A home equity loan is a type of secured loan in which the borrower uses the home equity as collateral. This means it creates a lien against the borrower's house, and reduces actual home equity. The loan is a one time lump-sum loan, usually with a fixed interest rate.
They are usually referred to as second mortgages, because they are secured against the value of the property, just like a traditional mortgage. They are usually, but not always, for a shorter term than first mortgages. In the U.S., it is sometimes possible to deduct home equity loan interest against personal income taxes.
These loans are sometimes useful to help finance major home repairs, medical bills or college education.








