Latest news with #SarahRose
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HELOC rates plunge to lowest level since May; home equity loans hold steady
Something we haven't seen in months: a drop for HELOC rates — and a big one to boot. The average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) fell 13 basis points to 8.13 percent, according to Bankrate's national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the average rate on a $30,000 home equity loan was unchanged for the third week in a row, holding at 8.25 percent. Shop Top Mortgage Rates A quicker path to financial freedom Personalized rates in minutes Your Path to Homeownership Sarah Rose, senior home equity manager at Affinity Federal Credit Union, says now is a good time to tap into your home equity with a HELOC or home equity loan; homeowners should be on the lookout for teaser offers on the credit lines in particular. 'There are a lot of companies offering introductory rate offers that can save consumers hundreds in interest,' she says. 'Consolidating high-interest credit cards and loan debt into a low-rate home equity loan or HELOC is proving to be beneficial for a lot of borrowers right now.' Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low HELOC 8.13% 8.27% 9.37% 8.46% 7.90% 5-year home equity loan 8.25% 8.26% 8.59% 8.38% 8.23% 10-year home equity loan 8.41% 8.42% 8.72% 8.51% 8.38% 15-year home equity loan 8.28% 8.35% 8.69% 8.44% 8.28% What's driving home equity rates today? Rates on HELOCs and home equity loans are being driven primarily by two factors: lender competition for new customers and the Federal Reserve's actions. The Fed especially impacts the cost of variable-rate products like HELOCs. Both HELOC and home equity loan rates have declined substantially from highs in 2024, although HELOC rates have rebounded somewhat from lows they hit earlier this year. Still, Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride is holding to his forecast that home equity rates will decline in 2025, with HELOCs averaging 7.25 percent and home equity loans coming in at 7.90 percent. 'Both are still well within the realm of possibility if the Fed resumes cutting interest rates in the second half of the year,' McBride says. Learn more: How the Federal Reserve affects HELOCs and home equity loans Current home equity rates vs. rates on other types of credit Because HELOCs and home equity loans use your home as collateral, their rates tend to be much less expensive — more akin to current mortgage rates — than the interest charged on credit cards or personal loans, which aren't secured. Credit type Average rate HELOC 8.13% Home equity loan 8.25% Credit card 20.13% Personal loan 12.58% The individual offer you receive on a particular HELOC or new home equity loan reflects additional factors like your creditworthiness and financials. Then there's the value of your home and the size of your ownership stake. Lenders generally limit all your home loans (including your mortgage) to a maximum 80 to 85 percent of your home's worth. Keep in mind: Even if you're able to secure a favorable rate from a lender, home equity products are still relatively high-cost debt. 'Many homeowners are sitting on a mountain of home equity, but borrowing against it is still costly, with the average rate still over 8 percent and many lenders charging double-digit interest rates,' McBride says. 'This is not the low-cost form of borrowing that homeowners had become accustomed to for many years. So if you must borrow, have a game plan for paying it back.' Home equity trends Real estate is Americans' second-most popular long-term investment, according to Bankrate's 2025 Long-Term Investment Survey. HELOC balances rose in Q2 2025 for the 13th consecutive quarter, by $9 billion to $411 billion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In the second quarter of 2025, more than 47% of mortgaged residential properties were considered equity-rich — meaning, the outstanding loan balance totaled no more than half of their estimated market value, according to ATTOM Data Solutions. Home equity borrower usage specifically for home renovations represents 46% of loan volume, while debt consolidation represents 39%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Methodology The national survey of large lenders is conducted weekly. To conduct the National Average survey, Bankrate obtains rate information from the 10 largest banks and thrifts in 10 large U.S. markets. In the national survey, our Market Analysis team gathers rates and/or yields on banking deposits, loans and mortgages. We've conducted this survey in the same manner for more than 30 years, and because it's consistently done the way it is, it gives an accurate national apples-to-apples comparison. Unlock your home's value Achieve your financial goals with predictable payments on a lump-sum home equity loan. Explore offers Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Plea to Aussies after 'terrible' discovery in car park amid growing trend
An urgent appeal has been launched by authorities after three 10-week-old puppies, each suffering from a severe skin condition, were dumped in a car park last week. The puppies were left behind pet charity Safe Pets Safe Families in the Adelaide suburb of Marleston. They were rushed for emergency treatment as soon as they were discovered, with the dermatitis and alopecia they were suffering from likely a result of fleas or mites — something they probably had for several weeks and received no treatment for. It is unknown what breed the puppies are. The person allegedly responsible for the puppy abandonment was caught on CCTV, and the RSPCA are now appealing to the public for any information in a bid to identify them. "These puppies have been left in terrible discomfort," RSPCA SA Head of Animal Welfare, Andrea Lewis, said. "We urge anyone who has information about this case, or who can help identify those responsible, to please contact us immediately. We are also keen to locate the puppies' mother to ensure her welfare." Anyone with information has been encouraged to contact the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty hotline on 1300 477 722. 🐶 Pet owner's urgent warning after dog almost dies following trip to beach 📬 Australia Post makes big move after alarming increase in attacks 🪦 New rule change legalises common pet act in graveyards Yahoo News has reported on countless incidents of puppy dumping, including dogs being ditched in bushland in Sydney's west, a box crammed full of newborns left in the blistering heat in a park and more found by the side of a road in Perth. There has been an increase in animal dumping in recent years, and animal welfare advocate Sarah Rose — who found the dogs in the bushland in Sydney last year — believes both backyard breeding and irresponsible pet ownership is driving the issue. "People need to understand before they purchase a dog in particular, there are long-term responsibilities that come with pet ownership, even if their circumstances change," she told Yahoo previously. "There is an animal welfare crisis and epidemic occurring with our companion dogs. It's an absolute disgrace. Backyard breeding must be outlawed, it is contributing to countless dogs being dumped." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Glasgow Times
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow artist reimagining energy systems at Tramway
Torpor, a new exhibition by Glasgow-based artist Sarah Rose, is on display at Tramway, the international art space in the city's South Side. The exhibition brings together sculpture, sound, and installation to explore ecological and environmental themes. Its title, Torpor, refers to a state of dormancy that some animals enter during periods of extreme heat or resource scarcity. Read more: Glasgow artist unveils nine vibrant portraits at iconic venue Sarah uses industrial by-products, waste materials, and found objects in her work, transforming them into thought-provoking artworks. The exhibition strives to pose the question: 'What might a feminist energy system look like?' It draws on histories of resistance, such as the Pollok Free State and the co-operative wind turbine in New York, as well as ongoing research into alternative energy infrastructures and interspecies collaboration. The Orkney Islands have also been a key source of inspiration for the artist, particularly after a research trip to the European Marine Energy Centre, which focuses on wave and tidal power. Read more: Joan Eardley sketches of Glasgow street kids to be auctioned Sarah harnesses solar energy to power kinetic sculptures and prototype animal habitats. Among the works are a maternity box for bats and glass insulators from electricity pylons transformed into moth-friendly bird feeders. This work invites visitors to reflect on energy conservation and resistance to constant productivity. The exhibition is supported by The Foundation Foundation, Creative Scotland, and Polysolar. Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5pm, Saturday from noon to 6pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm.
