Home Equity Loan Rates in Maine (November 2024)

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.

Maine's home equity loan rates are below national averages — 7.2% APR for a 10-year term (7.7% nationally) and 7.5% APR for a 15-year term (7.9% nationally). We've compiled detailed insights on current home equity loan rates in Maine, 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 Maine with an 80% LTV is 7.5%, compared to 7.6% for a 90% LTV.

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HEL rates vary by city in Maine. For 15-year loans, China has an average APR of 6.0%, whereas Naples's is 9.3%.

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Different lenders offer varying rates for the same loan types. Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Company's average APR is 5.6%, whereas First National Bank's is 9.1%.

MoneyGeek examined 28 different banks and credit unions in Maine 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 November 2024.

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Current Home Equity Loan Rates in Maine

The current average APR for a 15-year home equity loan in Maine is 7.5%, but several factors might affect what lenders offer. For instance, a higher credit score typically results in a lower APR, while a larger loan amount could increase the rate. Repayment terms also play a role in determining your rate. Compare the current home equity loan rates in Maine across different loan terms in the table below.

10Year7.2%
15Year7.5%
5Year6.9%

Interest rates for a home equity loan change daily. Keeping track of these changes can save you money by reducing the interest paid over the life of the loan. It also helps in consolidating high-interest debts, lowering your overall interest payments.

For instance, a $50,000 home equity loan with a 15-year term at a 7.5% APR results in a monthly payment of $464 and a total interest of $33,431. In comparison, a 10-year loan with a 7.2% APR has a monthly payment of $586 and a total interest of $20,285. Monitoring rates can help you choose the most cost-effective option.

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HOME EQUITY LOANS VS. HELOCS IN MAINE

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are popular options for homeowners to tap into their home's equity. In Maine, home equity loans have fixed rates, averaging 7.2%, while HELOC rates in Maine are variable, averaging 8.2%.

Fixed rates mean consistent monthly payments, providing financial predictability. Variable rates, like those of HELOC, can start lower but may increase, leading to higher payments over time.

Home Equity Loan Rates by LTV Ratio

The rate you qualify for depends on your loan-to-value ratio, which is how much 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 example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you owe $240,000 on your mortgage, your LTV ratio is 80%.

A higher LTV ratio means greater potential risk to lenders, resulting in higher rates. Currently, the average APR of a 15-year equity loan in Maine with an LTV ratio of 80% is 7.4%. It's 7.6% for an LTV ratio of 90%. Use the table to see what rates you might qualify for based on your LTV ratio.

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Repayment Terms:10Year
7.1%7.4%

Home Equity Loan Rates by City in Maine

Average APRs vary between cities in Maine. Cities with higher living costs may see slightly higher rates as lenders face increased operational expenses. Differences in property taxes or local fees also influence rates, affecting overall borrowing costs.

In Maine, Mount Desert has an average APR of 5.5%, while Milo has an average APR of 8.6%. Review the table to see the average home equity loan rates across Maine cities.

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City:Arundel
10Year6.4%
15Year6.4%
5Year6.4%

Home Equity Loan Lenders in Maine

Home equity loan rates in Maine vary considerably between lenders due to differences in policies, risk assessments, and market strategies. For instance, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Company offers the lowest average APR at 5.6%, while First National Bank has the highest at 9.1%.

Comparing rates and terms from different lenders is crucial for finding the lowest home equity loan rates. Explore the interactive table below to see which lenders offer the best rates in your city.

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City:Arundel
Empeople Credit Union6.4%
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COMPARING HOME EQUITY LOAN RATES: BANKS VS. CREDIT UNIONS

Including credit unions in your lender options can be beneficial for home equity loan rates in Maine. Commercial banks typically offer an average APR of 8%, while credit unions provide a lower rate of 7%. Credit unions often have stricter membership requirements, so it’s important to check eligibility criteria.

How to Get the Best Home Equity Loan Rate in Maine

Getting the best possible home equity interest rates can lower your monthly payments and decrease overall borrowing costs, allowing you to allocate funds to other financial goals. Imagine reducing your loan payments significantly by securing a favorable rate. To achieve the best home equity loan rates in Maine, consider these strategies:

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    Compare lenders

    Lenders may offer different APRs for the same loan amount and credit profile. Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Company offers an average APR of 5.6%, while First National Bank offers 9.1%. Comparing home equity loan lenders in Maine 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. Maine homeowners can increase their home's equity by insulation upgrades or adding sunrooms.

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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. The average credit score in Maine is 731, according to Experian.

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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

Provide your income and recurring payments to calculate your DTI.

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FAQ About Home Equity Loan Rates in Maine

MoneyGeek addresses common homeowner questions about home equity loan rates in Maine, offering clear and reliable insights. Homeowners can learn about factors affecting rates, such as credit scores and lender policies, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed financial decisions.

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

How do you calculate your home equity in Maine?

Do home equity loan rates vary between cities in Maine?

Does a home equity loan in Maine have tax benefits?

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

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

How do you get a home equity loan in Maine?

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

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

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

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

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA


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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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