Monday, October 20, 2008

Refinance Your Mortgage Even in Hard Times

By Trevor Goald

Everyone who owns a home knows firsthand the financial obligations involved. A sizeable portion of your monthly income is delegated to a cover a number of expenses, the largest being the mortgage.

A mortgage is a long-term loan that is repaid over a period of time. Typically, mortgages are paid monthly, however accelerated plans allow the borrower to choose bi-weekly or even weekly payment options.

A lower interest rate means lower monthly payments, so it makes sense to shop around for the lowest possible rate. Even if you have already agreed to one plan, it may be possible to refinance your mortgage to take advantage of a lower rate.

There are two basic types of mortgages: fixed, and floating. A fixed rate mortgage locks the borrower in to pay one rate for the full term, where a floating arrangement means that the rates, and payments, can be higher or lower. Both types of mortgages have benefits and downfalls, and your particular situation will determine which plan is best for you. Homeowners generally use mortgage refinancing as a tool to move from a higher adjustable rate mortgage to a lower fixed rate mortgage.

The prevailing market rate keeps changing all the time. So it's quite possible that you have already committed to a mortgage with interest higher than the current rate. In this case, you are wise to consider refinancing your mortgage. In mortgage refinancing, the full payment of your current loan is entered into a new mortgage agreement, but at today's lower rate. If rates drop significantly, for example by two percent points, refinancing makes good sense. Check the prevailing rates of interest and compare them to what you're paying now.

There are several factors to consider before moving to refinance your mortgage. Your remaining term is one important consideration. If you have just a few years to pay off the loan, then it wouldn't make sense to refinance and commit to another extended payment period. Various costs also come into play. Prepayment fees for your current mortgage, closing costs of the new agreement and other borrowing fees may be payable. Some lenders will charge a fee for closing a mortgage early, so ask questions and read the fine print before you make your decision.

When you need extra cash, mortgage refinancing can be a great route to take. If you've built significant home equity, you may be able to access this cash through a home equity loan. The value in your home can be used to generate cash that you need to consolidate debts, pay your child's education, or improve your home. Mortgage refinancing can be a wise decision when faced with a pile of outstanding debt. You'll be making just one payment, and you'll be able to avoid the higher interest charges from private lenders and credit cards. Your budget and your credit rating will be better for it.

When high interest rates and unpaid debt strain your budget, mortgage refinancing can be an easy solution. You'll pay less interest and save money. - 15224

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