A 2nd Mortgage is a new loan that is taken out in addition to your primary mortgage. Upon closing, homeowners receive a lump sum of money, that is repaid over a fixed period of time, usually 20 to 30 years. Unlike and Equity Line of Credit, the monthly payment remains the same over the term of the loan, based on the total amount borrowed. This loan can be useful if you need funds for expenses like home improvements, debt consolidation, or other financial needs.