Thinking Of Refinancing? Evaluate Your Current Mortgage First
Homeowners have different reasons why they refinance their mortgage. Many are prompted to apply for a new loan because of lower interest rate. Some are changing from adjustable rate to fixed rate. Others want to tap the equity of their home for home improvement, take a vacation or pay for college tuition.
But whatever it is, mortgage refinancing provides an opportunity to save money. But how will you know if you can really save by refinancing your current loan, and if the savings you will get is worth the cost?
The following steps provide a guide in evaluating your current mortgage loan:
1.) Examine your current loan. Interest rate is the most significant (but not the only) factor that influences your monthly mortgage payment. Check the rate you are paying and compare it to the current rate offered. If the current is low, is it low enough that you can actually save on monthly payments? As a rule, consider refinancing if the current rate is 2%PRCTG% lower than that of your current loan.