A home equity loan is similar to, but not the same as, a home mortgage refinance loan, otherwise called a second mortgage. With a second mortgage, you receive a lump sum of money that pays off your existing mortgage and leaves some money left over for something else. Interest begins accruing immediately.

Home equity loans may be fixed-rate loans, meaning that the rate of interest remains the same throughout the course of the loan, or they may be adjustable-rate loans, meaning that the interest rate changes according to the economy and the average rates at any given time. When interest rates are low, you’ll want to try to get a fixed-rate loan to lock in the low rates. If interest rates are high, though, it might make more sense to go with an adjustable-rate loan.

Home equity loans offer significant tax savings, because the interest paid on home equity loans is tax deductible. Since interest on home equity loans is also significantly less than interest on credit cards, debt consolidation makes sense. It also makes sense to use a home equity loan rather than credit cards for large purchases.

Any home mortgage lender probably also finances home equity loans. Contact your lender for both a second mortgage quote and a home equity loan quote to determine which is the best loan for you. Ask about the lowest mortgage rate and the lowest home equity loan rate available. Interest rates are often similar, but remember, with a second mortgage you start paying interest right away, while with a home equity loan you don’t pay any interest until you actually make a purchase.