Refinance Rates – What to Consider When Refinancing Your Mortgage

Mortgage rates are historically low, but there are many factors to consider when refinancing your home. While the Federal Reserve sets interest rates on short-term loans, mortgage rates are affected by changes in these short-term rates. Because financial institutions use short-term rates to borrow money from one another, the costs are passed on to borrowers. The lower your rates, the better. But a few things to consider before refinancing your home are your financial circumstances and credit score.

If you plan on refinancing your mortgage, consider the amount of time you intend to stay in the home and whether or not you’ll be able to pay off the loan early. If you’ll be in the house for several years, refinancing to a shorter term can lower your payments. Consider getting an ARM or a lower introductory rate if you’re planning on moving in a few years. Depending on the loan program you choose, refinancing can also help you build equity in your home. This means your payments will be lower in the long run, which is what you’re looking for.

Mortgage refinancing can help you save thousands of dollars in interest by locking in a lower interest rate for a shorter period. It can also help you access your home equity without selling it. Ultimately, refinancing can help you eliminate private mortgage insurance, pay off your mortgage faster, and increase your overall budget flexibility. If you have a high credit score, refinancing can even make sense. However, it’s important to remember that refinancing isn’t for everyone. If you’re currently in a high-interest rate, refinancing may not be the best choice.

While applying with the same lender doesn’t guarantee the best refinance rate, it will make it easier for you to compare rates and closing costs. A good way to find the best mortgage refinance rate is to use a mortgage refinancing website such as Zillow, which allows you to compare tailored rates from dozens of lenders. You can also choose to include mortgage points, which are the fees charged by lenders in exchange for a lower interest rate. Mortgage points are like prepaid interest that will reduce your interest cost over the life of the loan.

While refinancing can save you money, it’s important to consider whether it’s worthwhile to take the leap and invest the time and money in the process. If your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are high, refinancing your home is not the best option. Your goal should be to lower your monthly payments to get out from under the burden of high debt. However, lowering your monthly payments will also help you build equity in your home faster.

While refinancing has its advantages, there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge. First, you should check your current mortgage rate. If it’s too high, you could end up with a higher interest rate than you need. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may want to check out a local bank to secure a lower rate. This can save you thousands of dollars. So, shop around!