Does your home need repairs? Want a sparkling new bathroom or dream kitchen? The time has never been better to be a home-improvement loan-getter. Here's why. Interest rates for second mortgages and home-equity lines of credit are at a record low -- approaching their lowest point in 40 years. They're down more than one and one quarter points compared to this time last year. They're hovering just above the 5-percent mark, making financing terms for remodeling projects, and needed home repairs more attractive than ever. Financial experts advise not to delay as higher interest rates are probably on the way. And that's the On The House tip for today.