Using Personal Loans for Home Improvement: Pros and Cons

Caring for a growing family or experiencing a milestone can signify a need to improve your home. Whether you decide to have a home remodeling or renovation, you may first consider tapping into your savings or home equity to pay for the expenses. However, a home improvement loan could also be an ideal financing option.

What Are Home Improvement Loans?

Home improvement loans are personal loans used to fund home improvement projects. Although some lenders don’t offer this specific loan, many will let you use home improvement as the reason for your personal loan application.

Is It a Good Idea to Use a Personal Loan for Home Improvement?

Using a personal loan for home improvement is a wise decision for funding small or mid-sized projects, like window replacement or interior painting. To determine if a personal loan fits your next project, consider your financial health and history. It’s also vital to know your priorities regarding interest rates, tax benefits, and secured or unsecured borrowing. Before applying for a home improvement loan, it’s vital to weigh its pros and cons.

Pros

The biggest advantage of choosing home improvement loans is you won’t risk losing your home since these are unsecured loans. This means they don’t require collateral, making them a safer alternative to home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or home equity loans. However, lenders can still place a lien against your home if you fail to make consistent payments. This will make selling or refinancing more challenging.

Personal loans also generally have fixed interest rates and repayment timelines. Since monthly payments will be consistent for the entire loan term, they are ideal if you want a predictable repayment option.

Unlike HELOCs that let you keep borrowing throughout the draw period, personal loans have a fixed borrowing amount. This makes it easier for you to keep borrowing in check. Additionally, they can potentially save you money since they have fewer closing costs than those that come with HELOCs and home equity loans.

Cons

On the downside, personal loans used for improving your home usually charge higher interest rates than HELOCs and home equity loans. This will be an issue, especially if your credit isn’t in good shape. They also don’t allow you to deduct the interest on your tax returns.

How Do You Get the Best Loan Rates?

While personal loans for home improvement have higher interest rates, you can still save as much money as possible. Here are some tips for getting the best loan rate you qualify for:

• Choose a Shorter Repayment Term: Loans with longer repayment terms have higher interest rates. Dragging out payments for a longer time also results in accumulated interest. To save money, choose a loan with a shorter repayment period if you can afford it.

• Boost Your Credit: Similar to other financing options, your credit is a major factor for getting approval for personal loans. For this reason, take the time to improve your credit score if your home improvement project isn’t urgent.

Conclusion

Renovating your kitchen or giving your bedroom a makeover can be a costly endeavor. Thankfully, you have the option to secure a personal loan to fund your home improvement project. Whether or not this is a wise financial decision comes down to your needs and goals. If you think this option makes the most sense as your recourse, reach out to a trusted loan company and shop for personal loan rates.

Add life to your space by turning to Calhoun Finance. We offer various ,personal loans in Anniston, AL, without hidden fees. Contact us at 256-371-6571 for more information!