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Home Refinancing-When Should You Refinance Your Loan?
Saving money is always a good thing, but sometimes you’re already stretched so thin that it seems like there’s nowhere else to cut back. Perhaps now is the time to take a close look at your home loan. Home refinancing can be a great way to cut down on your monthly bills, but it can also end up costing you more than you save if you’re not careful. So when is it a good idea?
Start by looking carefully at your current loan. Do you have an adjustable rate? If so you may end up saving money by locking in a low fixed rate. The only time an adjustable rate is good is if you get the loan when rates are high. Having or getting one now however, with rates the way they are, is probably not a wise choice. Shifting to a low fixed rate can save you thousands over the course of the loan. Make no mistake, the rates will go back up eventually. That’s not a prediction, just a fact that rates change. When they do go up, it won’t bother you because you’ll be locked in at a great rate.
Another good time to refinance is if you have a balloon payment that will be due soon, and you simply don’t have the funds available. Finally, if your current mortgage has a rate higher than the current market, then seriously look into refinancing. Even a savings of 0.25% can make a huge difference over the course of a 30 year loan.
But in all cases you should carefully look at the closing costs for refinancing. They can be pretty significant. Then figure out how long it will take you to recover that money with whatever you will be saving every month.
The reason this is so important is because people rarely stay in one house for the duration of their loan. If moving is something you might be doing in the near future, you’re simply giving away money. You should be reasonably sure you’ll be in your current house at least long enough to make up what you spend in closing costs.
Also determine if your new loan has a pre-payment penalty. Most of them will, at an average cost of 2-5 years. This can hurt your bank account in two ways. Again if you are moving and will be taking out a new loan, or if you simply decide you want to pay it off early. Either way, you have to consider the money you will spend in penalties and compare it to how much you are saving monthly.
Of course the most obvious thing to look at is your monthly payment. Many people choose a cash out option when refinancing. This means money in your pocket now, but it also means a higher balance on your loan. Even if your interest rate goes down, it is conceivable that your monthly payment will actually go up. The best situation is to get a rate significantly lower while using a cash out option. This means money now and lower payments, even with a higher balance.
Home refinancing can be a great way to cut down on your monthly expenses, and also give you some spending money if you need it. But doing it at the wrong time and under the wrong conditions can cost you money that we’re sure you don’t want to give away. Always check your savings against any fees and penalties, as well as other factors such as a potential move. If everything checks out in your favor, don’t just go with the first offer you receive. Shop around. You’ll be surprised at the difference in rates in terms that exist. And get recommendations from friends and relatives as well.
Do this right, and it’s like money in the bank. Do it wrong, and you could be paying for years to come.
Were you aware that you can even refinance your mobile home or improve your economic condition with a manufactured home refinance? Learn about these ideas and other house refinance information by visiting www.home-mortgage-refinancing-loan.com.
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