PaymentMath

Mortgage & money

Second mortgage calculator

Quick answer: A second mortgage is a loan behind your first mortgage, usually a fixed home equity loan or a HELOC. Enter your home value, first mortgage balance and the amount you want, and see the payment and the combined loan-to-value lenders look at.

  • Standard finance formulas · rates you enter
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  • Reviewed by Alex · How we calculate

A second mortgage is a loan behind your first mortgage, usually a fixed home equity loan or a HELOC. Enter your home value, first mortgage balance and the amount you want, and see the payment and the combined loan-to-value lenders look at.

Where do these numbers come from?

How we calculateCorrectionsChangelogAbout PaymentMath

Combined loan-to-value

CLTV = (first mortgage + second mortgage) ÷ home value. Many lenders cap it at 80%–90%. On a $400,000 home with $200,000 owed, 85% CLTV leaves room for $140,000.

Home valueFirst mortgageRoom at 80%Room at 85%Room at 90%
$300,000$150,000$90,000$105,000$120,000
$400,000$200,000$120,000$140,000$160,000
$500,000$300,000$100,000$125,000$150,000
$600,000$450,000$30,000$60,000$90,000

Payment on a second mortgage (example 8.25%)

Amount10 years15 years20 years
$25,000$306.63$242.54$213.02
$50,000$613.26$485.07$426.03
$75,000$919.89$727.61$639.05
$100,000$1,226.53$970.14$852.07

Second mortgage, HELOC or cash-out refinance?

A fixed second mortgage keeps your first-mortgage rate and gives a fixed payment. A HELOC is a variable line you draw as needed. A cash-out refinance replaces the first mortgage, which only makes sense if the new rate is not much higher than your current one.

Your home secures a second mortgage; missed payments can lead to foreclosure.

Example rates are for comparison only, not offers or current quotes. Your rate depends on credit, loan-to-value and lender.

Sources and assumptions

Related

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow on a second mortgage?

Usually up to 80%–90% of the home value minus your first mortgage balance, subject to credit and income.

Is a second mortgage the same as a home equity loan?

A home equity loan is the most common kind of second mortgage. A HELOC in second position is also a second mortgage.