subject: Refinancing Advice and Tips [print this page] Refinancing Advice and Tips Refinancing Advice and Tips
Refinancing your home's mortgage is a great way to take advantage of the current low interest climate. A refinance loan can help you repay all your high interest debts by converting them into one lower interest loan. It also allows you to use your equity in your home in the best possible way. However, it is important to keep a few factors in mind before you opt for a refinance loan.
Shop for the best terms
The housing market is yet to fully recover from the slump caused by the recession. This slump has also affected all participants in the housing segment like lenders, banks, mortgage companies and sellers. While sellers are cutting home prices to attract buyers, mortgage lenders are offering lower and highly competitive interest rates to attract borrowers. This is a good thing for you, the home owner who already has a first mortgage on his home.
You can shop online to find the best possible rates and terms offered by reputed mortgage lenders. Look for attractive incentive schemes that can make a significant difference to the total payable loan amount. This research will prove valuable even if you prefer to sign up for a refinance loan with your first mortgage lender. You can negotiate for the best possible terms by discussing the terms that others are willing to offer you. Your lender may be quite willing to match the best rates just so he can retain you as a customer.
Build your score
When you go for refinancing, it is very important to streamline your finances so that you present yourself as a low risk borrower. This helps you get an attractively low interest rate because a good credit rating shows that you can be trusted to make repayments on time. Request your credit rating well in time before you need to actually present these documents to the lenders. Check if there are any anomalies and get these rectified or clarified immediately. Avoid letting your lender request your credit score as frequent requests could cause a drop in credit score. Pay off old debts and streamline repayments to present a good credit report.
Ask for advice
When in doubt about your refinance loan, ask for advice from a knowledgeable relative or friend who has a clear understanding of the process. You can also discuss matters with someone who has recently refinanced his/ her own loan to understand what the process entails and what pitfalls to avoid. A mortgage refinance specialist or mortgage broker should also be able to provide invaluable help in these matters. Remember that a refinance loan is a long term commitment and it is very important that you understand exactly what it entails. Signing up for this loan without fully realizing what it will cost you can result in unpleasant consequences in the long run, leaving your home at risk in the worst case scenario.
Refinancing is a good option in a low interest climate. It is advisable to research various products and gain a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these loans before signing up for one.
