Article: Equity-Line Promotions not Always Upfront

Home equity-line promotions are filling mailboxes and newspapers nationwide this spring, offering temptingly low, tax-deductible "teaser" rates, minimal or no fees and zero closing costs.

But smart-shopping consumers should do more than simply read the fine print evaluating competing equity-line offers. That's because the advertising disclosures alone may not tell you everything you need to know to make an intelligent decision.

First thing to remember: The bargain-basement rate that gets the big, bold print - "Prime plus 0 percent," "Prime plus 1/2 percent" - may not be what you get. Most major banks and mortgage firms that market equity lines reserve their big-headline rates solely ...

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