Tips on Home Mortgage Refinancing [Productivity @ Home]

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Today’s guest post is by Alan Lim.  Every Thursday, Productivity @ Home looks at the topic of Family Finances.

If you are thinking of home mortgage
refinancing, make sure you give it a good thought. Here are some tips
you may want to consider before you refinance.

Home mortgage refinancing can be a sound financial move for any
homebuyer, most especially if the interest rates are ideal. You can
save a lot on your monthly payment, and you can swiftly ease your way
back to regain financial control.


Factors to Consider Before Refinancing

When you refinance, it is just as important to consider other factors
related to your mortgage. You do not only look into the interest rate,
but make sure you consider the following as well:

  • The amount you still owe. The amount you can refinance is determined
    by the amount you have paid for your mortgage and how much you still
    owe.
  • The length of time you have been paying for your existing mortgage. If
    you have paid 15 years out of a 20 year mortgage term, refinancing will
    cause you to extend your payment once again.
  • Your credit rating. If your credit score is great, then you will most
    likely have no problems with home mortgage refinancing approval. On the
    other hand, those with low credit rating will not only face
    difficulties with approval, but may be faced with higher interest rates
    or charges as well.
  • How long you intend to stay in your home. If you intend to sell your
    house in a year or two, then you will most likely not benefit if you
    refinance. But if you will live for longer than ten years, refinancing
    can help you pay off your home sooner with some monthly savings on top.
  • How much you pay for bills each month. If you are having trouble
    making ends meet or having problems paying of credit card bills and
    unsecured loans, refinancing can be a good solution to start with a
    clean slate by consolidating. Refinancing can help you save on monthly
    payments and get you started in saving for the future.


Tips to Ensure Financial Success with Refinancing

After you have carefully thought of the factors stated above, make up
your mind as to whether refinancing is definitely a good financial
decision for you. If you believe so, here are some tips to help you
ensure success with home mortgage refinancing:

  • To make home mortgage refinancing more worthwhile, make sure that the
    interest rate is significantly lowered, say at least 2 or 3% lower than
    your original mortgage. Consider the points as well. Lenders usually
    charge more points with lower interest rates, so make sure you weigh
    accordingly.
  • Compare the total costs you need to pay off with your existing
    mortgage, with the some total you will be required to pay when you
    refinance. You can use a loan calculator available online to help you.
    Make sure you consider fees and charges you incur when you take on a
    new mortgage.
  • Shop for a good lender. Be wary about fraud lenders, as they have
    become rampant in the recent years. Research about the lender’s
    services, ask for recommendations and talk to some of their old
    clients. Also, ask them for a list of charges that they will impose to
    you at closing.

Home mortgage refinancing may offer you the best chance you have to get
your finances straight, but it can only be so if you do it right.

Author Information:  Thinking of refinancing your home? We can help you do it right! Visit Home Mortgage Refinance or Home Mortgage Refinancing for more information.

Original post here: Lisa M. Hendey

27 December 2007 | Finances, family budget, family finances, home mortgage, refinancing | Comments

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