If you are considering refinancing your home. You will want to learn as much as you can about the whole process. Refinancing is such a big decision. It can be the difference of thousands paid out of your pocket in interest or thousands of dollars saved in interest payments. Here are some big factors to consider before you refinance:
Don't refinance your first mortgage unless you can get a significantly lower interest rate on the first mortgage - The new fees on the first mortgage combined with any other amounts you tack onto the loan, will usually nullify a slightly lower interest rate. Make sure the interest rate is at least 2-3 percentage points lower than your first mortgage rate before you do refinance.
Make sure your credit score is as high as you can get it - If you are just a few months away from the two or three year mark after a bankruptcy discharge. Its worth the time to wait it out and get the lower interest rate that comes from waiting past that point which opens up more loan programs to you. If you are just re-establishing credit, a few months of on time payments can be the difference between getting a reasonable interest rate and an unreasonable interest rate or not getting approved at all.
Compare Refinance Offers - As a rule of thumb, it's always important to get at least 3 loan offers to compare interest rates and loan programs. This is a great way to ensure that you are getting a competitive rate. There are many companies online that, with one application, will provide you with up to 4 loan offers from multiple lenders. This is a very convenient way to get competitive rates.
Avoid consolidating unsecured debt, car loans, etc. into your refinance loan - The reason for that is, that if money ever gets tight, instead of just losing your car or being late on a credit card payment, you are now in danger of losing your home.
Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan
Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.
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