Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Thinking Of Refinancing Your House?

by Ned Dagostino

Refinancing your house means clearing off your existing mortgage and creating a fresh mortgage on it. The two pertinent questions that you face are: Why should one refinance a house? When should one refinance a house? We'll explain the ins and outs of house refinancing in the following paragraphs, so stay tuned!

Analyze the current status. Is the loan an ARM (adjustable rate mortgage)? Do you have to make a major payment in the near future? If your current mortgage is an ARM then it is better that you refinance using a low interest rate fixed rate loan. That way you'll end up paying an steady interest even when rates move north. If you are facing an imminent payment situation then again you should go in for a suitable refinance deal.

Taking advantage of lower interest rates is good sense. But be warned that the fat savings you anticipate may shrink to Size Zero! Your mortgage company will ask you to pay a penalty (pre-payment penalty) for prematurely terminating the mortgage. Bearing this in mind, re-compute your savings on interest. Maybe refinancing won't be worthwhile after all!

Find out the penalty that you'll have to pay if you foreclose your mortgage. If you have plans on the horizon of moving house, then this is not a suitable time to refinance. Because you'll have to make one penalty payment now to refinance the house, and a second one when you move.

The pre-payment penalty may range from one year's interest to five years' interest. That is no small amount! So be very careful to plan your refinancing only after determining the exact quantum you'll have to pay as penalty.

If you are going to stay in that house for a long time, and if the fresh interest rate is less than the one you are currently paying, then refinancing is a good idea. The savings in interest will give you a nice nest egg when the mortgage is finally over!

"While I'm at it I may as well take a loan for a bit more than that required to clear off the existing mortgage." That inflated mortgage amount will have to be paid back. That means bigger installments. Once again, run a check yourself or get an accountant friend to do so, to see whether you end up with a net saving in lower interest payments or not. Also see whether you can handle the new installments comfortably or not.

Choose the right time to refinance your house. The best time to refinance is when interest rates are down. Take the help of a professional to find out the advantage of refinancing. If you can handle the repayment amount comfortably, if there is a net saving in interest then get the house refinanced. Also check the credentials of the mortgager.

About the Author:

There are many ways to get cash in your pocket or lower your payment by using your home. Learn how methods like second mortgage refinancing or even a home equity refinance can help relieve your financial burden by visiting www.home-mortgage-refinancing-loan.com.

Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/finance/thinking-of-refinancing-your-house

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