With today's relatively low interest rates and climbing property values, many consumers are considering taping into their home equity to finance everything from home improvement projects to debt consolidation.

Secured home loans, also called home equity loans, are loans backed by the borrower's equity in their property. Equity is the difference between your home's appraised value and the balance on your mortgage.

When a homeowner takes out a secured home loan, they promise to repay the lender and sign a contract that makes their home the collateral for the loan. If the borrower does not repay the loan as agreed, the lender has the right to foreclose on the home. Generally, loans are repaid with a monthly payment over a fixed term.

As interest rates and loan terms may vary widely depending on your credit score, your home equity, and the amount of the loan, it is important to compare several different lenders to ensure you are getting the best loan for your situation.

There are many advantages to secured home loans. Home equity loans generally have lower interest rates than unsecured loans. In addition, there are many different types of secured home loans to fit your needs.

When considering using your home as a security instrument to obtain a loan, it is important to consider the amount you can afford monthly. Although loans can be used for virtually anything, if you are going to use the money to make large purchase, make sure you are buying something that will outlast the life of the loan.

Remember, if you do not repay the loan as agreed, you may lose your home. While it may be smart to tap into equity for home improvement projects that will increase your property value, it may be foolish to put your home on the line for that dream vacation.