According to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed refinancing rate as of Jan. 8 was 6.54%, and 5.65% for a 15-year term (1). Fannie Mae’s latest housing forecast projected the average 30-year fixed mortgage rates would be 6.2% in the first quarter of 2026 and decline to 5.9% by year-end (2). Despite these projected improvements, interest rates are still higher than those seen in 2020 and 2021. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed above 6% in 2022, and it has not fallen below 6% since, per the Fede ...

Rates for home equity lines of credit and home equity loans are hovering over 7.5%. HELOCs and HELs are the most affordable in a long time, giving homeowners a price break when tapping their home's value — without selling or refinancing into a higher mortgage rate. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Today's national average monthly HELOC rate is 7.44%. The average rate on a home equity loan is 7.59%, according to data analytics company Curinos. Both rates are based on applicant ...

Core Insights - Current national average rates for home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loans (HEL) are in the mid-7% range, making them more affordable than three years ago [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 home equity may find it advantageous to obtain a HELOC or HEL for cash needs without sacrificing their favorable mortgage rates [12] Interest Rate Dynamics - 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% [5] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, and rates can vary significantly based on credit score and debt levels [6] - Average national HELOC rates can include introductory rates that may only last for a limited time before becoming adjustable [6] Loan Options and Features - A HELOC allows homeowners to draw from an approved line of credit as needed, while a home equity loan provides a lump sum [3] - The best HELOC lenders offer low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines, with some promotional rates available [8] - Home equity loans typically have fixed rates for the duration of the repayment period, making them easier to compare [9] Market Context - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have $36 trillion in equity locked in their homes, indicating a significant opportunity for second mortgages [4] - The current average rates for HELOC and HEL serve as benchmarks for homeowners when shopping for second mortgage lenders [11] - Homeowners can utilize cash drawn from their equity for various purposes, including home improvements and repairs, making this a potentially favorable time for obtaining these loans [12]

Core Insights - Reverse mortgages can provide financial support for older adults with home equity but limited savings, allowing them to remain in their homes [1][4] - The potential risks include depleting home equity, which may limit future housing options such as downsizing or moving to assisted living [5] - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights that reverse mortgages increase debt due to fees and accruing interest, contrasting with traditional mortgages that build equity [6] Financial Considerations - Veronica's mother has a home valued at $1.5 million and a reverse mortgage of $500,000, which has now been exhausted [2] - Veronica plans to withdraw $250,000 from her $800,000 401(k) to pay off the reverse mortgage, alongside using cash savings [3] - There are uncertainties regarding the tax implications of 401(k) withdrawals and the possibility of obtaining a new mortgage on her mother's house [3][4]

National average HELOC and home equity rates remain near 7.5%. If your new year resolutions include home upgrades or reducing high-interest debt, home equity rates are in your favor. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Saturday, January 3, 2026 According to Curinos data, the average monthly HELOC rate is 7.44%. The national average rate on a home equity loan is 7.59%. Both rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of less than 70%. ...

The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is included among the 12 Best Income Stocks to Buy Now. Truist Sees Long-Term Upside for Home Depot (HD) Amid Tight Housing Supply ValeStock / Shutterstock.com On December 17, Truist raised its price target on The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) to $390 from $375 and kept a Buy rating. The call came as part of a broader research note looking ahead to 2026 for Hardlines and Broadlines consumer names. The analyst said some slowing trends in the second half of FY25 are likely to k ...

Core Insights - Home equity line of credit (HELOC) and home equity loan (HEL) rates are at their lowest levels in 2025, both hovering around 7.5% [1] - The average HELOC rate is currently 7.44%, while the national average for home equity loans is 7.59% [2] Home Equity Products Overview - A HELOC allows homeowners to draw from an approved line of credit as needed, while a HEL provides a lump sum [3] - Homeowners with low primary mortgage rates may find HELOCs or HELs beneficial to access their home equity without losing their favorable mortgage rate [4] Market Conditions - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have approximately $36 trillion in equity locked in their homes, indicating a significant opportunity for second mortgages [4] - Home equity interest rates differ from primary mortgage rates, often based on an index rate plus a margin, with current prime rates at 6.75% [5] Lender Considerations - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, making it essential for borrowers to shop around for the best rates [6] - HELOCs may feature below-market introductory rates that last for a limited time, after which rates can become adjustable [6][7] Finding the Best Lender - The best HELOC lenders typically offer low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines, allowing homeowners to utilize their equity flexibly [8] - For home equity loans, the fixed rate simplifies the borrowing process, as there are no draw minimums to consider [10] Current Rate Benchmarks - Current rates for HELOCs range from nearly 6% to 18%, with national averages at 7.44% for HELOCs and 7.59% for HELs serving as benchmarks [11] - Homeowners with significant equity and low primary mortgage rates are encouraged to consider HELOCs or HELs for various financial needs [12] 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 rates are variable and can increase during the repayment period [13]

Core Insights - The current national average HELOC rate is at its lowest since late 2022, making it an attractive option for homeowners seeking cash-on-demand financial tools [1] Group 1: HELOC Rates and Market Conditions - The average 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] - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have $36 trillion in equity locked in their homes, indicating significant potential for second mortgage HELOCs [3] - HELOC interest rates differ from primary mortgage rates, typically based on an index rate plus a margin, with the prime rate recently falling to 6.75% [4] Group 2: Lender Flexibility and Offerings - Lenders have flexibility in pricing HELOCs, and rates can vary significantly based on credit score, debt levels, and home value [5] - 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 offer includes FourLeaf Credit Union's introductory HELOC rate of 5.99% for 12 months on lines up to $500,000 [7] Group 3: Usage and Payment Structure - A HELOC allows homeowners to borrow only what they need, with interest charged only on the amount borrowed [8] - Monthly payments for a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would be approximately $313 during the 10-year draw period, but rates are typically variable and can increase during the repayment period [12]

President Donald Trump’s proposal to introduce 50-year mortgages promises smaller monthly payments, but borrowers would pay dramatically more in total interest and build home equity far more slowly. A new Realtor.com analysis found exactly how significant that extra interest could be, and in some cities, it’s nearly $1 million extra. The analysis compared mortgage costs for a traditional 30-year term versus a 50-year in three types of real estate markets. Crunching the numbers revealed an alarming truth: ...

Core Insights - HELOC rates are currently around 7%, making borrowing against home equity more affordable than in recent years [1] - The average HELOC rate is reported at 7.44%, based on high credit scores and low loan-to-value ratios [2] - Home equity has reached a record high of nearly $36 trillion, indicating significant value available for homeowners [2] HELOC Rates and Market Conditions - Mortgage rates remain low, leading homeowners to retain their primary mortgages instead of selling their homes [3] - HELOC interest rates are 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 individual creditworthiness [5][10] HELOC Features and Considerations - HELOCs allow homeowners to access equity without refinancing their primary mortgage, providing flexibility in borrowing [6] - Introductory rates can be attractive, but borrowers should be aware of potential rate adjustments after the initial period [7] - The ability to borrow only what is needed and pay interest only on that amount is a key advantage of HELOCs [8] Financial Implications - For a $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate, the monthly payment during the draw period would be approximately $313, but rates are variable [12] - Homeowners with low primary mortgage rates and significant equity may find HELOCs beneficial for various expenses, including home improvements and personal use [11]