After declining for the past six years, Home Equity Loan (HELOC) originations rose 30 percent to almost $80 billion in 2012, the highest level since the start of the housing meltdown in 2008. A report issued by Moody’s Corp. anticipates that 2013 HELOC loans will rise another 31 percent to $104 billion, a sizeable increase in the number of mortgage signings year over year.
Since the onset of the financial crisis, banks had been hesitant to offer HELOCs because of declining home values. But with the economy and housing market gradually recovering, more institutions are issuing this type of loan. In a recent statement to the media, Mustafa Akcay, an economist with Moody’s, reported that “lenders have been worried about the ability of consumers to pay back their loans, and as the economy improves, that concern is easing.”
A survey of nationwide economists conducted by Bloomberg indicated that the economy would grow at a 2.2 percent pace in 2012 and may reach 2.5 to 3.0 percent in 2013. Home renovations and purchases of appliances and furnishings have picked up in the second half of this year, driving the demand for Home Equity Loans.
The surge in HELOCs is having a positive impact on lenders which may necessitate a need for additional Notaries either on staff or on-call for signings.