Getting a home equity loan without perfect credit may be easier than you think. Home equity loans are secured by the amount of equity you have in your home, so if you cannot make your payments, the lender has the right to seize your home. This lowers the risk involved for lenders even for borrowers with less than perfect credit.

Shop Around

The best advice for borrowers with less than perfect credit that are looking for a home equity loan is to shop around before making a decision. Because the loan is secured, you should receive a reasonable interest rate, even with less than perfect credit. Get quotes from companies that do not require a credit check in order to give you a quote. It affects your credit score negatively every time you initiate an inquiry on your credit report, so apply for no more than the three best quotes you receive. Many internet databases offer quotes from several companies with only one information form.

Compare Interest Rate and Loan Terms

When comparing quotes, you’ll need to look at more than just the interest rate. Compare all of the terms of the loan: the closing costs, interest rates, late fees, etc. Also pay careful attention to the repayment plan. Some home equity mortgages advertise low monthly payments. However, these plans generally only require you to pay the amount of interest you’ve accrued each month. You will be responsible for a balloon payment at the end of the life of the loan—the entire original amount borrowed.

Base Your Loan on Your Ability to Pay

Make sure that your home equity loan is based on your ability to repay it rather than the amount of equity you have in your home. Because you are using your home as collateral, you will want to make sure that you can afford the monthly payments.

Try using one of ABC Loan Guide's Recommended Poor Credit Home Equity Loan Lenders.

View our recommended sources for a Bad Credit Home Equity Loan. Also, view our recommended sources to Check Your Credit Report For Free.