Young woman unsure what to do with remaining loan.

Young woman unsure what to do with remaining loan.

Homeowner · Member since 2023 · 9 posts · 3 votes

I'm not sure if this is the best place for this is here, but, a young woman I know received a house from a trust after a family member passed. It has a HELOC. I believe it is for around 45K. She has enough to pay it off but is unsure if that makes sense. I don't think she has a lot of $ left if she does that. She has great credit if that helps. She is wondering the best way to pay it off that would make the most sense. I realize that may be difficult to answer without interest rate info.

She has another small home of her own with a loan. I don't know any of the interest rates or loan balance on her home. I'm assuming her primary loan rate is low because she purchased it several years ago.

I asked what the HELOC rate is and the bank won't tell her until they receive the letter of admin which she is working on. She is a young person who is trying to figure all of this out and has no experience and is overwhelmed. The property is not a rental at this time, but a different family member is living in the home. She does not want the family member to pay rent, but they are taking care of other expenses and maintenance which she feels is a fair exchange. She is not living there herself at this time but in her primary home in another state.

She is wondering if she should put it into a new trust under her name.  Anyone who has experience or info that can help her, your input is greatly appreciated.  

Thanks!

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  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    3y

    @Dawn B. There is no need to be in a rush to pay off the heloc, just make sure to keep up with the payments. I think she could at least charge the family member enough to cover the heloc payments, as what they are covering with the property is likely much much lower than rent would be. No need to put the trust unless there are some unique personal circumstances, just make sure she has the proper (non owner occupied) insurance. 

  • Accountant · McKinney, TX · Member since 2023 · 394 posts · 580 votes
    3y

    More facts and information is needed about her overall situation as you seem to understand (ie interest rates).  I would suggest she discuss with a trusted financial/tax professional that can offer a few different options and help allay her concerns and fear.    

  • Homeowner · Member since 2023 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    3y

    I was just told the HELOC is 6.25%. Her primary mortgage rate is 3.25. Since she can't write anything off per my understanding, it seems that paying it off may make sense unless she has somewhere else to put the money that would earn more than that.

  • Kerry BairdPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y
    She needs to seek legal counsel regarding the trust aspect.  Do not take legal advice from this, or any other, forum. 
  • Homeowner · Member since 2023 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    3y

    Yes, I spoke w an attorney, thanks

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