Article: RISING RATES\ COSTS FOR HOME EQUITY LINES, A BIG SOURCE OF FINANCING FOR HOMEOWNERS, ARE STEADILY INCREASING.(MoneyWise)

Byline: Aleksandrs Rozens Associated Press

For Kim and James Merly, the home equity line of credit came in very handy -- it helped pay for their son's college education, a car and renovations of two rental properties.

Recently, the Fairfield, Conn., couple noticed their interest rate had jumped to 6 percent from the 4 percent they paid in January 2004 when they first opened the account. They decided it was time to pay off the credit line.

Homeowners nationwide have seen their home equity borrowing costs rise since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates more than a year ago. Many, like the Merlys, now want to pay off the loans, which ...

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