• September 20, 2023
  • pps-DUEditor
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Low mortgage interest rates can be enticing for homeowners looking to reorganize their finances. However, the choice to refinance your mortgage should be based on your financial situation. The current mortgage rates should not be the sole determining factor in your decision to refinance. 

The article below will assist you in making an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals. Read on for eight important tips on refinancing a mortgage.

Assess Your Home’s Equity

Determine how much equity you have in your home. Refinancing makes no sense if your home is now worth less than when you started your mortgage.

Consumer confidence had reached its highest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of the second quarter of 2021. As a result, many homeowners’ equity has increased significantly.

Nonetheless, some homes have not recovered in value, and some homeowners have little equity. Conventional lenders aren’t always open to refinancing with little or no equity. The best way to determine your qualifications for a specific program is to talk to a lender about your needs.

Know Your Credit Score

In recent years, lenders have tightened their loan approval standards. If you want the best mortgage interest rates, your lender will require a credit score of 760 or higher. Individuals with lower credit scores can also get a new loan but they may have to pay higher interest rates.

Understand Your Debt-To-Income Ratio

Lenders have tightened their debt-to-income (DTI) ratios as well. While some factors may help you qualify for a loan, lenders typically prefer to keep monthly housing payments under 28% of the borrower’s gross monthly income.

Refinancing Costs

Refinancing typically costs 3% to 6% of the total loan amount, but there are several ways for borrowers to reduce costs. You can capture the costs into your new loan with enough equity. Certain lenders provide a “no-cost” refinance, which entails paying a marginally higher interest rate to cover the closing costs.

Rates vs. Term

– If you want to cut your monthly payments as much as possible, look for a loan with the longest term and the lowest interest rate.

– If you want to pay less interest overall, look for the loan with the lowest interest rate and the shortest term. 

– If you want to repay the loan as soon as possible, look for a loan with the shortest term and payments you can afford.

Refinancing Points

Consider the interest rates and the points when comparing mortgage loan offers. Points—equal to 1% of the loan amount—are paid to reduce the interest rate. Calculate how much you will pay in points for each loan, as these will be settled at the closing or rolled into the principal of the new loan.

Determine Your Breakeven Point

The breakeven point is an important consideration when deciding whether to refinance. It is the point at which your monthly savings have covered the cost of refinancing. After that, you have complete control over your monthly savings. A refinance may not be a good idea if you plan to move or sell your home within the next two years.

Understand Your Taxes

Many taxpayers rely on the mortgage interest deduction to reduce their federal income tax bill. If you refinance and pay less interest, your tax deduction may be reduced.

However, the interest deduction may be greater in the first few years of the loan. The amount of interest you pay will be affected by increasing the size of your loan due to taking out cash or rolling in closing costs.

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