Home Equity Delinquencies Rise

The delinquency rate on home equity loans held by banks rose 13 basis points to 1.92% in the fourth quarter of last year, according to the American Bankers Association.However, delinquencies on other types of property secured consumer loans declined, according to the ABA. The delinquency rate on home equity lines of credit was steady at 0.57%, the lowest rate posted on any consumer credit category in the ABA survey. The mobile home delinquency rate improved to 2.82%, down from 3.24% in the third quarter. And the delinquency rate on property improvement loans fell to 1.29% in the fourth quarter, down from 1.68% in the third. James Chessen, the ABA's chief economist, said the rise in home equity delinquencies was not a surprise "given the weaknesses in the housing market."