Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview realtors/agents, smart home/remodeling/building experts, mortgage/lending professionals, and other housing experts for the following two stories:
TAPPING INTO YOUR HOMES EQUITY: WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER A HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT (HELOC). The demand for HELOCs started to surge last year and is only predicted to maintain its upward trajectory as mortgage rates start to increase, a new market report from Black Knight indicated; per the report, HELOC originations are on the rise, with total line amounts originated jumping 35% year-to-date over 2014 levels (By line amount, Q3 2015 2nd lien HELOC originations are up 20 percent from last year and up 35 percent year-to date; details athttp://tinyurl.com/juje9h9 ). Black Knight predicts that, as rates rise, HELOCs will continue to become more popular to homeowners looking to tap available credit. This story would delve into the findings of the report and what they mean to prospective HELOC borrowers, why it may be worthwhile to consider a HELOC, how to shop for one, and more. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
QUESTIONS:1. Why are HELOCs on the rise? What factors are responsible for this trend?2. What do the findings from the aforementioned report mean to prospective HELOC borrowers?3. Do you agree with Black Knight’s prediction that, as rates rise, HELOCs will continue to become more popular to homeowners seeking to tap available credit? Why/why not?4. Why should homeowners consider applying for a HELOC? And why now versus waiting? What type of borrower is best suited for a HELOC (please provide a real or hypothetical example, using details to illustrate the point)?5. What benefits can a HELOC provide over other borrowing options? What similar borrowing options are available that a homeowner should consider instead (e.g., standard home equity loan, cash out refinance, etc.)?6. How do you recommend a prospective borrower shop for a HELOC? Where should they begin their search, and how should they prepare?7. What are the criteria to qualify for a HELOC today?8. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?9. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?Keywords
realtors/agents, housing experts
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