You can lower your monthly payments, save money on interest over the life of your loan and tap into your home’s equity if you need cash for any purpose by refinancing your mortgage. You can also get a new loan with a different kind of term, such as switching from a 15-year to a 30-year loan or getting a fixed rate instead of an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM).
Refinancing is a great way to consolidate debt and pay off higher-interest debts while using the cash you’re borrowing against your home’s equity to pay for other goals. A cash-out refinance, for instance, allows you to borrow against your home’s equity and use the cash to finance large expenses such as college tuition or medical bills.
A good lender can help you navigate the process and make sure it’s a smart decision for your situation. It can also give you an extra cushion of time to save up for your new mortgage payment.
The best lenders will offer competitive rates, and many will be willing to work with you on a loan program that fits your budget. Shop around for a few different lenders and compare rates, fees and loan terms to find the right one for you.
You should also make sure the new loan accomplishes a financial goal, like shortening your loan term or lowering your monthly payments. Otherwise, you might be spending too much in upfront fees or paying more interest than you’ll save over the life of your loan.
Low Mortgage Rates: Today’s rates are very competitive, especially compared to a few years ago when they were at all-time highs. And a lower rate can mean thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your mortgage.
Refinancing a Mortgage to Lower Your Payments: If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, a refinance might be able to help. It can lower your monthly payments, which will free up more of your income for other essentials and increase your home’s value over time.
You can use the extra cash you’re borrowing to pay off credit cards, car loans and other unsecured debt. You may even be able to pay for major expenses, such as medical bills or legal fees.
Another key feature of a refinance is the option to skip a payment. You’ll often have up to 60 days after you close on the new loan to skip a payment. This can be a welcome perk, especially if you’re trying to build up an emergency fund or paying for college tuition.
Cash-Out Refinancing: This is a popular way to tap into the equity you’ve built in your home and use it to pay off unsecured debt. It can also provide a lump sum that you can use to invest in a new property or fund other goals.
You can refinance any type of mortgage, including an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a fixed-rate loan or even a second mortgage, but there are specific risks to consider. For example, you could lose your home’s equity if your new mortgage rate is too high or if you’re forced to pay a prepayment penalty on your existing loan. You can also be exposed to the risk of foreclosure if you don’t make your new mortgage payments on time.