Here's a look at the state of home equity rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts conducted Jan. 13, 2010.

Home Equity

Rates on home equity products rose in this week's survey, although changes to the list of participating institutions made it difficult to compare this week's results to last week.

The average home equity line of credit, or HELOC, rose 16 basis points, to 5.71 percent. 

Home equity loan rates rose 3 basis points, to 7.84 percent.

However, this week's survey included changes to the list of participating institutions based on their relative size in the Boston, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco markets.

As a result, after adjusting for these changes, home equity loan rates actually fell when compared to last week's rates. Meanwhile HELOC rates did in fact rise, but more modestly than indicated by this week's survey results, according to Greg McBride, Bankrate senior financial analyst.

In both cases, movement was less than 5 basis points.

In other home equity news, the American Bankers Association reported that seasonally adjusted home equity loan delinquencies reached a record 4.3 percent of all accounts during the third quarter of 2009. Delinquencies on HELOCs also hit a new record, rising to 2.12 percent of all accounts.

To find the best home equity loan rates in your area, check Bankrate's interactive tool.

See all home equity loan rates content.

-- Chris Kissell