ComputerHunter.org

 

Should You Refinance?


There are several reasons that might make someone consider refinancing their existing mortgage. One would be to get a lower interest rate than what they currently have, thereby reducing monthly payments and lowering the overall cost of the mortgage. Another is to shorten the length of the loan, which can save quite a bit in interest payments. Thirdly, someone may have other debts that they wish to pay off, and refinancing may provide them a means of consolidating that debt into one overall lower payment.

A lower interest rate isn't the only thing that should be taken into account when thinking about refinancing. There are costs and fees associated with refinancing your mortgage. The bank will charge fees, there will be costs for a new inspection and a new appraisal, title search, and so on. The process that is gone through is very much like the process that one goes through on getting a first mortgage. It requires a new application with a new credit check, survey, and sometimes an appraisal. As it is with a first mortgage, this can be a long and costly process.

In general, it makes sense to refinance if the interest rate on the new loan is at least two percentage points lower than that of the current loan, although this is not always the case. Some things that need to be taken into consideration are the total cost of the refinancing, the total monthly savings, and how long you plan to stay in your house after you refinance. You can calculate how long it will take you to break even on refinancing costs by dividing the total cost of the refinance by the monthly amount you will be saving. For example, if the cost is $2,500, and you reduce your monthly payments by $100, then it will take 25 months to start seeing the savings from the reduced mortgage rate. If you plan on staying in your house longer than this, then it may just make sense for you.

Another reason that someone might consider refinancing is if they are trying to consolidate debt. In such cases, there is also the tax impact that one should look at. Many loan types are not tax deductible, whereas mortgage loans are. Therefore for that reason alone it may be a good idea to consolidate outstanding credit card debt, student loans, car loans, as well as others.

Some people may not have a choice about refinancing, it is a must for them. This happens in cases where they have a loan with a balloon payment coming up and no conversion option. In instances like this the best bet is to refinance the mortgage a few months before the balloon payment is due.

If you do decide that the costs associated with doing a refinance outweigh the benefits, you should ask your bank or financial institution if you can get some of the terms that you want by agreeing to a modification of your current loan. However you choose to go, remember that it always makes sense to consult with a mortgage professional before making your move. This can end up saving you both time and money. You should also do research before making a decision. Spend some time on the web familiarizing yourself with what you are getting yourself into. Take the time to read up on and understand what your options are.

More on Mortgage Refinancing.

Michael VanDeMar







Google News - Top Stories

ABC News

Axelrod on Economy: We Have to 'Do Something Big'
ABC News - 1 hour ago
By MARY K. BRUCE As President-elect Barack Obama continues to push Congress for a wide-ranging economic stimulus package to be ready on his desk by Inauguration Day, questions remain surrounding the price tag of such a plan.
Obama Aides Signal Deeper Cuts in Taxes and Spending New York Times
Obama to announce his top economic team Reuters
Bloomberg - Financial Times - WNYC - CBS News
all 365 news articles


Canada.com

APEC leaders pledge swift economic action
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By Chisa Fujioka and Oleg Shchedrov LIMA (Reuters) - The United States, China, Japan and 18 other economies in Asia and the Americas pledged quick and decisive action on Sunday to prevent a severe global economic downturn.
APEC: Global crisis can be overcome in 18 months The Associated Press
Apec pledges swift financial action Aljazeera.net
Washington Post - AFP - Xinhua - New York Times
all 4,241 news articles


Los Angeles Times

'Twilight' leaves its box-office mark
Los Angeles Times - 1 hour ago
By Richard Verrier A wildly popular vampire love story bit into the box office with a vengeance, helping to deliver a banner weekend for the industry as Hollywood brushed off one of the worst weeks ever on Wall Street.
UPDATE 1-Moviegoers enter 'Twilight' zone at box office Reuters
'Twilight' takes $70.6M bite out of box office The Associated Press
Variety - Hollywood Today Newsmagazine - /FILM - Mania
all 181 news articles


Washington Post

Official: Richardson to be commerce secretary
The Associated Press - 3 hours ago
NEW YORK (AP) - President-elect Barack Obama has chosen New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be commerce secretary, adding a prominent Hispanic and one-time Democratic rival to his expanding Cabinet.
Video: Richardson Likely Pick for Commerce Secretary AssociatedPress
UPDATE: Official: Richardson to be commerce secretary WNCT
United Press International - CNN Political Ticker - FOXNews - Washington Post
all 648 news articles


Reuters South Africa

Shots fired near president convoy on S.Ossetia border
Reuters - 3 hours ago
TBILISI (Reuters) - Gunfire broke out on Sunday on the South Ossetian de facto border after a convoy carrying the Georgian and Polish presidents approached, forcing them to turn back, officials said.
Georgia, Poland claim Russian troops fired at presidents (3rd Roundup) Monsters and Critics.com
Georgian, Polish presidents' motorcade fired on The Associated Press
Reuters UK - CNN - Sydney Morning Herald - Voice of America
all 416 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base