Linda Bell
Senior Writer, Home Lending at Bankrate
Senior Writer & Home Lending Expert, Certified HELOC Specialist @Bankrate, Previously @NerdWallet, @Bloomberg & @FoxBusiness
Articles
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1 week ago |
bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal
The Federal Reserve stood pat on interest rates for the fourth meeting in a row, and home equity loans were flat — but HELOCs bumped up a bit. The average rate on the $30,000 HELoan remained at 8.25 percent for the third straight week. Meanwhile, the average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit rose five basis points to 8.27 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders.
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2 weeks ago |
bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal
The top stories in home equity, mortgages and real estateBuying a home might be the American dream, but owning one in 2025 comes with a hefty price tag — with ongoing expenses that many homeowners don’t see coming. A new study by Bankrate finds the average U.S. homeowner shells out more than $21,000 a year on hidden costs, with the biggest chunk (almost $9,000) going to home maintenance. See how your state ranks. Hard to believe we’re halfway through 2025.
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2 weeks ago |
bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal
Reversing its recent rise, the average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) fell five basis points this week. At 8.22 percent, it’s still holding close to its highest level of the year, however, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. On the flip side, the average rate on the $30,000 home equity loan was unchanged, remaining at 8.25 percent — a near-low in 2025.
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3 weeks ago |
bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal
Home equity rates are on an upward course again. In the most recent week, the average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) rose 13 basis points to 8.27 percent, close to the highest level we’ve seen since the beginning of the year, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, home equity loans ticked up too, but much more modestly — just one basis point.
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3 weeks ago |
bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal
In 2018, Shannon Martin and her husband snagged a deal on a rundown Victorian Era home. Recently, the couple decided to tackle some much-needed renovations to it. Phase one: They took out a $20,000 personal loan to repair the roof, fireplace and chimney. Phase two: Pay off the personal loan by taking out a larger home equity line of credit (HELOC) at a lower rate later this year, and use the extra funds to tackle additional fixes, like their failing fence. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.
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Paid off your HELOC early? You could still get hit with a surprise prepayment penalty. Here’s what to know and why it might still be worth it even with one. https://t.co/jazajWaK7P
Are you aware of the hidden costs of homeownership, averaging $21,400/year? 🌟 Highest costs: HI, CA, NJ. Lowest: WV, MS, IN. These expenses go beyond the mortgage—think property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. https://t.co/BSF5ERpvDe
Wondering if renting or buying makes more sense right now? My colleague Alex Gailey breaks down the numbers and may influence your own decision making. https://t.co/s06mIMOkpN