Refinancing a Mortgage
Better Rates:
This may be the most common reason for refinancing. If mortgage rates have fallen since you took out the loan, you can often save money by refinancing your mortgage into a new home loan at current rates. Or perhaps your credit situation has improved, so you’re eligible for a lower rate.
Lower Monthly Payments:
With a lower interest rate, you can get lower monthly payments as well, particularly if your refinanced mortgage has the same payoff date as your old home loan. You can also lower your monthly mortgage payments by extending your payoff date past what it currently is, so you’re paying less in principle each month.
*When you refinance, you are replacing your current loan with a new set of terms, conditions and closing costs. Refinancing may increase the total number of monthly payments and/or the total amount paid when compared to your current situation. Please note, that finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.
Set Costs:
If you currently have an ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage), you may choose to refinance to a fixed-rate loan to lock in your rate for the remainder of your mortgage. That way, you don’t have to worry about your monthly payments increasing if rates should rise.Shorter Mortgage Term:
Many borrowers start out with a 30-year home loan, then refinance to a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage after a few years. This allows them to pay the mortgage off faster and save a lot of money in interest over the life of the loan. Mortgage rates on 15-year loans are also significantly lower than on 30-year mortgages, so you may be able to shorten your term without a big increase in your monthly mortgage payment.
Borrow Money:
With a cash-out refinance, you can borrow against your home equity to obtain funds for any purpose. You receive a check at closing, the amount of which is added onto the mortgage principle you owe. Since mortgage rates tend to be lower than other types of debt and tax-deductible as well, it can be a very cost-efficient way to borrow.
Consolidate Debt(s):
You can use a cash-out refinance to pay off other debts to save money on interest and reduce your total monthly payments. Mortgage rates are usually lower than the interest rates paid on credit cards and other unsecured debt, so you save on interest payments. Mortgages can also be repaid over longer terms than most other types of debt, up to 30 years, so you can reduce your monthly payments against debt principle, if that’s your goal. Interest paid on mortgages and home equity loans is also tax-deductible, up to certain limits, whereas interest paid on other debts usually is not. Couples can deduct the interest paid on up to $100,000 obtained through a cash-out refinance for debt consolidation; for single persons the limit is $50,000.
Combine Two Mortgages into One:
You can also combine a second mortgage or HELOC (home equity line of credit) into a single primary mortgage at a lower rate. This is like a cash-out refinance, but because you’re using it to pay off secondary mortgages, you’re not reducing your home equity, other than for any closing costs you might roll into the loan. You also get the convenience of a single monthly payment, instead of two or more.
Eliminate Mortgage Insurance: If you have lender-paid mortgage insurance, you can refinance once you reach 20 percent equity to eliminate the premium that’s built into your interest rate. The same also applies to certain FHA home loans that require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Remove a Person from the Mortgage: There are times, usually after a divorce, when someone who originally signed onto a mortgage is no longer to be held financially responsible for the loan. The only way to get them off the mortgage is by refinancing. This can also be used to remove the name of a co-signer whose support is no longer necessary and wishes to be freed of liability.
1.
Get Pre-Approved
This is the time to get in the know. A pre-approval will give you an advantage when you find your perfect home. We can tell you what you need to get pre-approved, so you know the exact loan amount you qualify for, what your monthly payment will look like, and how much taxes and insurance will be. With a pre-approval, the loan process will be smoother and your offer will be stronger.
2.
Loan Application
Your application will provide a complete picture to loan investors of your assets, debts and what you are buying. It will take into account documents such as pay stubs, proof of income, tax returns, employment history, and information on all debts, assets, and sources for down payments. Don’t worry, we will request these documents as applicable for your loan application so that you can be fully prepared.
3.
Select Your Loan Program
Fixed rate? Adjustable? FHA? There are multiple loan options that may fit your unique needs, and we can help you choose. Are you looking for the consistent rates and payments that a fixed rate loan can provide? Do you want the short-term benefits of lower rates that an adjustable rate loan can bring? Our extensive portfolio of loan options means you have more options available to get just what you need.
4.
Processing and Underwriting
Your loan has specific investor guidelines that must be met, and an underwriter will review your documents to be sure that you meet them. While an underwriter reviews your file, an appraisal will be ordered on the home. Additional information may be requested, so don’t panic if you have to turn in more documents. That’s just the underwriter working hard to get your final approval.
5.
Loan Approval
Before your loan is approved, you will receive pre-approval and a list of closing conditions that need to be met. These conditions can include verification that your employer is current and proof that homeowner’s insurance has been obtained. Once closing conditions have been satisfied, the underwriter issues a clear to close. Congratulations, your loan has been approved!
6.
Close the Loan
With an approved loan, you are on the home-stretch towards closing. The lender will send closing documents to a title company that draws up paperwork and arranges for signing of documents. Once the documents have been signed and funding conditions have been met, the title is recorded and the process is complete. You are a proud owner of your new home, and the keys are yours!
