Home Equity Loan Rates in Iowa (January 2025)

The equity in your home that you can access and borrow is known as tappable equity. A home equity loan (HEL) can help you maximize your home equity, whether you're looking to fund home improvement projects or consolidate debt.

Iowa's home equity loan rates are in line with national averages — 7.7% APR for a 10-year term and 8.0% APR for a 15-year term. We've compiled detailed insights on current home equity loan rates in Iowa, including city-specific rates, top lenders, and tips on securing the best rates for using your home's equity.

Key Takeaways

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Higher LTV ratios lead to higher rates. The average APR for a 15-year HEL in Iowa with an 80% LTV is 7.9%, compared to 8.1% for a 90% LTV.

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HEL rates vary by city in Iowa. For example, for 15-year loans, Emmetsburg has an average APR of 6.9%, whereas Decorah's is 10.0%.

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Different lenders offer varying rates for the same loan types. Financial Plus Credit Union's average APR is 5.5%, whereas North Star Community Credit Union's is 10.2%.

MoneyGeek examined 58 different banks and credit unions in Iowa using S&P Global's SNL Depository Rates dataset to stay current on the latest home equity loan rates.

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This data is accurate as of January 2025.

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Current Home Equity Loan Rates in Iowa

The current average APR for a 15-year home equity loan in Iowa is 8.0%, but several factors might affect what lenders offer. For instance, a higher credit score can lead to a lower APR, whereas a larger loan amount might increase it. Repayment terms also play a role in determining your rate. Check the table to compare the average APRs of home equity loans in Iowa across different loan terms.

10Year7.7%
15Year8.0%
5Year7.5%

Interest rates for a home equity loan change daily. Keeping track of these rate changes can help you pay less in interest over the life of the loan, saving you money. Additionally, knowing the current rates lets you accurately plan your budget and future expenses, ensuring you borrow within your means.

For example, consider a $50,000 home equity loan in Iowa. A 15-year loan with an 8.0% APR results in a monthly payment of $478 and a total interest of $36,009. In contrast, a 10-year loan with a 7.7% APR has a monthly payment of $599 and a total interest of $21,849. Monitoring rates can help you choose the most cost-effective option.

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HOME EQUITY LOANS VS. HELOCS IN IOWA

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are popular options for homeowners to tap into their home's equity. In Iowa, home equity loans have fixed rates, averaging 7.7%, while HELOC rates in Iowa are variable, averaging 8.2%. Home equity loan rates in Iowa offer stability, whereas HELOCs provide flexibility.

Fixed rates mean predictable monthly payments, which can help with budgeting. On the other hand, variable HELOC rates in Iowa might start low but can increase, potentially leading to higher payments over time. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your financial situation.

Home Equity Loan Rates by LTV Ratio

The rate you qualify for depends on your loan-to-value ratio, which is the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to your home's appraised value. To calculate your LTV ratio, divide your current mortgage balance by your home's appraised value and multiply by 100. For instance, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you owe $240,000, your LTV ratio is 80%.

A higher LTV ratio indicates greater risk to lenders, leading to higher rates. In Iowa, the average APR for a 15-year equity loan with an LTV ratio of 80% is 7.9%, compared to 8.1% for a 90% LTV ratio. Check the table to see what rates you might qualify for based on your LTV ratio and average home equity loan rates.

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Repayment Terms:10Year
7.6%8.0%

Home Equity Loan Rates by City in Iowa

Average APRs vary between Iowa cities. In larger or more densely populated cities, more lenders compete, which can lead to lower interest rates. Differences in property taxes or local fees can also influence rates, affecting overall borrowing costs.

Clinton's average APR is 6.3%, while Ida Grove's is 10.2%. Below is a table showing the cities in Iowa and their average home equity loan rates for different terms.

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City:Akron
10Year8.2%
5Year7.7%

Home Equity Loan Lenders in Iowa

Home equity loan rates in Iowa vary significantly between lenders, reflecting differences in policies, risk assessments and market strategies. For instance, Financial Plus Credit Union offers the lowest average APR at 5.5%, while North Star Community Credit Union has the highest at 10.2%. Comparing rates and terms from different lenders is key to securing the lowest home equity loan rates.

Explore the interactive table below to see which lenders offer the lowest rates in your city. This tool can help you make informed decisions by providing a comprehensive view of available options.

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City:Akron
The Security National Bank of Sioux City, Iowa8.0%
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COMPARING HOME EQUITY LOAN RATES: BANKS VS. CREDIT UNIONS

Considering credit unions for home equity loans in Iowa can be beneficial. While commercial banks in Iowa have an average APR of 7.8%, credit unions offer a slightly lower rate of 7.6%. Credit unions typically provide lower rates but might have stricter membership requirements. Evaluating these options can help in finding the most cost-effective lender.

How to Get the Best Home Equity Loan Rate in Iowa

Getting the best home equity interest rates can significantly enhance your borrowing experience by lowering monthly payments and overall costs. Imagine using these savings to fund a home renovation or pay off other debts. To secure the best home equity loan rates in Iowa, consider these strategies:

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    Compare lenders

    Lenders may offer different APRs for the same loan amount and credit profile. For instance, First Class Community Credit Union advertises an average APR of 5.8%, while Premier Credit Union offers 8.5%. Comparing different home equity loan lenders in Iowa can help you find better rates.

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    Increase your home's equity

    Having more equity in your home can result in more competitive rates from lenders. Iowa homeowners can increase equity by installing energy-efficient windows or finishing basements.

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    Improve your credit score

    Increasing your credit score can lead to more competitive home equity loan rates. Pay bills on time and reduce credit card debt to improve your credit score. According to Equifax, the average credit score in Iowa is 719.

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    Decrease debt-to-income ratio

    A lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts — can lead to better rates as lenders see you as a less risky borrower.

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Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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FAQ About Home Equity Loan Rates in Iowa

MoneyGeek addresses common homeowner questions about home equity loan rates in Iowa, offering clear and reliable information. Iowa residents can better understand their home financing choices by focusing on factors like lender options and credit scores.

What is the interest rate on a home equity loan in Iowa?

How do you calculate your home equity in Iowa?

Do home equity loan rates vary between cities in Iowa?

Does a home equity loan in Iowa have tax benefits?

What are possible drawbacks of securing a home equity loan in Iowa?

How long does it take to get a home equity loan in Iowa?

How do you get a home equity loan in Iowa?

What can I use my funds for? Are there any home equity loan use restrictions in Iowa?

Can you only take out a home equity loan in Iowa on your primary residence?

What other home equity products can you consider if you want to tap into your home's equity in Iowa?

What's the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA


Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.


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