost of these renovation projects. In this case, you can fund them through a home improvement loan.

What Is a Home Improvement Loan

Home improvement loans allow the borrower to update his home, under the loan terms set by a bank or any financial institution providing the loan.

Note that a home improvement loan isn’t the same as a home refinance loan or home equity loan, so no room mistakes. Those types of home loans are mortgage-loan-oriented, meaning that they are longer and involve large loan amounts. Like most home loans, this type of financing is secured through the liquidity in your house as capital.

Features of a Home Improvement Loan

  • A home improvement loan features large lending amounts, ranging from $50000 to $100000
  • It has varying interest rates, mostly as low as 3% if you have excellent credit and more than 18 perfect if you have bad credit.
  • Based on the contract terms and loan amount, the payment duration of home renovation loan payment might be short as 12 months, or even longer as seven years.
  • Applications for a personal home improvement loan is usually vetted fast and has high chances of approval. You will have the cash in your account with 24 or 48 hours of approval.
  • Credit unions, banks, and online lenders offer home improvement loans

How to Get a Home Improvement Loan

Creditors issue unsecured and secured loan options for home improvement loans. The creditor will evaluate your credit score, whether you have enough equity in your home and the kind of renovation project you intend to do with the loan. Some of the home improvement projects will increase the value of your home and look attractive to creditors. They include:

  • Bathroom and kitchen upgrade
  • Installation of a deck or swimming pool
  • Air duct replacement or plumbing
  • Foundation and slab repair
  • Septic or well repair/replacement
  • Room additions
  • Siding and window replacement
  • Replacement or installation of insulation units
  • Garage, attic or basement finishing
Floor view of an appartment

Are You Eligible for a Home Improvement Loan?

Typically, home improvement loans are accessible to anyone. However, the loan amounts, terms, and interest rates will vary depending on your personal financial conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to do your homework to find the best option that fits your needs.

Generally, a personal home improvement loan market is used by an individual or joint property owners with high incomes. That is because they are considered as a lower risk since they have better financial qualifications for repaying the loan. With that being said, the best interest rate with a great payment plan is given to applicants who fit this category.

What Factors Affect the Interest Rate on Your Home Improvement Loan?

While they might not have access to the greatest home improvement loans accessible, even borrowers with bad credit scores can qualify. However, they will get less flexibility in the forms of loans available. And the loans are offered at a high-interest rate.

Bear in mind that the advertised interest rate is not the guaranteed rate you will get. Lawfully, creditors only need to offer 51% of candidates this advertised rate. Therefore, it’s vital to remember the following factors to assist you in getting the lowest interest rate.

  • Credit history: even though you meet all the eligibility criteria, your credit score will affect your rate. For this reason, make sure you request for your credit history
  • Your age: you need to be over 18 to apply for home improvement loans. The lender set their cut off period. It’s important to remember that the age set that commonly searches for home improvement loans ranges from 65 to over 75 years. Note that the most cut off duration falls within the age of 60 and 74. For this reason, it is vital to shop and make sure you are applying with a creditor who can accommodate you.
  • Your bank account: if you have a savings or current account with your lender or bank you want to get a loan from, they will offer you good rates since you are a loyal client.
  • Your income: providing accurate details when disclosing your income will assist the creditor in knowing if you can manage to repay the loan by considering your monthly outgoings.

Advantages of Home Improvement Loan

Let’s look at some of the benefits of a personal secured home improvement loan.

One of the greatest benefits of obtaining a home improvement loan is a fixed and lower interest rate. If you get a personal loan, you have to pay a high rate of interest. Moreover, a home improvement loan has a fixed rate. Having a lower rate of interest on a high loan amount for a longer duration allows you to save a lot in the long run. Additionally, paying lower interest rates for longer duration tends to be easy and rewarding.

When you obtain a loan on a low-interest rate for a longer duration, the EMIs amount will be lower. That means you will pay a low EMIs each month compared to obtaining a loan on a higher interest rate. If you earn limited income, obtaining a loan that attracts a lower interest rate and with lower EMIs will be beneficial to you. So, obtaining a home improvement loan is the best alternative to help you stick to your monthly budget

This type of loan requires less documentation if you have obtained a home improvement loan from the same lending institution. Some banks will do a physical check pf the home before giving out the loan. Others will use your previous loan history and details with less documentation for the disbursal of the funds with the same bank.
However, if you are securing the loan for the first time, you will have to pass through the entire process of applying for the home improvement loan and disbursal regulations.

Once you have obtained a home improvement loan for your remodeling project, you can use the funds to expand some rooms in your house. You can opt to construct a new balcony or expand the covered area of your home. Additionally, if you have enough cash for the renovation and expansion, you can use the loan to add new cabinets in your rooms, upgrade kitchen cabinets and doors. This type of a personal home improvement loan gives you the flexibility and freedom to utilize it for a range of improvement projects.

When you want to secure a personal loan, you will have limited options. Also, not all creditors will approve your unsecured loan if you have a bad credit history. If you’re applying for a secured loan, many lenders will be willing to finance your home improvement projects. Additionally, you will get a high loan amount at a lower interest rate.

Disadvantages of Home Improvement Loan

Numerous factors affect the amount you can borrow and the interest rate. But in most cases, best home improvement loans are offered to those lenders who can repay the amount within 3-5 years. Therefore, if you want to get a loan and repay it within a short duration, you will be subjected to a high-interest rate.

Like any time you are applying for a personal loan, your credit score and financial history will be considered. So, if you have bad credit or unfavorable financial circumstances, you might be regarded as ineligible. That means you will have to pay high-interest rates.

Another disadvantage of securing home improvement loans is that it will affect your credit report by leaving some records. So, before you opt to apply for several loans at once, it’s good you do your homework. And make sure you are realistic with the loan applications. Several credit requests in a short duration will make you a high-risk potential to creditors.

Note that some risks are involved when it comes to securing any loan. For that reason, it’s essential to conduct extensive research before seeking financial advice. With any loan amount, you need to be sure that you will pay back within the agreed time.

Options for Home Improvement Loan to Consider

Let’s discuss some of the personal home improvement financing alternatives together with their pros and cons to assist you in finding the one that works best for you.

Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit

The amount of line of credit you get can be attained by subtracting the total amount you owe on your home from the amount an evaluation claims its worth. For instance, if your house values $650k and the amount you owe on your home is $300k, your home equity will be valued at $350k.

You can get equity in your house by obtaining a home equity loan or a HELOC (home equity line of credit). Your home will serve as collateral when securing a line of credit. That means if you fail to repay the loan, the creditor will be forced to foreclose your house and sell it off to recover the loan.

The benefits of a line of credit include that they are an easily accessible source of funds if you have equity in your house. Additionally, the rate of interest is lower compared to those of unsecured loans, and the interest is not tax-free.

Here’s how HELOCs and home equity loans are different:

Home equity loans allow you to obtain home loans as one lump sum. The FCT (Federal Trade Commission) claims that the majority of a creditor will enable you to take out up to 85% of the equity in your house. When it comes to costs, these funding come with a fixed rate. That means that you pay back the loan amount over a predetermined duration with the same monthly installments. Note that there are other costs, such as closing expenses. A home equity loan is a good alternative if you want funds for your home improvement in advance. And if you want a fixed monthly installment.

HELOCs are types of line of credit that has similar features as that of a credit card. An equity line is the least costly lending option since you can access the cash as you need it. Additionally, you won’t be forced to pay interest until it’s needed.
The FCT claims that your line of credit might be up to 85% of your house’s evaluated value minus the total amount owed on the initial mortgage. Rather than a fixed rate of interest, the HELOC uses a variable APR. That means your payment will not be constant.
Other terms like the duration you can draw from a HELOC, terms of repayment, can vary from one creditor to another. For that reason, do your research and carefully evaluate the offers given by various companies.

Cash-out Refinance

Another great home improvement alternative is a cash-out refinance. Instead of securing another mortgage, you substitute your existing mortgage with a larger and new one.

For instance, if you have a mortgage of $300k and your home appraises for $550000, you can secure new financing of $400000, hence repaying the original debt and cashing out $100k for your renovation.

The amount you withdraw will depend on various factors like the lender you choose, your credit history, and your home equity. Other factors to consider when opting for a cash-out refinance comprises:

  • You can get a lower rate of interest than what is offered via home equity loans
  • This option attracts some closing costs
  • Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required if you secure over 80% of the value of your home

These loans are good since you will be managing one mortgage, and you can always get the cash you need, and the rate of interest is attractive. The only downside of these loans is that they are costly, your acts as collateral, and you might need a PMI.

A Personal Line of Credit and Personal Loans

A personal line doesn’t require collateral, but they are approved depending on your credit report. The only difference is that the line of credit allows you to secure a loan as required for a specific duration. A personal line of credit discourages homeowners from borrowing more than they require by enabling them to access the money as needed.

Personal loans allow homeowners to obtain unsecured loans that are utilized for any function. Borrowers can utilize a personal loan to pay for a holiday, consolidate a loan, start a business, or even pay for a home renovation project. Like a personal line of credit, you don’t need collateral to obtain a personal loan. So, your house won’t be a risk. If you want a lower interest rate and large loan amount, it’s recommended you get an unsecured loan. Loan fees and borrowing minimums are low, and you can obtain a personal loan without home equity.

Traditional Home Improvement Loans

A traditional home repair loan allows homeowners to get a lump sum to help them complete renovation projects. Some of these projects include kitchen & bathroom remodeling, installation of a swimming pool, repair or replacement of an HVAC unit. Convectional banks, online lenders, and credit unions provide home repair loans. Since this is an unsecured loan, the homeowner does not need collateral to obtain the loan. For this reason, these loans attract a high-interest rate compared to a home equity loan.

Additionally, the rate of interest will depend on the homeowner’s credit rating, loan duration, and loan amount.

Peer-to-peer Loans

Peer-to-peer loans allow you to get an unsecured loan for your home renovation project. The loan will be financed by multiple investors who offer small loans amounts to many borrowers to diversify their risks. You will be required to pay once a month, like any other loan.

Like with other creditors, your rate of interest will depend on your credit report, the amount you want to borrow, and repayment duration. Since the loans have short terms of repayment of 3-5 years, you will pay the debt fast and avoid paying interest for many years. Additionally, you can get a peer-to-peer loan even if you have bad credit.

peer-to-peer

Local Government Loans

Some local government provides funds to assist homeowners, especially those the elderly and low-income earners to pay for renovations. Note that this kind of program is not accessible everywhere. Therefore, make sure you check with your local government to find out if they are offered in your town.

FHA Title I Property Improvement Loans

Borrowers with limited home equity can apply for an FHA Title I loan for their home renovation projects. Some of these projects include accessibility enhancement and energy conservation improvement. The funds can be utilized for luxurious products like the installation of outdoor fireplaces and swimming pools. However, loans below $75ooo are unsecured. And the highest a borrower can get is $25000 for 20 years to renovate a single-family house. Note that the lender is allowed to set an interest rate. You must look for an FHA-certified Title I creditor to secure this kind of loan. Like with all types of loans, you must have stellar credit and show the capability to pay the debt.

0% Introductory Rate Credit Card

For homeowners with a good credit score, they have a chance to get accepted for a new credit card that doesn’t attract any interest on new transactions for 9-18 months. Some of the credit cards with such offers are Chase Slate that offers 0% APR for 15 months and no annual fees. Capital One QuicksilverOne offers 0% APR for nine months and $39 annual fees.

However, you need to make a minimum payment every month to maintain the 0% rate. You must have a viable plan to pay back the complete amount you obtained before the introductory duration elapses. This will help you avoid paying high interest on the unpaid amount.

If you experience hardships paying the debt in full, getting your money in order, or beating deadlines, this is not ideal for you. This option can be cheap for debtors who are detail-oriented, disciplined, and spend wisely. Nevertheless, it might be impossible to borrow a large amount with a credit card as you can with cash-out finance or home equity, based on the amount of home equity and the state of your credit history.

How to Obtain Home Improvement Loan for Bad Credit

Don’t allow your poor credit rating to prevent you from applying for home improvement loans for bad credit. Getting home repair loans for bad credit can be challenging, but it is possible. If you have a credit rating of less than 620.

When your home requires improvement, there are different ways of getting funding to complete the project. However, the process might require some effort from your side. Here are some of the available options.

Try Government Loans

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a range of programs to help homeowners get loans for their home improvement projects. For instance, the Streamlined 203(k) loan program offered by FHA gives homeowners a chance to fund up to $35000 into their mortgage to renovate, upgrade or improve their houses.

The FHA Title 1 loan assists those homeowners who can’t be approved for a home repair loan to get the cash they need to upgrade their property.

Try Private Lenders

There are numerous private creditors who help borrowers with poor credit to secure home improvement loans. In most cases, borrowers with bad credit looking for a home repair loan might be a perfect fit for creditors. That is because the lender is confident that these borrowers will use the funds appropriately.

Get a Co-Signer

Another alternative for borrowers with unfavorable credit is getting a co-signer. In this case, another person signs onto the loan to help the borrower get a low-interest rate. The majority of people use relative and close friends as co-signers.

Consider Alternative Lending Opportunities

This alternative entails informal lending practices like borrowing cash from peers. You can also get a loan from micro-lenders who are ready to help you with incremental loans. You can also visit a local credit union to find out that they can assist you in getting funding despite your questionable credit.

One of these recommendations may assist you in getting the funding you need to complete your home renovation project. However, be cautious since some creditors and loan programs offer high-interest rates for borrowers with bad credit. For that reason, make sure you do thorough research before making any decision.

One of the essential steps you need to get when finding home repair loans for bad credit is starting to repair your credit. Follow these steps and start amending your credit score steadily.

Evaluate Your Credit Rating

Examine your credit score and make sure you understand what it means. Request for a free copy of your credit history.

Identify Where You Need to Improve

The credit report has everything you want to know about your credit rating. So, make sure you carefully go through it to notice any errors or parts that require improvement.

Start to Repair Your Credit

In this step, you will need to make hard decisions like repaying your loan. You will also need to settle an overdue or unsettled debt. And not applying for any loan until you get a good score.

What makes up a credit score.

Final Word

So, you are now familiar with several options to get a home improvement loan. Next, you will need to weigh the benefits and downside to choosing the one that fits you. The moment you choose the lending option you want, start shopping around while comparing the offers you receive from several lenders. This will help you make sure that your renovation project will be cheap. When it comes to applying any form of a loan, make sure you understand all the loan terms used. This will help you understand what you are getting into.

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