Article: Equity-loan rates vary through city

If you are hunting for an affordable home equity loan or line of credit, shop around - interest rates and fees vary widely in the Chicago area.

Many home equity lines of credit currently offered by Chicago area lenders are variable-rate loans with initial rates ranging from 9 percent to 12.75 percent.

In many cases the payments are interest only on the portion of the credit line used.

"The downside on this loan is that the interest rate may rise," said Steve Stansbury, senior vice president of First Colonial Bank of Downers Grove.

"In some cases the rate can be higher than market rates, and monthly charges can fluctuate, making budgeting more difficult," Stansbury said.

Rate caps. ...

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