When is the Right Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?
You've heard that interest rates are down and you think it could be time to refinance your existing mortgage, but the entire loan application process was so exhausting during the initial loan that you aren't sure it's worth the hassle. You could very well be right, but there are some things you can do to help decide whether it's time to refinance your mortgage.
The first thing you need to verify is the interest rate for your existing mortgage and the interest rates being offered across the board for new loans. If there's not at least a one and a half to two point difference, you're probably not going to be significantly better off to refinance your mortgage. Here's why.
Remember those closing costs on your initial mortgage? You probably paid for an appraisal, perhaps a home inspector's services and even a survey if you have rural property. Depending on how long it's been since your original loan, you may be faced with having all those processes repeated. Especially if you are going with another lender, have had the existing mortgage for at least two years, have made major modifications to your home or property, or have seen some significant variations in property values in your area, you're probably going to be required to have an appraisal at the very least. While it's not a huge cost for an appraisal, comparing that with the amount you're going to save on a slight drop in interest rates could show that it will take months to recoup that expense. Don't forget that you'll likely have some additional closing costs from the lender on the new mortgage (you are, after all, taking out a new mortgage even though you have an existing loan) and you may even be facing penalties for paying off your existing loan early. Weigh those costs against what you expect to save before you take this step.
So does that mean that you should never refinance an existing mortgage? Actually, there are plenty of opportunities when refinancing your mortgage makes good financial sense. If you've significantly increased the value of your home or have been paying for several years, you may have enough equity to qualify for a better interest rate. You may also lower monthly payments or refinance to make improvements. In the end, it's up to you to weigh the costs of refinancing your mortgage and decide if the time is right for you to take this step.
Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get free mortgage quotes and mortgage information.
Latest News
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Looking to refinance? Now might be the time Boston Globe, United States - Mortgage rates have been stubbornly high for quite some time but the government's recently announced $800B plan to bolster mortgages and consumer loans had ... Are looking for a new mortgage? We want to hear from you |
Interest rate drop opens door to refinancing Austin American-Statesman, TX - By Shonda Novak, MS Taboada The recent sharp drop in mortgage interest rates is creating a window for homeowners nationwide to refinance and providing an ... |
Md. sees drop in loss of homes Baltimore Sun, United States - Many borrowers took on mortgages at the height of the housing boom, believing they could eventually refinance to a lower loan rate or sell their homes if ... |
 Straits Times | Mortgage rates fall, but many borrowers will have trouble qualifying Los Angeles Times, CA - Jeff Lazerson, a Laguna Niguel mortgage broker, said all the customer calls he received Tuesday were from people seeking to refinance, not buy homes. ... Mortgage-market revival: Try, try again US move cuts mortgages to lowest rate since February Last Call for Smart Homeowners |
Self-Employed Are Frozen Out of Mortgages Wall Street Journal - He's been unable to find a lender willing to refinance the $900000 adjustable-rate mortgage on his primary residence, which he says is worth around $1.1 ... |
Mortgage Delinquencies Set to Soar: Report Housing Wire - “The credit ding makes refinancing that much more difficult,” said one source that spoke with HW Tuesday morning, a loss mitigation counselor at a large ... |
New mortgage crisis looming, experts caution San Bernardino Sun, CA - And since investors no longer want to buy commercial mortgages, banks are reluctant to write new loans to refinance those facing foreclosure. ... |
A recession Q&A Newsday, NY - ... take measures that will result in lower mortgage rates, "so people can afford to buy up housing inventory and refinance mortgages at affordable rates. ... |
Are You An Idiot To Keep Paying Your Mortgage? NewsNet5.com, OH - If you took out a home-equity loan or did a cash-out refinance to buy a car, you'll still owe tax on that debt if it is canceled. For state income taxes, ... Some buyers may see higher loan rates Global slowdown to drive market direction |
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