Agencies Issue Guidance for Home Equity Lines of Credit Nearing Their End-of-Draw Periods — 2014-06-30

WASHINGTON— Four federal financial institutions regulatory agencies and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) today issued guidance to financial institutions regarding home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) nearing their "end-of-draw" periods, which occurs when the principal amount of the HELOC must begin to be repaid. The guidance encourages financial institutions to effectively communicate with borrowers about the pending reset and provides broad principles for managing risk as HELOCs reach their end-of-draw periods. The agencies and CSBS recognize that financial institutions and borrowers may face challenges as HELOCs near their end-of-draw periods. Many borrowers will continue to meet their contractual obligation when their loan resets to an amortizing payment or reaches a balloon maturity. However, some may find it difficult to make higher payments or to refinance their existing loans due to changes in their financial circumstances or declines in property values.