Everyone wishes to own a home at some or the other time in their lives. But not everyone has a huge resource in the bank that they can tap and purchase the home that they dream of. Some people have to look at other options that need to be used to buy a home. Home loans are one of those options, which have gained a lot of popularity in the last few decades. As realty continues to be a lucrative investment option as well, there are many who opt for home loans for this one reason. There are many home loan programs out there. So a bit of research on your part might be required to select the right home loan for you.

One of the best benefits of a home loan is that it can be the best way to wipe your debt slate clean and start your financial situation all over again. A home loan not only takes the pressure off, which lenders may currently putting you under, but can offer you the situation whereby you are only making one monthly repayment. In brief, it offers those in a seemingly hopeless situation that there is "life after debt".

The other benefits of a home loan are significant and should not be overlooked. They include:

"Home Improvements - A home loan is one of the best ways of raising cash for home improvements. This not only increases your standard of living but also helps you to be debt free faster.

"Low Interest Rate - The interest rates for a home loan can be extremely low as the loan is secured against your home. With most lenders, the fixed interest rate that applies to your loan is determined at the time of settlement.

"Pay Off Debt - The most beneficial part of a home loan is the fact that it will help you pay off your debts quickly. This leaves you stress relieved to enjoy greater things.

"Credit Rating - A home loan can actually improve your credit rating or prevent it from any further damage.

"Value based - Another benefit of Home Loans is that you can borrow up to 95% of the property valuation which is quite a good deal when compared to other loans.

"Convenient pay outs - Also you have a choice as to when you want to and when you find it convenient to prepay the loan. Loan repayments can be broken up into weekly, fortnightly or monthly installations of repayment giving you a wide range of options.

"Flexible payout period - you can pay off a home loan by setting up a loan for any period from five years up to 30 years. Over that period, your repayments are calculated so that in addition to meeting your monthly interest payment, you will be reducing the principle amount outstanding.

"Associated benefits - With a home loan you can also claim Home Loan benefits. In order to claim the deductionof the housing loan repayment, you are required to furnish a certificate from the lending institution stating the principal amount paid, as well as the interest amount due for the whole financial year. Usually, salaried employees obtain a provisional certificate from the lending institution in the month of February or March, which states the actual amount of installments paid and payable for the financial year.

By : Martin Lukac