Here are some useful tips on what to consider before applying for a loan. If you need money to pay bills or make home improvements, and think the answer is in refinancing, a second mortgage, or a home equity loan, consider your options carefully. If you can't make the required payments, you could lose your home as well as the equity you've built up. That's why it's important not to let anyone talk you into using your home to borrow money you may not be able to afford to pay back.

Contact several lenders - including banks, savings and loans and mortgage companies. Ask each lender about the best loan you would qualify for then compare the following:

The annual percentage rate (APR):

The APR is the single most important thing to compare when you shop for a loan. It takes into account not only the interest rate, mortgage broker fees, and certain other credit charges the lender requires the borrower to pay, expressed as a yearly rate.

The term of the loan:

How many years will you make payments on the loan? If you're getting a home equity loan that consolidates credit card debt and other shorter-term loans, remember that the new loan may require you to make payments for a longer time.

The monthly payment:

What's the amount? Will it stay the same or change?

Prepayment penalties:

Prepayment penalties are extra fees that may be due if you pay off the loan early by refinancing or selling your home.

Whether the interest rate for the loan will increase if you default:

An increased interest rate provision says that if you miss a payment or pay late, you may have to pay a higher interest rate for the rest of the loan term.

The best piece of advice would be to ensure that you can afford the loan. Figure out whether your monthly income is enough to cover each monthly payment, in addition to your other monthly bills and expenses. If it isn't, do not take out a loan.

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