Mortgages For America

Home Mortgages & Financing Stateline Nevada / South Lake Tahoe California

  • Main Website
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Zillow Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Leave a Review
  • Manufactured / Mobile Home Loans
  • Contact

Refinancing This Winter? Follow These 5 Expert Tips to Get the Most from Your Mortgage

December 15, 2015 by Ken Burrows

Refinancing This Winter? Follow These 5 Expert Tips to Get the Most from Your MortgageRefinancing a mortgage is a great way to take advantage of historically low interest rates or change your payment terms to be more affordable. And with interest rates at historical lows, there’s never been a better time to refinance your mortgage. If you’re planning to refinance your mortgage this winter, though, you’ll want to make sure you get the best possible deal.

How can you make sure that your mortgage works for you, and not the other way around? Here’s what you need to know.

Know What Your Break-Even Point Is

Your break-even point is the point at which the extra amount you paid out of pocket for the refinance and the amount you saved in a reduced interest rate is equal. In other words, it’s the point at which a refinance actually starts saving you money – and it’s important that you know when that point is. If you pay $5,000 in refinancing fees and your refinance reduces your monthly interest payment by $200, for instance, you’ll break even after two years and one month.

Opt For a Shorter Loan Term, If Possible

Refinancing gives you the ability to turn a long mortgage into a short one. And although a shorter mortgage comes with higher payments, more of your monthly payment is applied to your principal. With a 30-year mortgage, for instance, you’ll be paying mostly interest for the first 16 years – but with a 15-year mortgage, your payments will go mostly toward the loan principal after just five years.

Try To Avoid Prepayment Penalties

A prepayment penalty is an amount of money you pay in order to pay off your mortgage early. If you experience a sudden windfall and can pay off your home in one lump sum, or if you choose to sell your home, you might incur a prepayment penalty. Not all mortgages have these penalties – so talk with your mortgage professional and let them know you are looking for a morgage without a prepayment penalty.

Lock In Your Rate

Mortgage rates are at historical lows right now. One of the biggest reasons why people refinance their homes is to get lower interest rates – which is why, if you’re refinancing your home, you’ll want to choose a fixed rate mortgage. It’ll keep your interest payments low and manageable, so you don’t pay more than you have to.

Know Your Home’s Current Fair Market Value

Housing prices rise and fall over time, which can impact your loan rate when you refinance. Higher-value homes generally get better rates, so make sure you know your home’s fair market value.

Refinancing often means better mortgage terms, so make sure you take full advantage of this opportunity. Call your trusted mortgage professional to learn more.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgages, Refinancing

Ken Burrows

Mortgages For America
298 Kingsbury Grade, Suite 2E
Stateline, NV 89449
Apply Now
Get a Free Rate Quote


Connect with Us

Subscribe To Our Blog!

Enter your email address:

Recent Articles

  • Why Your Kitchen Features Matter
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 6, 2023
  • 3 Tips To Consider When Buying A Home With An FHA Mortgage
  • Tips for Vets Looking to Start and Grow a Green-Building Business
We've been helping customers afford the home of their dreams for many years and we love what we do.

NMLS: 993846
NMLS Consumer Access

Contact

Ken Burrows
Mortgages For America

298 Kingsbury Grade, Suite 2E
Stateline, NV 89449

Office: (888) 320-7888
Mobile: (775) 580-7115
Fax: (866) 328-4456

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by MySMARTblog