Sean T asked:


I just bought a home last October. I signed a single 30 year mortgage for 280,000. My interest rate is 6.75%. I have only made 3 payments on this mortgage. With interest rates dropping when is a good time to refinance?

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MIKE SELVON asked:


Very few people are able to own a home without utilizing mortgage home loans. These loans are, for most people, the biggest debt they will ever be encumbered with and the process of getting a home borrowing is often one of the most stressful things people experience. And, when it comes time to refinance mortgage loans, the same also holds true.

Just about anyone who purchases a house is pretty much destined to labor under the weight of mortgage payments for at least 30 years, which is the life of the most common mortgage loans. Sometimes, the length of a home loan can be reduced or stretched out even longer depending on the needs of the homeowner and what they are trying to accomplish through their mortgage refinancing.

There are any number of reasons why people refinance mortgage loans. One very common reason is divorce. In many cases one person moves out and the other wants to remain in the home. When this happens it makes a lot of sense to get the mortgage refinanced if possible.

Refinancing a home loan in this situation will assure that the house is only in the name of the one staying in the house. It will also serve to pay off the previous mortgage so that the other person is no longer obligated under the terms of the old home financing arrangements. In many cases, the house refinancing is taken out for an additional 30 years to make the payments manageable for the newly single person.

One of the most popular reasons why people choose to refinance mortgage home loans is because there has been a drop in loan rates in the home financing market. Often a family can end up saving hundreds of dollars every month even if the interest rates have only dropped half a percentage point, depending on the size of the loan. This often makes it an easy financial decision to spend a few thousand dollars on loan fees in order to save that much each month.

Many times the home loan lenders offer special incentives to encourage people to refinance their mortgage by waiving the closing costs, appraisal fees and other costs associated with refinancing. In these cases, it is simply a matter of doing the paperwork and then enjoying the lower monthly payments.

People often take advantage of the combination of lower interest rates and no closing cost loans to refinance their mortgage for a shorter time period. Many times people who have 20 to 25 years left on their original mortgage can get a refinance loan with lower interest rates. They take a 15 year mortgage and end up paying about the same monthly payment. This way they can cut many years off the life of the mortgage and will be able to enjoy a house that is free and clear much sooner.

Another reason why people are motivated to refinance their mortgage is to pay off their other debts. They can accomplish this if they have gained a good amount of equity in their house. When doing their refinancing, they can borrow more than the balance of the original home financing.

When people use part of the proceeds from their refinance mortgage loan, this is often considered a debt consolidation loan and it is a smart way to manage debts and pay them off sooner.

Since the high interest consumer loans are being paid off with a lower interest, the payment will go down, or the borrower can pay the same amount they were accustomed to paying and just pay the debt off that much sooner. Another benefit is that the interest on the refinanced mortgage is tax deductible whereas the consumer loan interest is not.



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Carrie Reeder asked:


California real estate prices have jumped so much in recent years that refinancing mortgages has increased potential savings. With higher equity ratios, you can cash out part of your equity at favorable rates. But don’t limit your lender search just to in-state lenders. Look to online financing companies to give you the best deal on a refi.

Tap Into Increased California Home Values

With California’s hot housing market, home equity has shot up for most homeowners. Higher equity ratio makes refinancing easier. With a large equity base, lenders are more likely to offer low rates.

That means you can consolidate your high interest debt, renovate your home, or finance a college education at a reasonable price. And in most cases you can use the mortgage interest as a tax deduction.

Don’t Just Look At In-State Lenders

Financing companies based across the nation are competing to get your refinancing business. Offering lower rates online than in their regular offices, you can’t afford not to shop online for a lender.

Online lenders will give you free loan quotes that you can compare with other offers. As long as you don’t give a lender permission to access your credit report while requesting quotes, it won’t affect your credit score.

What To Look For In A Mortgage Lender

Great rates are the first thing people look for in a lender, but you want to be careful about fees. 3% is average for closing fees, so watch out for anything higher. You can also use the APR to evaluate loans and find which is truly the lowest costing loan.

A good lender will also give you prompt service. With most lenders you can ask questions any hour over the phone, email, or instant messenger. They are also prompt in mailing out information and contracts.

Once you are ready to commit to a lender, the process will take about two weeks. Most of the application is completed online with only the most basic information needed. Then the contract is mailed out the next day. Funds are often dispersed in less than two weeks directly to your checking account.



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Carrie Reeder asked:


When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several options. There are numerous reasons for refinancing an existing mortgage. The past five years have witnessed low mortgage rates. However, low rates will not remain forever.

Before interest rates begin to climb, homeowners should take advantage of their refinancing option.

Which Home Mortgage Lender to Choose?

Many financial lending institutions offer mortgage refinancing. If hoping to secure a good refi loan, it may be practical to use a refinancing specialist. Mortgage specialists are able to address all your concerns. Moreover, they can offer expert advice on which type of mortgage refinancing to choose.

Homeowners who are satisfied with their existing mortgage lender may consider obtaining a new mortgage with the same lender. However, using the same lender is not required. In fact, even if your mortgage lenders offer a good refi loan rate, it helps to obtain additional quotes and compare the different offers.

What are Your Refi Loan Options?

When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several loan options. Usually, homeowners refinance to lock in a low fixed rate. This way, mortgage payments remain predictable. Many select adjustable rate mortgages below of their low introductory rate. If homeowners choose a mortgage loan with an adjustable rate (ARM), they should anticipate changing rates. If rates falls, ARM’s pose little threat. However, if rates increase, so does the mortgage payment.

Homeowners should also select an ideal term when refinancing a mortgage loan. For example, will they extend the loan term by refinancing for another 30 years, or choose a shorter term and refinance for 15 years.

Cash-out Refinancing Loan Options

Because the average consumer debt is approximately $8,000, excluding auto loans and student loans, many homeowners choose refinancing as a method of reducing their debts. Cash-out refinancing, which entails borrowing from your home’s equity, is perfect for consolidating debts and financing other large expenses such as home improvements.

Before applying for a refinancing, homeowners should do their research and familiarize themselves with the refi process. For example, refinancing involves paying closing fees. Thus, homeowners ought to have a cash reserve or select a mortgage loan that includes the option of wrapping the closing fees into the principle balance.



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The ADvisor asked:


With the interest rates dropping I think I could really save some money every month on my mortgage if I refinance, but are banks hesitant to lend right now with the financial crisis? What are your thoughts? Thank you!

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Rony Walker asked:


When your credit card debts are piling up and taking away your zest for life, don’t despair. A refinance mortgage will bring back that spring in your step plus you won’t be creeping in the shadows lest you meet an angry creditor.

Having sleepless nights?

Creditors knocking on your door and a phone ringing off the hook are not virtual nightmares. They’re for real. The only way out is to have your mortgage refinanced to regain your sanity.

This must come with a promise that you’ll change your spending habits because a refinance mortgage is serious business. You’ll have to put your beloved home, rodents and all, on the line. So call your creditors and beg them to give you time. They’ll listen. Credit card companies want their money back too, that’s how they survive. They can’t get your house and that’s a comforting thought, so call them.

With a reprieve, start shopping for a reliable lender for your refinance. You’ll be sleeping better knowing there’s hope.

Don’t jump into the fire

People make the mistake of hurrying up their loans and getting 3rd degree burns. Stay cool and shop for the best deal in the planet. But while you’re at it, stop using your credit cards and live on a miserly budget.

Be realistic, with a loan hanging over your head, times ahead will be hard. With this caveat, get a refinance mortgage with eyes open. Don’t be lulled by promises that you’ll be able to breeze through your loans. You will, with determined belt tightening. No more dinners out nor fancy shopping, unless you use those smart coupons.

what to do?

Get all your credit cards and check out the outstanding balance of each card. List the priority credit. It pays to start with the smaller balances and pay these in full when you get your refinance mortgage money. Those small balances will balloon if you don’t watch out.

While paying those balances, also debit your other balances. As you go along you’ll find you’ll be dealing with less credit cards. Go ahead, hang that paid credit card like a prized trophy once it’s fully paid. It will be a good reminder of your triumphant struggles.

Don’t get a $200K refinance mortgage for a $30K credit card loan, unless you have emergency purchases or payments like a hospital bill or college education for your kids.

The lure of hard cash is irresistible, but think about the times ahead. After the credit card debts and refinance mortgage loan is paid up in let’s say, ten years, go get another loan for a meaningful big purchase.

Play Smart

Don’t eye those teaser rates. Instead, look for a fixed interest rate that’s lower than your current mortgage. You’ll be able to play around your budget without dealing with surprise attacks of high interest rates. You’ll sleep easy like Rip Van Winkle, but for only 10 years.

Choose a short payment term, and avoid borrowing more than the value of your home. Pay closing costs upfront instead of having it on the loan fees. You’re getting a loan to pay your credit card debts, not make your life more miserable. So slash your credit card debts instead of your wrists with a refinance mortgage loan.



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Hickdawg asked:


I bought in Oct 2006 with 20% down for a $250K house. Got a 30 year mortgage at 6.125%. With the emergency fed rate cut yesterday, is now a good time to refinance or do you think it will go down more? How much cash do you need to refinance? Thanks!

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Denis Dcosta asked:


Mortgage refinancing may be a good way for one individual who has a hard time paying a mortgage. If a person has a mortgage that takes up much of his monthly income, then it must be necessary that he should find another way of getting additional income or find a better way to pay for the loan.

So the question that must be answered is that if should you refinance your mortgage. Refinancing is done when there is an outstanding loan balance and the medium in which you will use to pay for it is through getting another loan. There are different situations that would be beneficial to refinance a mortgage but there are also some events that refinancing would not be a very good action.

Should you refinance your mortgage when you want to save?

The answer would depend on situation of the previous loan and the interest of the two loans as well as other factors that goes with the loan. If there are other good offers like a lower interest rate, lower monthly payment and other benefits, then refinancing would be a big help.

Mortgage refinancing may offer an individual various benefits such as paying the high interest loan in exchange of a lower one. If a person does not have enough money to support the payment of his previous loan, he may be able to find another rate that would offer him a lower monthly principal and interest payment although this would be paid in a longer time frame. Also, another option would be to consider refinancing when you earn enough money to increase the monthly payment. When you refinance, you may be able to increase the monthly payment and the person may also be able to save since the term would be paid faster and there will be less interest paid.

If one is paying an adjustable interest rate loan, there is a possibility of over paying since the interest rate may change within a month and you may find a hard time paying for an unpredictable total payment. Thus, a fixed rate can be better than getting an adjustable interest rate and this lessens the risk in paying the loan.

With all the reasons stated, the benefits and the risks involved, the question of should you refinance your mortgage may be clearer. A good decision can be done when all other options are checked and considered. It would be easier to pick one loan more than the other when you understand its terms and you know that you are capable of paying the loan plus the interest. The needs and the situation of the individual would be the deciding factor if one will have to continue paying for the old loan or it would be better to get another one.

The interest and the length of the payment should be considered and analyzed. There may be many reasons why you should refinance but there are risks involved so first make yourself clear and more knowledgeable about the terms of the loan that you have and another loan that you are considering.



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Rachel P asked:


My partner and I are splitting up and she will be quit claiming the house to me. I would like to take her off the mortgage (there are 2 mortgages). Is re-financing my only option? What costs should I expect to pay for the quit claiming and the refinance (unless I can do this without refi)? I haven’t the first clue how to go about this.

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MDJLT asked:


I was in default on my mortgage and was just able to catch up and now it is current- would like to refinance and get a better rate to lower payments- it is interest only now…….any suggestions?

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