High utilization of HELOC impact on Credit Score

[Robert M.]

This has been discussed previously on Bigger Pockets and online, but answers are unclear (the online blog entries conflict wildly, see below for a couple of examples). I'm trying to get a handle on how much a high utilization rate on a HELOC will impact a person's credit score. I need to be sure I don't mess up my ability to refinance out of a construction loan in a few months. Does anyone have firsthand experience? I'm assuming a large HELOC ($50K+ available credit line) isn't factored into credit utilization the same as a credit card, but it would be great to know if we're talking a 15-20 vs 100 point drop when the utilization rate is really near 100%.

Special thanks to anyone who has used a HELOC who is willing to share information. I'd love to know the limit on the HELOC, utilization rate/amount, and the amount of the credit score impact. General comments/experiences are certainly welcome too, of course. Thanks in advance.

https://www.debt.org/real-esta...

https://www.credit.com/blog/ho...