Every homeowner has experienced a time when they need to do some home improvement, or you need to repair a leaky roof or replace a broken window. There are several options for how you can pay for the home improvement projects you need to do, but you might not be aware of all the options.
In this article, we’ll share some tips that can help you with your home improvement needs.
1. Take out a home improvement loan.
One of the easiest ways to pay for your home improvement project is to take out a home improvement loan. These are unsecured personal loans, so you won’t need to use your home as collateral. However, your interest rates will largely depend on your credit score.
These loans will usually have smaller repayment windows, and they’re best used for quick renovations, such as painting, redecorating, or fixing up a bathroom. The drawback of these loans is that because they’re unsecured, they’ll often have higher interest rates and fees.
For any type of loan, you’ll also need to show proof of income. For people who earn a freelancer’s income, or any type of non-salaried income, this can be rather difficult if you don’t have your financial paperwork in order.
The best way to get around this is to regularly print your own paystubs using a paystub generator, such as FormPros. Be sure not to falsify any data, which would be illegal, but you are allowed to create your own paystubs if you are your own boss, technically speaking.
2. Cash-out refinancing.
If you have a mortgage, one option is a cash-out refinance. This will replace your mortgage with a new loan and interest rates, and you’re allowed to pocket the difference if you need the extra cash.
The downside of this is that you’ll need to pay for a home appraisal, and other fees. Generally speaking, a cash-out refinance is only a good idea if you can secure a better interest rate than your current one.
3. Put it on credit.
If you’re planning to just do some quick and cheap renovations, putting it all on a credit card is a good option. This is particularly a good idea if you have a credit card that offers no interest for several months, and if you have a 0% APR card, you’ll end up paying zero interest if you pay it off relatively quickly.
However, be careful not to carry a balance on your credit cards, and avoid any interest charges if you are carrying a balance. Also, be sure to pay it off before the promotional period expires, so that you aren’t stuck with higher interest rates.
4. FHA 203(k) mortages.
An FHA-insured 203(k) loan will allow you to refinance your first mortgage, while simultaneously combining it with the improvement costs of a new mortgage. This mortgage is ideal for any homeowner who is going to do home improvement projects that aren’t large enough to warrant a new mortgage.
The best part is that the loan will be based on the projected value of your home after you’ve made improvements, so you’re able to borrow more, as well as having a higher equity ratio, which means you’re likely to pay less interest over the life of the loan.
5. Pay for it with cash from your savings.
There’s an ugly truth in the financial world, and while we’ve covered a lot of options for mortgages and loans, that simple truth is if you can’t afford it in cash, you can’t afford it at all.
Before you start processing paperwork for a new mortgage or loan, ask yourself if it’s worth increasing your debt. If it’s not an immediate emergency situation, isn’t it better to just wait until you have more cash in your bank account?
This is particularly important for people who are hoping to get a home renovation loan, because of the way the loan is structured. You’ll likely need to put down a larger deposit, or a larger down payment, in order to be approved for a loan.