When does refinancing makes sense? It depends on many factors. These include tax bracket, length of time until you move, and refinancing costs. This is not something easily done, and requires an indefinite period of time. However, there are some ideas for getting started.
Know the basics.
With new loans, there is often a penalty for paying off the original loan early. So, check this first.
When refinancing, the total expense depends consists of:
settlement costs,
interest rate,
points, and
other costs required to obtain a loan.
Talk to a few lenders to determine available interest rates. Learn the costs associated with refinancing (appraisals, attorney's fees, points). Determine your new payment, before refinancing.
Estimate how long it takes to recover refinancing costs. To do this, divide your closing costs by the difference between your new and old payments (your monthly savings).
Shopping for points and lower interest rates save money. Generally, each point adds about one-eighth, to one-quarter of one percent, to the interest rate the lender offers.
To determine the best combination of rate and points, balance up-front costs with the monthly payments.
The shorter the length of the loan, the more expensive points become. For some, they plan to stay for a long time. In this case, paying the additional points make sense, to get a lower interest rate.
Some lenders offer to finance the points. This way, you avoid the up-front expense. Instead, they are added to the balance. A finance charge is included on them, which increases monthly payments.
Typically, settlement costs include various fees. These cover the loan application, title search, appraisal, loan origination, credit check, and lawyer's services. Possibly, other fees are included, such as recordation fees or transfer taxes.
Lower interest result in reduced deductions on an income tax return. Possibly, this increase tax payments and decreases total savings from a new, lower-interest mortgage.
Remember, there are 15-year, fixed-rate mortgages. Payments are higher, but substantially less interest is paid over the life of the loan. This allows equity to build more quickly.
It is not necessary to refinance a mortgage with the same lender of the original loan. However, to retain business, some lenders offer customers incentives, such as lower interest.
If still deciding on a lender, there is a way to avoid letting the interest rate 'float' until closing. Get a written statement to guarantee the interest rate, and points, to be paid at closing.
The lender is required to give you a written statement of the costs, and terms, of the financing. This is done BEFORE you are legally obligated for the loan. It is a requirement of the Truth in Lending Act.
Tips - Home equity loan refinancing.
The total amount you save depends on factors, including total refinancing costs, if the home is sold in the near future, and the effects of refinancing on taxes.
At one time, it was said "don't refinance unless saving 2% on interest". With zero points, and low-cost refinancing, this theory no longer holds.
When applying for a mortgage, some lenders require a special non-refundablecharge ($100-$200). This covers the costs of processing the application.