Don't use equity for home improvement

Cash should be king for a couple who are required to landscape their yard by this spring.

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Home Equity

Higher rates make HELOCs less appealing

story: The large pricing spread on today's HELOCs makes them a potentially poor borrowing option.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/higher-rates-make-helocs-less-appealing.aspx

posted 3/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

Home equity lenders may block refinance

story: Home equity lenders have to OK a refinancing, and many are saying no. They want the loan paid off.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/home-equity-lenders-may-block-refinance-1.aspx

posted 2/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

What home equity debt is

story: There are two types of home equity debt, and both are sometimes referred to as second mortgages.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/what-home-equity-debt-is-1.aspx

posted 2/13/2009 7:00:00 AM

Risks of high LTV loans

story: Watch out for high loan-to-value loans, which can sink you into debt for more than your home is worth.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/risks-of-high-ltv-loans.aspx

posted 2/6/2009 7:00:00 AM

Balloon loan pitfalls

story: Watch out for loan terms that end in surprise lump sum payments, often referred to as balloon payments.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/balloon-loan-pitfalls.aspx

posted 1/26/2009 7:00:00 AM

Refinancing a home equity loan

story: Consider refinancing your home equity loan when interest rates drop. Why? You could save money.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/refinancing-a-home-equity-loan.aspx

posted 1/19/2009 7:00:00 AM

No villains in home equity freeze

story: Borrowers may lament a HELOC freeze, but lenders are just protecting themselves, says Dr. Don Taylor.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/no-villains-in-home-equity-freeze.aspx

posted 1/16/2009 7:00:00 AM

Paying down HELOC may trigger freeze

story: Rushing to pay down a home equity line of credit opens you to the risk that the HELOC will be frozen.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/paying-down-heloc-may-trigger-freeze.aspx

posted 1/12/2009 7:30:00 AM

ID thieves target home equity lines

story: With identity theft on the rise, scammers are targeting homeowners with substantial equity in their homes.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/home-equity/id-thieves-target-home-equity-lines-1.aspx

posted 1/12/2009 7:00:00 AM

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Mortgages

A compilation of mortgage news, stories, columns, blogs and videos

Archive

First-time homebuying regrets

Article: A first-time homebuyer's inexperience can cause some costly mistakes.

Home values: 5 worst markets

Article: These cities had the biggest home value drops in 2011's fourth quarter, according to the NAR.

Home values: 5 best markets

Article: These cities had the biggest home value gains in 2011's fourth quarter, according to the NAR.

Banks make $25 billion mortgage settlement

Article: After months of negotiating, the nation's major lenders settle probes of underwater mortgages.

Mortgage rates inch up from record lows

Article: A good jobs report pushes up mortgage rates, which remain temptingly low for refinancers.

Interest Rate Roundup for Feb. 9, 2012

Article: See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards.

Mortgage rates for Feb. 9, 2012

Article: Mortgage rates moved slightly higher this week.

Home values

Article: Find the median single family home values by state.

Mortgage Rate Trend Index: Feb. 9, 2012

Article: Today's mortgage rates are anything but predictable. Here's what the experts have to say.

Don't overlook tax break of mortgage points

Article: When doing your taxes, don't overlook the points you paid to get a lower mortgage rate.

6 tips when buying a new home

Article: When you buy a brand-new home, you have to look for what's there -- and what's missing.

Can I lose homes in bankruptcy?

Article: Whether you're inside or outside of bankruptcy, losing your homes is a possibility.

Who loses when the lease-to-own term ends?

Article: The lease-to-own term has expired, and the home lost value. Can this deal be saved?

6 surprising IRA investment options

Article: Tired of plain vanilla holdings? You can try spicing things up if you can handle the risk.

Is cash-out refinancing right for you?

Article: Sometimes you need extra cash. This couple could benefit from cash-out refinancing.

Mortgage rates plunge to record lows again

Article: As mortgage rates dive, the president proposes a way to let more homeowners refinance.

Interest Rate Roundup for Feb. 2, 2012

Article: See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards.

Mortgage rates for Feb. 2, 2012

Article: This week brought record lows for mortgage rates.

How to lock a mortgage rate

Article: Lock a low mortgage rate by comparing a lineup of rates and taking care of timing.

How can I cut my down payment on a home?

Article: It's tough to lower a down payment at closing. Maybe one of these options will cut your costs.

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