Pulling the Plug on Home Equity Lines of Credit

Countrywide Financial Corp. (CFC) sent letters to 122,000 customers last week telling them they could no longer borrow against their credit lines because the total debt on the home exceeded the market value of the property. The lender says it is using computer modeling to determine which of its customers would have their cash spigot shut off.

Among the lenders tightening as the Fed loosens, Chase Home Lending (JPM), which has been slowly raising credit standards since last summer, will start imposing new guidelines Monday that further restrict who will be granted a home equity line, the company said. This week, California homeowners can tap as much as 90% of the equity in their homes. Starting Monday, however, Chase won't let homeowners in certain parts of the state -- including Los Angeles, Orange and Imperial counties -- borrow more than 70% of the value of their homes.

Scott Gormley

Broker/Owner

Oak Valley Mortgage

Direct: 530-592-8362

Website: www.CALoan.com

"You Find the Perfect Home, We'll Find the Perfect Loan!"