Sunday, March 2, 2008

Think About These Five Reasons When Deciding To Refinance

Are you looking for a way to put some extra money in your pockets every month? One of the more popular trends is refinance your home. Just by doing something so simple you can bring down your monthly mortgage payment, raise some extra cash, and consolidate some outstanding debts with high interest rates. There are so many different reasons why refinancing your home is a good idea.

The thing is that there are a number of complexities involved in refinancing. This can sometimes cause some confusion when shopping for a mortgage refinance. It even causes some doubt whether or not refinancing really is a good option for them. Here are five reasons why it is to help put your mind at ease:

  • Lower monthly payments - It makes a lot of practical sense to decrease your interest rate and overall payments even if it causes you to pay a point or two. I recommend this strategy to people that don't plan on moving anytime soon. The reason why is works out over the long run is because the monthly savings pay for the cost of the mortgage refinance.
  • Go with an adjustable rate over a fixed rate mortgage - If you're one of those risk takers then think about an adjustable rate mortgage. These have a tendency to provide lower initial monthly payments for those who are willing to gamble on upward market adjustments. They are mostly recommended to home owners that don't plan on owning the property for more than a few years. However, it may not be the best move if you are living in your home for the long run. If that's the case, you are better of going with a fixed rate mortgage instead.
  • Get away from balloon payment programs - These balloon programs are very similar to adjustable rate mortgage programs. Many people find them attractive because of the lower rates and lower initial monthly payments, but the problem is when you still own the property at the end of the fixed rate term, the lender will expect you to pay the entire remaining balance. If you made the mistake of signing up for a balloon program, it is pretty easy to switch back over into a new adjustable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage.
  • Get rid of private mortgage insurance - Often times you'll see lenders offering zero down payment options which allow homeowners to buy a home with less than 20% down. What they do tell you is that they also usually require private mortgage insurance to do so. This is how they protect themselves from a loan default. Most homeowners become eligible to get rid of their private mortgage insurance with a mortgage refinance loan just as long as the value of the home increases and the balance decreases.
  • Cash in on your home's equity - One of the best places you can find extra cash is in your home. I'm not talking about in between your couch cushions either! Most homes increase in value. This gives you the ability to take some of that and use it as cash. I know plenty of homeowners who have used that cash to pay off credit cards, make home improvements, or even buy a brand new car. Cash-out mortgage refinance transaction are aksi tax deductible too.

3 comments: