Core Insights - Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans (HELs) have seen a significant drop in interest rates, now averaging around 7.5% or lower, making them more affordable than in recent years [1][2] Interest Rates Overview - The national average HELOC rate is currently 7.25%, down 19 basis points from the previous month, while the average home equity loan rate is 7.56%, a decrease of three basis points [2] - These rates are applicable to applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of 70% [2] Home Equity Value - Homeowners have a record amount of equity tied up in their homes, totaling nearly $36 trillion at the end of Q2 2025, the highest ever reported [3] - With mortgage rates around 6%, homeowners are likely to retain their low-rate primary mortgages, making selling less appealing [3] Alternative Financing Options - Accessing home equity through second mortgages like HELOCs or HELs is presented as a viable alternative for homeowners [4] Pricing Mechanism - Home equity interest rates differ from primary mortgage rates, being based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75% [5] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, and rates can vary based on credit score, existing debt, and the credit line relative to home value [6] Lender Comparison - It is advisable for borrowers to shop around for the best rates and terms, as average national HELOC rates may include introductory rates that can change after a set period [6][9] - The best HELOC lenders typically offer low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines, allowing homeowners to utilize their equity flexibly [8] Current Offers - FourLeaf Credit Union is currently offering a HELOC rate of 5.99% for the first 12 months on lines up to $500,000, which will convert to a variable rate of 7.25% thereafter [9] Payment Structure - For a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate, the monthly payment during the 10-year draw period would be approximately $313, but the variable nature of the rate means payments may increase during the repayment period [13]

Core Insights - Current national average rates for home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loans (HEL) are decreasing, making second mortgage options more affordable for homeowners [1] - The average HELOC rate is currently 7.25%, down 19 basis points from the previous month, while the average home equity loan rate is 7.56%, a decrease of three basis points [2] Group 1: Rate Trends - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have $36 trillion of equity locked in their homes, indicating a significant opportunity for homeowners to access this equity through second mortgages [4] - HELOC rates are based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75%, leading to potential HELOC rates around 7.50% depending on lender margins [5] - Average national HELOC rates can include introductory rates that may only last for a limited time before becoming adjustable [6] Group 2: Product Comparison - A HELOC allows homeowners to draw from an approved line of credit as needed, while a home equity loan provides a lump sum [3] - Homeowners with low primary mortgage rates may find it advantageous to obtain a HELOC or HEL without sacrificing their favorable mortgage rate [11] - The best HELOC lenders offer low fees and flexible credit lines, while the best home equity loan lenders provide fixed rates for the duration of the repayment period [8][9] Group 3: Financial Implications - For a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate, the monthly payment during the 10-year draw period would be approximately $313, but this rate is variable and may increase during the repayment period [12] - Homeowners can utilize cash drawn from their equity for various purposes, including home improvements and repairs, making this an opportune time to consider a HELOC or HEL [11]

The national average rate for home equity lines of credit (HELOC) fell to a new low in well more than a year. The average home equity loan rate is down three basis points from last month. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Friday, January 9, 2026 According to Curinos data, the average HELOC rate is 7.25%, down 19 basis points from last month. The national average rate on a home equity loan is 7.56%, three basis points lower than one month ago. Both rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit scor ...

Core Insights - Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loan (HEL) rates are currently stable around 7.5%, providing homeowners with access to their home equity at favorable rates not seen in three years [1] Group 1: Current Rates and Trends - The average HELOC rate is reported at 7.44%, while the national average for home equity loans stands at 7.59%, based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a combined loan-to-value ratio of less than 70% [2] - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have approximately $36 trillion in equity locked in their homes, indicating a significant opportunity for homeowners to leverage this equity through second mortgages [4] Group 2: Product Comparison - A HELOC allows homeowners to draw from an approved line of credit as needed, while a home equity loan provides a lump sum payment [3] - Home equity interest rates differ from primary mortgage rates, typically based on an index rate plus a margin, with current prime rates at 6.75% [5] Group 3: Lender Considerations - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, making it essential for borrowers to shop around for the best rates, which can vary significantly based on creditworthiness and debt levels [6] - Some lenders may offer below-market introductory rates for HELOCs, which can last for a limited time before converting to a variable rate [9] Group 4: Financial Implications - For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates, obtaining a HELOC or HEL can be advantageous, allowing access to cash for home improvements or other expenses without sacrificing a favorable mortgage rate [12] - Monthly payments for a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would be approximately $313 during the draw period, but payments may increase during the repayment period due to variable rates [13]

Social Security was never meant to be the sole source of a person’s retirement income: rather, it was part of a three-pronged approach that also includes pensions and personal savings. However, in the private sector, traditional pensions have largely been replaced by DC plans.Nearly three in four Americans expect to rely on Social Security in retirement, according to research from Empower. (2) But with an average monthly check of $2,008.31 for retired workers (as of July 2025), that won’t be enough for most ...

Core Insights - National average rates for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans (HELs) are currently below 8%, marking the lowest levels in over 36 months [1] - The average HELOC rate is 7.44% and the average home equity loan rate is 7.59%, based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio of less than 70% [2] - Homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and significant equity in their homes are in a favorable position to access their home equity without losing their advantageous mortgage rates [3][12] Market Overview - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have approximately $36 trillion in equity locked in their homes, indicating a substantial opportunity for second mortgages like HELOCs and HELs [4] - Interest rates for home equity products are distinct from primary mortgage rates, often based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75% [5] Product Features - HELOCs typically offer variable interest rates, which can fluctuate, while HELs generally provide fixed rates throughout the loan term [6][7] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, making it beneficial for consumers to shop around for the best rates [6] - The best HELOC lenders provide low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines, allowing homeowners to utilize their equity as needed [8] Current Offers - LendingTree is currently offering a HELOC APR as low as 6.36% for a credit line of $150,000, although rates can vary significantly based on creditworthiness [9][11] - Monthly payments for a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would be approximately $313 during the 10-year draw period, but payments may increase during the repayment period due to variable rates [13]

Core Insights - Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans (HELs) are concluding 2025 at their lowest rates, making monthly payments more affordable for homeowners [1] - The national average monthly HELOC rate is currently 7.44%, while the average rate for home equity loans is 7.59% [2] - Homeowners have a record amount of equity, nearly $36 trillion, which is the highest ever reported, providing a significant opportunity for accessing home value [3] Interest Rate Dynamics - HELOC and HEL rates are distinct from primary mortgage rates, typically based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75% [4] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, and rates can vary based on credit score, debt levels, and home value [5] - Home equity loans generally do not have introductory rates, providing a fixed rate throughout the repayment period [6] Shopping for HELOCs and HELs - Homeowners can retain their low-rate primary mortgage while accessing home equity through HELOCs or HELs, which can be used for various financial needs [7] - FourLeaf Credit Union is currently offering a HELOC rate of 5.99% for the first 12 months, which will convert to a variable rate of 7.25% [8] - It is essential to compare fees and repayment terms when selecting lenders for HELOCs and HELs [9] Current Market Conditions - The national average for HELOCs is 7.44% and for home equity loans is 7.59%, serving as benchmarks for consumers [10] - Considering a HELOC or home equity loan now is advisable, as homeowners can utilize cash for improvements without losing their favorable primary mortgage rates [11] - A $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of approximately $313 during the draw period, but rates are typically variable [12]

Core Insights - The national average HELOC rate is projected to be at its lowest in three years by the end of 2025, with lenders adjusting their rates for 2026 borrowers [1] - The average national monthly HELOC rate is currently 7.44%, based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio of 70% [2] - Homeowners are facing challenges in accessing their home equity due to stagnant mortgage rates, despite having significant equity available [2][3] HELOC Rate Dynamics - HELOC rates differ from primary mortgage rates, being based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75% [4] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing HELOCs, and rates can vary significantly based on credit score, debt levels, and the credit line relative to home value [5] - Average national HELOC rates may include introductory rates that last for a limited time before becoming adjustable [5] Lender Offerings and Options - The best HELOC lenders provide low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines, allowing homeowners to access their equity as needed [6] - An example of a competitive offering is FourLeaf Credit Union, which provides a 5.99% APR for 12 months on lines up to $500,000, transitioning to a variable rate thereafter [7] - The flexibility of a HELOC allows homeowners to borrow only what they need, avoiding interest on unused credit [8] Current Market Conditions - HELOC interest rates can range widely from nearly 6% to 18%, depending on individual creditworthiness and shopping diligence [10] - For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and substantial equity, now is considered an advantageous time to obtain a HELOC for various purposes, including home improvements and personal expenses [11] - A typical monthly payment example for a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would be approximately $313 during the draw period, with payments increasing during the repayment phase [12]

Core Insights - The national average rate on home equity lines of credit (HELOC) has decreased in line with the prime rate, currently at 6.75%, with expectations for stabilization until the next Federal Reserve rate cut [1] - Home equity has reached a record high of nearly $36 trillion, indicating significant value tied up in residential properties [2] - The average weekly HELOC rate is reported at 7.44%, based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio of 70% [2] HELOC Interest Rates - HELOC interest rates are determined differently from mortgage rates, typically based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75% [4] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing HELOCs, influenced by factors such as credit score and debt levels, making it advisable for borrowers to shop around for the best rates [5] - National HELOC rates may include introductory offers that last for a limited time before adjusting to a higher rate [6] Market Trends - With mortgage rates remaining low, homeowners are less likely to sell their homes, making HELOCs an attractive option for accessing home equity without refinancing [3] - Lenders are responding to the Federal Reserve's rate cuts by offering lower introductory rates, such as FourLeaf Credit Union's 5.99% APR for 12 months on HELOCs up to $500,000 [8] Borrowing Considerations - When considering a HELOC, borrowers should compare rates, fees, repayment terms, and minimum draw amounts to find the best deal [9] - A HELOC allows homeowners to access only the amount needed from their equity, avoiding interest on unused credit [9] - For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and significant equity, now may be an optimal time to secure a HELOC for various uses, including home improvements or personal expenses [11] Payment Structure - For a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate, the monthly payment during the 10-year draw period would be approximately $313, with the understanding that rates are variable and payments may increase during the repayment period [12]

Core Insights - The national average HELOC rate is reaching new lows for 2025, with some lenders offering rates below 7% based on credit profiles [1] - The average HELOC rate for December 2025 is reported at 7.44%, with homeowners holding nearly $36 trillion in home equity, the highest ever recorded [2] - Homeowners are likely to retain their low-rate primary mortgages, making HELOCs an attractive option for accessing home equity without selling their homes [3] HELOC Rate Structure - HELOC interest rates differ from primary mortgage rates, typically based on an index rate plus a margin, with the current prime rate at 6.75% [4] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing HELOCs, and rates can vary significantly based on credit scores and debt levels [5] - Introductory rates may be offered, but they often convert to adjustable rates after a set period, which can be substantially higher [5][7] HELOC Functionality - A HELOC allows homeowners to access equity without giving up their low-rate primary mortgage, providing flexibility in borrowing [6] - The ability to draw only what is needed from the credit line means interest is only paid on borrowed amounts [8] - For example, a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of approximately $313 during the draw period, but rates are typically variable [12] Current Market Conditions - Rates for HELOCs can range from nearly 6% to as high as 18%, depending on individual creditworthiness and lender offerings [10] - It is considered a favorable time for homeowners with low primary mortgage rates to obtain a HELOC for various uses, including home improvements or personal expenses [11]