‘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.
If your current mortgage is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and the fixed interest mortgage rate is less than your ARM rate, then you should certainly refinance your house! Paying a steady interest will be beneficial in those times when the interest rate goes up. Another reason to refinance your house is to get a mortgage with a cash component which you can use to meet imminent payments.
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!
If you want to pay up the mortgage earlier than agreed upon, you have to pay a penalty, often called a pre-payment penalty. The usual amount of the penalty varies from two years’ interest right up to five years’ interest. Factor these figures in when deciding about refinancing your loan. That very profitable proposition may actually turn out to be a losing proposition in the end!
If you are not moving and if the interest rate is favorable, then you are better off taking a fresh mortgage on your house. Even a small difference in the interest rates will add up to an appreciable amount at the end of the new refinance term.
“While I’m at it I may as well take a loan for a bit more than that required to clear off the existing mortgage.” That inflated mortgage amount will have to be paid back. That means bigger installments. Once again, run a check yourself or get an accountant friend to do so, to see whether you end up with a net saving in lower interest payments or not. Also see whether you can handle the new installments comfortably or not.
Choose the right time to refinance your house. The best time to refinance is when interest rates are down. Take the help of a professional to find out the advantage of refinancing. If you can handle the repayment amount comfortably, if there is a net saving in interest then get the house refinanced. Also check the credentials of the mortgager.
Did you know you can even refinance your mobile home or upgrade your financial situation with a manufactured home refinance? Find out about these methods and other house refinance information by going to www.home-mortgage-refinancing-loan.com.