Four Things to Consider Before Refinancing Your Home
Mortgage refinancing applications surged in the second week
of March 2020, jumping by 79% — the largest weekly increase since November
2008. As a result, the Mortgage Bankers Association nearly doubled its 2020
refinance originations forecast to $1.2 trillion, the strongest refinance
volume since 2012.1
Low mortgage interest rates have prompted many homeowners
to think about refinancing, but there's a lot to consider before filling out a
loan application.
1. What is your goal?
Determine why you want to refinance. Is it primarily to
reduce your monthly payments? Do you want to shorten your loan term to save
interest and possibly pay off your mortgage earlier? Are you interested in
refinancing from one type of mortgage to another (e.g., from an adjustable-rate
mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage)? Answering these questions will help you
determine whether refinancing makes sense and which type of loan might best
suit your needs.
2. When should you refinance?
A general guideline is not to refinance unless interest
rates are at least 2% lower than the rate on your current mortgage. However,
even a 1% to 1.5% differential may be worthwhile to some homeowners.
To determine this, you should factor in the length of time
you plan to stay in your current home, the costs associated with a new loan,
and the amount of equity you have in your home. Calculate your break-even point
(when you'll begin to save money after paying fees for closing costs). Ideally,
you should be able to recover your refinancing costs within one year or less.
Rear-View Look at Mortgage RatesIn a single year, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage fell by
0.75%. Low mortgage interest rates often prompt homeowners to
refinance. Source: Freddie
Mac, 2020 (data as of first week of April 2020)
While refinancing a 30-year mortgage
may reduce your monthly payments, it will start a new 30-year period and may
increase the total amount you must pay off (factoring in what you have paid on
your current loan). On the other hand, refinancing from a 30-year to 15-year
loan may increase monthly payments but can greatly reduce the amount you pay
over the life of the loan.
3. What are the costs?
Refinancing can often save you money over the life
of your mortgage loan, but this savings can come at a price. Generally, you'll need
to pay up-front fees. Typical costs include the application fee, appraisal fee,
credit report fee, attorney/legal fees, loan origination fee, survey costs,
taxes, title search, and title insurance. Some loans may have a prepayment
penalty if you pay off your loan early.
4. What are the steps in the process?
Start
by checking your credit score and history. Just as you needed to get approval
for your original home loan, you'll need to qualify for a refinance. A higher
credit score may lead to a better refinance rate.
Next, shop around. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and
refinancing costs offered by multiple lenders to make sure you're getting the
best deal. Once you've chosen a lender, you will submit financial documents
(such as tax returns, bank statements, and proof of homeowners insurance) and
fill out an application. You may also be asked for additional documentation or
a home appraisal. 1) Mortgage Bankers Association, March 11,
2020
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