The Pros And Cons Of Refinancing Your House
‘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.
Find out the penalty that you’ll have to pay if you foreclose your mortgage. If you have plans on the horizon of moving house, then this is not a suitable time to refinance. Because you’ll have to make one penalty payment now to refinance the house, and a second one when you move.
The pre-payment penalty may range from one year’s interest to five years’ interest. That is no small amount! So be very careful to plan your refinancing only after determining the exact quantum you’ll have to pay as penalty.
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!
“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.
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.
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