The Pros And Cons Of Refinancing Your House
Thursday, February 24th, 2011
‘What are the implications of refinancing the mortgage on my house?’ This is a question fraught with complexities that almost every homeowner is faced with at some time or the other. If that is your question too, then here are some pointers which will stand you in good stead.
Analyze the current status. Is the loan an ARM (adjustable rate mortgage)? Do you have to make a major payment in the near future? If your current mortgage is an ARM then it is better that you refinance using a low interest rate fixed rate loan. That way you’ll end up paying an steady interest even when rates move north. If you are facing an imminent payment situation then again you should go in for a suitable refinance deal.
So if the current market rate is lower than the rate you are paying, it is plain simple common-sense to refinance your house at the lower rate. Mind you, there is a catch. What you save over the months and years with the lower interest will be offset to a lesser or greater degree by the penalty that you have to pay for terminating the mortgage earlier than planned. Factor this into your computations to see if the interest benefit in refinancing is worthwhile.
Planning to move in the near future? Take a three year time horizon for this question. If you are moving, then its best that you shelve the idea of refinancing the mortgage. You’ll have to bear the cost of foreclosing the loan not once, but twice!
The penalty amount is often called a pre-payment penalty. This helps the mortgager to recover some of the costs he’s incurred under the existing mortgage. The lower end of the pre-payment penalty is two years’ interest. The higher end can go up to five years of interest! These are significant amounts we’re talking of here, so be careful that you take them into account when computing your net savings.
If you are going to stay in that house for a long time, and if the fresh interest rate is less than the one you are currently paying, then refinancing is a good idea. The savings in interest will give you a nice nest egg when the mortgage is finally over!
What is the amount of the refinance? Most probably it’s going to be higher than your current loan. So your repayment bill will also go up. If the new loan has a significantly lower rate of interest, then the increased repayment bill may be partially or completely offset by the savings in interest. Check that your new repayment amount is within your means.
Refinancing your home at the right time will give you a positive cash advantage. At the wrong time, you’ll be at a loss. Consult a mortgage expert familiar with your locality to get the proper bottom line on refinancing. If you see an advantage in getting your house refinanced then do so, but just make sure the lender is reputable.
Did you realize you can even refinance your mobile home or improve your financial situation with a manufactured home refinance? Find out about these ideas and other house refinance info by visiting www.home-mortgage-refinancing-loan.com.