Latest news with #HELOC
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The HELOC rate today, July 21 2025: Home equity line of credit rates continue to be stable
The HELOC interest rate is still under 8.75%. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell remains clearly in the "wait and see" mode; however, on Friday, Fed Governor Christopher Waller called for a rate cut at the July 30 meeting. While that is a long shot, whenever short-term interest rates are lowered, the prime rate will fall, and as a result, home equity line of credit interest rates may ease a bit. Of course, a HELOC often comes with a limited-time introductory rate that's slightly below market. Then, if rates fall, you'll get the benefit when your variable rate is triggered. Now, let's check the latest HELOC rate. Dig deeper: HELOC vs. cash-out refinance — Which is better? HELOC rates Monday, July 21, 2025 According to Bank of America, the largest HELOC lender in the country, today's average APR on a 10-year draw HELOC is 8.72%. That is a variable rate that kicks in after a six-month introductory APR, which is 6.49% in most parts of the country. Homeowners have a huge amount of value tied up in their houses — more than $34 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve. That's the third-largest amount of home equity on record. With mortgage rates lingering in the high 6% range, homeowners are not likely to let go of their primary mortgage anytime soon, so selling the house may not be an option. Why let go of your 5%, 4% — or even 3% mortgage? Accessing some of the value locked into your house with a use-it-as-you-need-it HELOC can be an excellent alternative. How lenders determine HELOC interest rates HELOC interest rates are different from primary mortgage rates. Second mortgage rates are based on an index rate plus a margin. That index is often the prime rate, which today is 7.50%. If a lender added 1% as a margin, the HELOC would have a rate of 8.50%. Lenders have flexibility with pricing on a second mortgage product, such as a HELOC or home equity loan, so it pays to shop around. Your rate will depend on your credit score, the amount of debt you carry, and the amount of your credit line compared to the value of your home. And average national HELOC rates can include "introductory" rates that may only last for six months or one year. After that, your interest rate will become adjustable, likely beginning at a substantially higher rate. How a HELOC works You don't have to give up your low-rate mortgage to access the equity in your home. Keep your primary mortgage and consider a second mortgage, such as a home equity line of credit. The best HELOC lenders offer low fees, a fixed-rate option, and generous credit lines. A HELOC allows you to easily use your home equity in any way and in any amount you choose, up to your credit line limit. Pull some out; pay it back. Repeat. Meanwhile, you're paying down your low-interest-rate primary mortgage like the wealth-building machine you are. Look for introductory rates, but be aware of a rate adjustment later Today, FourLeaf Credit Union is offering a HELOC rate of 6.49% for 12 months on lines up to $500,000. That's an introductory rate that will convert to a variable rate later. When shopping lenders, be aware of both rates. And as always, compare fees, repayment terms, and the minimum draw amount. The draw is the amount of money a lender requires you to initially take from your equity. The power of a HELOC is tapping only what you need and leaving some of your line of credit available for future needs. You don't pay interest on what you don't borrow. HELOC rates today: FAQs What is a good interest rate on a HELOC right now? Rates vary so much from one lender to the next that it's hard to pin down a magic number. You may see rates from nearly 7% to as much as 18%. It really depends on your creditworthiness and how diligent a shopper you are. Is it a good idea to get a HELOC right now? For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and a chunk of equity in their house, it's probably one of the best times to get a HELOC. You don't give up that great mortgage rate, and you can use the cash drawn from your equity for things like home improvements, repairs, and upgrades. Of course, you can use a HELOC for fun things too, like a vacation — if you have the discipline to pay it off promptly. A vacation is likely not worth taking on long-term debt. What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity line of credit? If you take out the full $50,000 from a line of credit on a $400,000 home, your payment may be around $395 per month with a variable interest rate beginning at 8.75%. That's for a HELOC with a 10-year draw period and a 20-year repayment period. That sounds good, but remember, it winds up being a 30-year loan. HELOCs are best if you borrow and pay back the balance in a much shorter period of time.
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Latest HELOC & Home Equity Loan Rates: July 21, 2025
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their homes. A home equity loan is a fixed-rate, lump-sum loan that allows homeowners to borrow up to 85% of their home's value and pay that amount back in monthly installments. A home equity line of credit is a variable-rate second mortgage that draws on your home's value as a revolving line of credit. Both options use your property as collateral for your payments, which means your lender can seize your property if you can't repay what you borrow. Ideal for Medium-Sized Projects A $100K HELOC is suitable for more extensive renovation projects or other significant financial needs. Compare the rates and terms to find the best fit for your situation. Access More Funds for Major Investments For larger projects or investments, a $250K HELOC provides the necessary funds with various LTV options. Explore these rates to determine the right balance between borrowing capacity and risk. Maximize Your Borrowing Power If you have substantial equity in your home and need significant financing, a $500K HELOC offers a great deal of borrowing power. Evaluate these options to find the optimal rate and term for your goals. A 5-year term offers a shorter repayment period with typically higher monthly payments. These products are suitable for borrowers looking for a quicker payoff. With a 10-year term, borrowers can enjoy a balanced monthly payment while still building equity quickly. 10-year home equity loans are ideal for medium-sized projects or financial needs. A 15-year term provides lower monthly payments compared to shorter terms, offering more affordability while still progressing toward your financial goals. Offering longer repayment and lower monthly payments, 20-year home equity loans are suitable for larger investments and long-term financial planning. The 30-year term maximizes affordability with the lowest monthly payments. These options are best for substantial borrowing needs and long-term investments. Home equity represents how much you own of your home compared to what the bank or mortgage lender owns. If you've paid off your home in full, you have 100% equity. You can utilize your home's equity without paying off your home in full, whether through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). You can use your home's equity for home improvements, repairs, debt consolidation and educational costs, among other things. A home equity line of credit, often referred to as a HELOC, lets homeowners convert the equity in a residential property into cash through a revolving line of credit that's secured by your home. When you get a HELOC, you can take the money available in installments as you need it and pay interest only on what you use. You'll calculate your home equity by taking your home's current value - based on its most recent appraisal - and subtracting it from your current mortgage balance. For example, say your home is valued at $500,000 and your mortgage's outstanding balance is $250,000. This would mean you have $250,000 in home equity, and your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) would be 50%. If you're looking for a home equity loan or line of credit, lenders usually only approve up to a certain LTV ratio. For example, some lenders require 80% LTV or less.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HELOC rates today, July 20, 2025: Home equity line of credit rates are unchanged, remaining under 9%
The HELOC interest rate is standing firm. There has been little rate volatility in recent months, and with financial interest rates, including mortgage rates, remaining calm, a home equity line of credit could be an excellent choice to access some of your home's cash value. A HELOC allows you to qualify once and then use it again and again. Home improvements? As you wish. Unexpected expense? You're already approved. High-interest credit card debt? Paid off. Now, the details on the HELOC rate today. Dig deeper: Is it a good idea to get a HELOC? Here are the pros and cons. This embedded content is not available in your region. HELOC rate Sunday, July 20, 2025 According to Bank of America, the largest HELOC lender in the country, today's average APR on a 10-year draw HELOC remains 8.72%. That is a variable rate that kicks in after a six-month introductory APR of 6.49% in most U.S. states. Homeowners have a staggering amount of value tied up in their houses — more than $34 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve. That's the third-largest amount of home equity on record. With mortgage rates lingering in the high 6% range, homeowners are not going to let go of their primary mortgage anytime soon, so selling a house may not be an option. Why let go of your 5%, 4% — or even 3% mortgage? Accessing some of that value with a use-it-as-you-need-it HELOC can be an excellent alternative. How lenders determine HELOC interest rates HELOC interest rates are different from primary mortgage rates. Second mortgage rates are based on an index rate plus a margin. That index is often the prime rate, which today is 7.50%. If a lender added 1% as a margin, the HELOC would have a rate of 8.50%. Lenders have flexibility with pricing on a second mortgage product, such as a HELOC or home equity loan, so it pays to shop around. Your rate will depend on your credit score, the amount of debt you carry, and the amount of your credit line compared to the value of your home. And average national HELOC rates can include "introductory" rates that may only last for six months or one year. After that, your interest rate will become adjustable, likely beginning at a substantially higher rate. How a HELOC works You don't have to give up your low-rate mortgage to access the equity in your home. Keep your primary mortgage and consider a second mortgage, such as a home equity line of credit. The best HELOC lenders offer low fees, a fixed-rate option, and generous credit lines. A HELOC allows you to easily use your home equity in any way and in any amount you choose, up to your credit line limit. Pull some out; pay it back. Repeat. Meanwhile, you're paying down your low-interest-rate primary mortgage like the wealth-building machine you are. This embedded content is not available in your region. Look for introductory rates, but be aware of a rate adjustment later Today, LendingTree is offering a HELOC rate of 6.50% for a credit line of $150,000. That's likely an introductory rate that will convert to a variable rate later. When shopping lenders, be aware of both rates. And as always, compare fees, repayment terms, and the minimum draw amount. The draw is the amount of money a lender requires you to initially take from your equity. The power of a HELOC is tapping only what you need and leaving some of your line of credit available for future needs. You don't pay interest on what you don't borrow. HELOC rates today: FAQs What is a good interest rate on a HELOC right now? Rates vary so much from one lender to the next that it's hard to pin down a magic number. You may see rates from nearly 7% to as much as 18%. It really depends on your creditworthiness and how diligent a shopper you are. Is it a good idea to get a HELOC right now? For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and a chunk of equity in their house, it's probably one of the best times to get a HELOC. You don't give up that great mortgage rate, and you can use the cash drawn from your equity for things like home improvements, repairs, and upgrades. Of course, you can use a HELOC for fun things too, like a vacation — if you have the discipline to pay it off promptly. A vacation is likely not worth taking on long-term debt. What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity line of credit? If you take out the full $50,000 from a line of credit on a $400,000 home, your payment may be around $395 per month with a variable interest rate beginning at 8.75%. That's for a HELOC with a 10-year draw period and a 20-year repayment period. That sounds good, but remember, it winds up being a 30-year loan. HELOCs are best if you borrow and pay back the balance in a much shorter period of time.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HELOC rates today, July 19, 2025: Affordable rates continue
The national average HELOC interest rate remains unchanged this weekend. When you compare a home equity line of credit interest rate to other borrowing options, you are likely to find it is among your most affordable choices. Of course, that's because it is a second mortgage, with your home pledged as collateral. That gives you a lower interest rate compared to non-secured loans. But it also comes with an essential responsibility. You'll want to use your HELOC for worthy expenses — and repay it promptly. Your house is too important to risk. Now, let's check today's HELOC rate. Dig deeper: How to use a HELOC to pay off debt (and when it makes sense) This embedded content is not available in your region. HELOC rates Saturday, July 19, 2025 According to Bank of America, the country's highest-volume HELOC lender, today's average APR on a 10-year draw HELOC remains at 8.72%. That is a variable rate that kicks in after a six-month introductory APR, which is 6.49% in most states. Homeowners have a staggering amount of value tied up in their houses — more than $34 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve. That's the third-largest amount of home equity on record. With mortgage rates lingering in the high 6% range, homeowners are not going to let go of their primary mortgage anytime soon, so selling a house may not be an option. Why let go of your 5%, 4% — or even 3% mortgage? Accessing some of that value with a use-it-as-you-need-it HELOC can be an excellent alternative. Read more: How to get a HELOC in 6 steps How lenders determine HELOC interest rates HELOC interest rates are different from primary mortgage rates. Second mortgage rates are based on an index rate plus a margin. That index is often the prime rate, which today is 7.50%. If a lender added 1% as a margin, the HELOC would have a rate of 8.50%. Lenders have flexibility with pricing on a second mortgage product, such as a HELOC or home equity loan, so it pays to shop. Your rate will depend on your credit score, the amount of debt you carry, and the amount of your credit line compared to the value of your home. And average national HELOC rates can include "introductory" rates that may only last for six months or one year. After that, your interest rate will become adjustable, likely beginning at a substantially higher rate. How a HELOC works You don't have to give up your low-rate mortgage to access the equity in your home. Keep your primary mortgage and consider a second mortgage, such as a home equity line of credit. The best HELOC lenders offer low fees, a fixed-rate option, and generous credit lines. A HELOC allows you to easily use your home equity in any way and in any amount you choose, up to your credit line limit. Pull some out; pay it back. Repeat. Meanwhile, you're paying down your low-interest-rate primary mortgage like the wealth-building machine you are. This embedded content is not available in your region. Look for introductory rates, but be aware of a rate adjustment later Today, FourLeaf Credit Union is offering a HELOC rate of 6.49% for 12 months on lines up to $500,000. That's an introductory rate that will convert to a variable rate later. When shopping lenders, be aware of both rates. And as always, compare fees, repayment terms, and the minimum draw amount. The draw is the amount of money a lender requires you to initially take from your equity. The power of a HELOC is tapping only what you need and leaving some of your line of credit available for future needs. You don't pay interest on what you don't borrow. HELOC rates today: FAQs What is a good interest rate on a HELOC right now? Rates vary so much from one lender to the next that it's hard to pin down a magic number. You may see rates from nearly 7% to as much as 18%. It really depends on your creditworthiness and how diligent a shopper you are. Is it a good idea to get a HELOC right now? For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and a chunk of equity in their house, it's probably one of the best times to get a HELOC. You don't give up that great mortgage rate, and you can use the cash drawn from your equity for things like home improvements, repairs, and upgrades. Of course, you can use a HELOC for fun things too, like a vacation — if you have the discipline to pay it off promptly. A vacation is likely not worth taking on long-term debt. What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity line of credit? If you take out the full $50,000 from a line of credit on a $400,000 home, your payment may be around $395 per month with a variable interest rate beginning at 8.75%. That's for a HELOC with a 10-year draw period and a 20-year repayment period. That sounds good, but remember, it winds up being a 30-year loan. HELOCs are best if you borrow and pay back the balance in a much shorter period of time.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2025-HE1 (GSMBS 2025-HE1)
NEW YORK, July 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to 6 classes of mortgage-backed notes from GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2025-HE1 (GSMBS 2025-HE1), a $282.0 million RMBS transaction sponsored by Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company. GSMBS 2025-HE1 consists of first lien (7.1%) and second lien (92.9%) home equity line of credit (HELOC) loans. The underlying pool is seasoned approximately seven months and comprises 2,904 loans, with United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC (54.5%) as the largest contributing originator. The HELOCs are interest-only (IO) adjustable-rate mortgages, with initial draw windows of three (50.9%), five (18.7%) or ten (30.4%) years. Most loans feature 10-year or 20-year amortization terms after the IO period. IO periods range from 3 to 10 years and loan maturity terms range from 10 to 30 years. As of the June 30, 2025 cut-off date, the borrowers in the pool have drawn $282.0 million from a combined credit limit of $318.0 million for an aggregate utilization rate of 88.7%. KBRA's rating approach incorporated loan-level analysis of the mortgage pool through its Residential Asset Loss Model (REALM), an examination of the results from third-party loan file due diligence, cash flow modeling analysis of the transaction's payment structure, reviews of key transaction parties and an assessment of the transaction's legal structure and documentation. This analysis is further described in our U.S. RMBS Rating Methodology. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Related Publications RMBS KCAT GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust 2025-HE1 (GSMBS 2025-HE1) Tear Sheet Methodologies RMBS: U.S. RMBS Rating Methodology Structured Finance: Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology ESG Global Rating Methodology Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S. Doc ID: 1010465 View source version on Contacts Analytical Contacts Daniel Hall, Senior Director (Lead Analyst)+1 Bianca Rexach, Associate Director+1 Edward DeVito, Senior Managing Director (Rating Committee Chair)+1 Business Development Contact Daniel Stallone, Managing Director+1
