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When is the Right Time to Refinance Your Mortgage? Print E-mail

Mortgage Test

You've heard that interest rates are down and you think it could be time to refinance your existing mortgage, but the entire loan application process was so exhausting during the initial loan that you aren't sure it's worth the hassle. You could very well be right, but there are some things you can do to help decide whether it's time to refinance your mortgage.

The first thing you need to verify is the interest rate for your existing mortgage and the interest rates being offered across the board for new loans. If there's not at least a one and a half to two point difference, you're probably not going to be significantly better off to refinance your mortgage. Here's why.

Remember those closing costs on your initial mortgage? You probably paid for an appraisal, perhaps a home inspector's services and even a survey if you have rural property. Depending on how long it's been since your original loan, you may be faced with having all those processes repeated. Especially if you are going with another lender, have had the existing mortgage for at least two years, have made major modifications to your home or property, or have seen some significant variations in property values in your area, you're probably going to be required to have an appraisal at the very least. While it's not a huge cost for an appraisal, comparing that with the amount you're going to save on a slight drop in interest rates could show that it will take months to recoup that expense. Don't forget that you'll likely have some additional closing costs from the lender on the new mortgage (you are, after all, taking out a new mortgage even though you have an existing loan) and you may even be facing penalties for paying off your existing loan early. Weigh those costs against what you expect to save before you take this step.

So does that mean that you should never refinance an existing mortgage? Actually, there are plenty of opportunities when refinancing your mortgage makes good financial sense. If you've significantly increased the value of your home or have been paying for several years, you may have enough equity to qualify for a better interest rate. You may also lower monthly payments or refinance to make improvements. In the end, it's up to you to weigh the costs of refinancing your mortgage and decide if the time is right for you to take this step.
 
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Newsflash

Imagine that you have $40,000 in cash to finally remodel your old kitchen into that beautiful chef style kitchen you have always wanted. One with granite counter tops, and beautiful stainless steel appliances. There are actually methods that enables you to do this. One of them is called Mortgage Cycling and more than likely, you will have built enough equity with this plan to remodel more than just your kitchen. Perhaps the entire house needs a facelift or the the kids, and you, would love to add a swimming pool.

The possibilities with that extra money are endless and the best part is, not only does this make your home more attractive and comfortable, it also increases your homes overall value. Imagine that you have those extra thousand dollars to put down on a second home or an investment property. With a mortgage cycling plan you will be able to own multiple properties in a shorter period of time. You can combine the power of Mortgage Cycling with real estate investing and you could easily provide yourself with a very successful living..

We all know that investing in real estates have been great investments over the last century.

There is also the option of using the equity to provide a solid education for your children by sending them to the best schools. If you have ever wanted to send your children to exclusive, private school or college but could not afford it, then this plan gives you that opportunity. You can also be able to boost your retirement plan by tens of thousands of dollars and you could either retire years earlier or have that much more money to retire on.

If you have the chance to pay off your mortgage in a few short years would you take that chance? At the same time you could free up a huge chunk of cash every single month. The money that used to be an expense every month can then be part of your income. Some people make an extra $800 per month in their pocket, for others it is an extra $1,800 per month.

A biweekly mortgage can be good but it can only cut 8-10 years from your mortgage. Now you do not even have to hassle with a biweekly mortgage. With mortgage cycling you will pay off your mortgage in 10 years or less. Can anyone turn down an alternative like that?