Linda Bell's profile photo

Linda Bell

New York

Senior Writer, Home Lending at Bankrate

Senior Writer & Home Lending Expert, Certified HELOC Specialist @Bankrate, Previously @NerdWallet, @Bloomberg & @FoxBusiness

Articles

  • 1 week ago | bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal

    The top stories in home equity, mortgages and real estateThink your home equity credit line is safe? Think again. Not only is HELOC fraud on the rise, but it’s also sneaky and could drain your savings before you even notice. Find out how scammers can steal your money and the simple steps you can take to protect your hard-earned home equity funds. Fears about an economic downturn might have you thinking about putting homeownership plans on pause.

  • 1 week ago | cbs4local.com | Linda Bell

    Home equity news: Home prices hit another record while HELOC rates fallby Linda BellFri, May 30th 2025 at 12:56 PMflammulated/GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate

  • 1 week ago | bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal

    After rising for the last few weeks, the average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) reversed course, falling six basis points to 8.14 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the average rate on the $30,000 home equity loan at 8.24 percent was up a bit, but remained near its lowest level this year. Longer-term loans were virtually flat.

  • 2 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal

    Home equity rates are determined by both macroeconomic factors, like the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, and the borrower’s financial profile. Home equity loan and HELOCs rates are based on a benchmark interest rate (the “index”), plus an additional amount set by the lender (the “margin”). Lenders evaluate a borrower’s credit score, amount of home equity, loan amount, loan term, and type of property to determine their rate offer.

  • 2 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Linda Bell |Troy Segal

    A split decision for HELOC and home equity loan rates this week. The average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit rose six basis points to 8.20 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Conversely, home equity loan rates recorded their biggest drop of the year, with the average $30,000 home equity loan falling 13 basis points to 8.23 percent. The last time home equity loan rates were this affordable (and this close to HELOC rates) was back in May 2023.

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Linda Bell
Linda Bell @lindanbell
14 May 25

Home equity loans are everywhere, but not everyone qualifies. Here’s what you need to know about them and how you can boost your odds of approval. https://t.co/kt5yTBqPu7

Linda Bell
Linda Bell @lindanbell
12 May 25

Does buying a home feel out of reach? @Bankrate shows what income you really need to buy a home in each state—the results may surprise you. https://t.co/S1AvGHwjJL

Linda Bell
Linda Bell @lindanbell
8 May 25

Long-term care costs have skyrocketed, leaving many wondering how they’ll pay for it. Tapping into home equity may be an option. Here’s how it works and what to know first. https://t.co/5H8eSQ7rTi