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Borrowers Beware: Some DON'TS for Home Equity Loans

This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers | Last reviewed March 26, 2008

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The Federal Trade Commission has issued these recommendations to protect against losing your home to inappropriate lending practices.

  • DON'T agree to a home equity loan if you don't have enough income to make the monthly payments.
  • DON'T sign any document you haven't read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign.
  • DON'T let anyone pressure you into signing any document.
  • DON'T agree to a loan that includes credit insurance or extra products you don't want.
  • DON'T let the promise of extra cash or lower monthly payments get in the way of your good judgment about whether the cost you will pay for the loan is really worth it.
  • DON'T deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust.
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