subject: Tips To Refinance Mortgage Rate From Adjustable To Fixed [print this page] Many people apply for their first mortgage by choosing an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) due to the lower interest rate as compared to a fixed rate mortgage. However, there is always a chance for the interest rate to fluctuate in relation to the current market index and margins. Since an ARM usually starts off with a relatively low interest rate the chances of the interest rate to go lower is slim and usually goes up. This is why when it comes to refinancing a lot of people usually choose to refinance mortgage rate from an ARM to a fixed rate mortgage.
If you intend to refinance mortgage rate, you might want to consider the fact that closing costs will be added to the principal amount thus adding to the total amount. Closing costs are used to pay every party involved in resolving the paperwork for your refinancing such as the lender and the appraiser. It is also advisable that you remain in your current home for several years if you wish to refinance your home and convert your ARM to a fixed rate.
Before deciding to convert your ARM to a fixed rate, it might be a good idea for you to conduct your own review of the terms of your ARM loan. If your ARM loan shows signs of becoming disadvantageous in the next adjustment it might be a good time to refinance. You may at least estimate the direction of your interest rate by adding the margin of your loan to the current index based on Prime or LIBOR. If you are unsure, it might be good if you could get some help with mortgage refinance rates so you will be making a guided estimate on whether your ARM is about to increase or decrease.
It may be a good idea to check your credit report for errors prior to applying for a mortgage refinance. You may also want to see if you are able to maintain a good FICO score. Generally you are expected to have a credit score of above 600 in order to be considered as a low risk debtor by creditors hence allowing you to qualify for better interest rates and mortgage refinance deals. It would be even better if your credit score is about 720 as you may be getting the best interest rate offers from creditors.
Although the main objective is to get a lower fixed rate mortgage refinance, it might also be a good idea if you could determine if there will be any other purposes for the refinance. Once other reasons are established, you might also want to consider other options such as consolidation, cash out and term reduction. You may also begin to researching potential lenders. Due to the fact that you have a poor credit score you might not be able to qualify for competitive rates at banks and credit unions so you may need to look at finance companies.
If your credit score is below 600, it might be a good idea for you to consider improving your credit score by paying off your other debts prior to refinancing. By doing so you might be able to get better home mortgage refinance rate than your existing loan. This is to ensure that any new refinance will not cost more in interest and payments than your existing loans. It might also be a good idea for you to review all offers and choose one that will most likely help you meet your financial goals.
When converting your ARM to a fixed rate mortgage, you might want to read every single clause and review and understand all the terms of the new loan before putting your signature on the paper. There may be hidden fees that are not beneficial to you that your creditors probably would not disclose if you do not ask. You may have to be firm if there are things in the closing paperwork that you do not agree to and may not like to sign the paperwork until it has been changed to what you agreed on.
