What is the difference between a mortgage and a home equity loan?

A mortgage and a home equity loan are both types of loans secured by your home, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics:

1. Mortgage:
A mortgage is a loan used to purchase a home or real estate property.
It is typically a longterm loan, often with a tenure of 15, 20, or 30 years.
The primary purpose of a mortgage is to finance the purchase of a property.
The borrowed amount is generally used to pay the seller, and you become the legal owner of the property.
The interest rate on a mortgage is usually lower compared to other types of loans because it is secured by the property itself.
Mortgage payments consist of both principal (the loan amount) and interest.
Over time, as you make mortgage payments, you build equity in your home. Equity is the difference between the home's current market value and the remaining mortgage balance.

2. Home Equity Loan:
A home equity loan, often referred to as a "second mortgage" or "equity loan," allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their property.
It is a separate loan, in addition to your existing mortgage, and it uses your home as collateral.
Home equity loans have a shorter tenure compared to mortgages and are typically used for specific purposes such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses.
The interest rates on home equity loans are usually higher than those on primary mortgages but lower than unsecured loans like personal loans or credit cards.
Borrowers receive a lumpsum amount when approved for a home equity loan, and they repay it in regular installments.
Interest paid on a home equity loan may be taxdeductible in some cases, depending on local tax laws and how the funds are used.

Key Difference:
A mortgage is primarily used to purchase a home, while a home equity loan is a secondary loan that allows you to access the equity in your existing home for various purposes.
Mortgages are typically longterm loans used to finance the acquisition of a property, while home equity loans are shorterterm loans used for specific financial needs.
Mortgages have lower interest rates compared to home equity loans due to their primary position in the hierarchy of liens on a property.

It's essential to carefully consider your financial goals and needs when deciding whether to take out a mortgage or a home equity loan. Additionally, you should be aware of the potential risks and responsibilities associated with both types of loans, especially the risk of losing your home if you default on payments. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.