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Informative Articles

Debt Consolidation Loans: Avoid Online Scams
Online Debt Consolidation Loans Companies. You've probably heard the advertisements on the radio or seen them on the television or in the newspaper: Be Debt Free in just Days. Easy Debt Consolidation Loans. Erase your Debt Now! ...
How To Avoid Bankruptcy & Get Out Of Debt Faster Using Debt Negotiation!
Has credit card debt got you thinking about bankruptcy? You're not the only one these days. Even with the new bankruptcy laws, credit card debt continues to climb. Unfortunately for most of us, our paychecks don't climb as quickly. If...
Most credit counseling agencies are honest; states try to keep them that way
The recently passed Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act requires anyone considering a bankruptcy filing to undergo credit counseling first. That's a great idea; it is an attempt to prevent future problems by educating consumers now....
Seven Steps To A Healthier Bank Balance With A Debt Consolidation Loan
If your debts are getting you down then you can't afford to ignore the option of taking out a debt consolidation loan to help you sort out your financial situation. In this case scenario you basically take out a personal loan that is big enough...
The Basics of a Consumer Debt Consolidation Program
There are so many expenses that we have in our lives that it is not surprising that many people get into debt and consider enrolling in a consumer debt consolidation program. Education costs, home ownership bills, medical expenses and other...
 
Home Equity Loan – Not just for home repairs, and tax deductible, too!

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.

Home equity loans are quite useful, and have several advantages over other types of loans, such as credit card loans or more traditional secured loans. The biggest advantage is that the interest on home equity loans is tax deductible. The interest rates on home equity loans are already pretty competitive, but the addition of the tax deduction makes them pretty hard to beat. But do you have to use a home equity loan to improve your home in order to qualify for the tax deduction?

Many people do not realize that improvements on your home are not necessary in order to take the tax deduction. While home improvement is probably the most popular reason for taking out a home equity loan, many people use them for any one of a number of other reasons -- buying a boat or RV, taking a dream vacation, or even just using the money for to debt consolidation. The relatively modest interest rates charged for home equity loans are far more favorable than the 20% or so charged by many credit card companies, making debt consolidation a pretty smart use for a home equity loan.

Whatever the reason for taking out a home equity loan, be it home improvement or otherwise, the tax deduction makes it a pretty good way to borrow money.

About the Author
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a Website devoted to debt consolidation information and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on home equity loans.