James Obrien asked:


Your home is most likely the single biggest asset you own, and can make the decision to refinance a difficult one. Also, a home is most often filled with the owner’s personal touches and contains many memories. You might ask what the heck family memories have to do with a home refinance. Good question. If you find yourself at the closing table unsure of your loan details, terms, benefits, and how your refinance will set you up for the future, thoughts of future financial uncertainty could suddenly pop into your mind. Shortly thereafter, slowly creeping into your consciousness, come visions of invading bill collector warriors attacking your castle, and you suddenly shout “Not my home!”…and choose to put a stop to the refinance plans. Now, your loan program at the closing may have been an excellent one that provided for sound financial benefit, or maybe not. What is really important is that you understand the impact that your refinance will have on your immediate and long term financial picture, before you sign the final papers. Many people view their residence as their “house” during the refinance process, and later feel it is their “home” at the closing table.

It may seem obvious, but you should ask yourself what you wish to accomplish in the short and long-term with a refinance, before you begin the process. Dig as deep as you can. You may be looking for a lower rate, lower payment, debt-consolidation, cash-out for various purposes, or to get out of a variable rate program and into a fixed-rate loan, or maybe a combination of objectives. Maybe you are looking for a 15 year repayment term to pay off your home as soon as possible, or maybe a 30 year term to lower the monthly payment and use the extra money for investments. Figure your current monthly expenditures to compare against various refinance scenarios. Determine the maximum monthly payment that meets your comfort level. Speak to your accountant to discuss the tax benefit comparison between your current mortgage and proposed refinance mortgage. The higher your mortgage interest accrued per year, the higher the tax deduction benefit if you itemize on your tax return, as opposed to taking the standard deduction.

How long do you plan to be in your home? This is an important question. If you know you will be moving in a relative short number of years, you may want to look at an adjustable rate loan that is fixed at a lower rate of interest for at least the number of years before you sell. If you are unsure, or strongly feel that you will be in your home for a long period of time, you will most likely be more comfortable with a fixed-rate refinance.

Your loan officer should be able to guide you throughout the entire process, and provide you with disclosure documents detailing the specifics of the loan program that you ultimately choose to utilize. The best refinance program is one that provides for immediate benefit, and also provides for future financial stability in-line with your objectives. Now that you know the details, terms, benefits, and future stability of your refinance program, you will feel confident at the closing. You should expect no less, because after all, your home is your castle.



Roberta

CL Haehl asked:


Refinance loans and home equity loans both give you an opportunity to get cash when you close on the loan. While both options can be a great way to save money and get money, there are certain things you should know before getting a refinance or home equity loan:

You Need a Good Reason to Get a Loan

It doesn’t matter if you are considering a refinance loan or home equity loan; you need to have a good reason for spending the money it will take to close on the loan. Good reasons may include the need for a better rate and terms or the need for cash to consolidate debt or pay other outstanding bills. Whatever it is, make sure the loan will save you money in the long run, and more importantly, make sure you can afford the new loan payments.

Refinance Terms Vary

Not every refinance loan is the same. Some have lower payments during the term and one final balloon payment at the end. Some terms last 30 years, while others only last 15. If you will be getting a refinance loan, make sure the terms will be manageable for you.

Home Equity Loan Terms Vary

Like refinance loan terms, home equity loan terms can also vary. Some loans are adjustable rate options, while others are fixed. Term lengths can also fall all over the map, so it is a good idea to evaluate all of the options available to you before making any final decisions.

Introductory Rates Can Be Misleading

Sometimes known as “teaser rates”, introductory rates look good on paper, but can be very misleading. Before being drawn into a loan with introductory rates, you should have a clear understanding of when the rate will adjust, what the rate cap is, and what your payment might be at its highest.

Fees Need to Be Compared

When most people are looking for a refinance or a home equity loan, they compare interest rates. While this is a smart thing to do, interest rates aren’t the only thing that should be focused on in the comparison process. Because lending fees and closing costs can vary from lender to lender, you also want to take time to make comparisons between these variables.

Loan Interest Isn’t Always Tax Deductible

Contrary to popular belief, the interest paid on a home equity loan or a refinance loan isn’t always tax deductible. Before automatically assuming that you will be able to get tax savings, you should speak with a qualified accountant. An accounting professional will be able to look over your situation, as well as the potential loan to determine whether or not you are eligible for tax deductions.

There is No Such Thing as a Free Loan

Don’t be fooled by lenders who offer no closing cost refinance loans or home equity loans. There is no such thing as a free loan. If you don’t pay the costs upfront, you will pay for them later on in the loan. While this may not seem so bad, you need to remember that you will also be paying interest on anything not paid upfront.

Negative Amortization Loans are Risky

Though they are not as popular as they once were, negative amortization loans are still offered by lenders. These loans present a great risk to the borrower because loan payments aren’t always enough to cover the required interest payments. Any unpaid interest will be added to the unpaid principal, making it very difficult to pay the loan off in a timely manner.

Tax Assessment Aren’t Genuine Appraisals

If you are thinking about getting a refinance loan or home equity loan, don’t assume that the local tax assessor’s appraisal represents the actual market value of your home. Tax assessments aren’t genuine appraisals. Your home may be worth quite a bit more or quite a bit less than the amount indicated on your tax assessment. The only way to find out how much your home is really worth is to contact an independent real estate appraiser.

You Can Back Out

Federal law gives you the opportunity to back out of a refinance loan, a home equity loan, or any other type of loan that will be using your home and property as collateral. You have a total of three days to change your mind after the loan has closed. If you are unsure about the loan for any reason, this window of opportunity is your chance to get out before it is too late.



Joanne

Carrie Reeder asked:


If you need extra funds for large purchases, or simply want to obtain a better interest rate on your home loan, refinancing may be a good option. Today, many homeowners are taking advantage of a cash-out refinance.

There are several advantages to refinancing a home. Moreover, refinancing also involves certain pitfalls. Before choosing to refinance your mortgage loan, carefully consider the benefits and risks.

What is a Cash-Out Refinance?

A refinancing is an approach that involves creating a new mortgage loan. You have the option of refinancing with your current lender or choosing a new mortgage lender. When refinancing, the old loan is replaced, and you begin making mortgage payments to the new lender.

Homeowners refinance for many reasons. Because of low mortgage rates, refinancing for a low rate is perfect for lowering monthly payments. Additionally, those with an adjustable rate mortgage usually refinance to acquire a low fixed rate.

Refinancing is also beneficial for obtaining extra funds. The option of cash-out refinancing involves creating a new mortgage, while borrowing some of your home’s equity. Hence, the new mortgage amount will exceed the previous amount. For example, if the old mortgage was $100,000, and a homeowner refinances and borrows $10,000 from the equity, the new mortgage principle totals $110,000.

Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance is ideal for homeowners needing extra funds for large expenses. For example, if your home is older and requires several upgrades, a cash-out refinance is great for financing the project. Moreover, the funds received may be used to start a business, plan for retirement, payoff personal debts, college expenses, etc.

Risks Involving a Cash-Out Refinancing

The money from a refinance is received at closing. The funds are dispersed as a lump sum of money. In most cases, homeowners may borrow up to the home’s equity. While tempting, it is important to avoid borrowing too much money. Because a cash-out refinancing increases your previous mortgage principle, your monthly payments may also increase.

Prior to applying for a cash-out refinancing, make sure you can afford the additional expense. For example, you must pay closing fees. You have the option of including the closing fees in the mortgage. However, this will also increase the total mortgage principle. To avoid the risk of foreclosure, the new mortgage amount and payment should fit comfortably into your budget.



Anna

Rony Walker asked:

So what’s the best deal now with California refinance? Getting your dream home is one and paying your debts is another. A refinance will require your careful planning and budgeting if you want to succeed with your new loan.

What’s The Deal?

The deal is paying a lower monthly payment without having to increase your interest rates. As a rule, 2% off from your usual loan interest will make California refinance a better option.

California is still the best place to be and lower interest rates may attract you get a California refinance. There are several lenders vying for your business. They will offer you attractive interest rates. Be vigilant, though, in choosing your lenders if you wish to have a successful refinance program.

What You Should Know

Any refinancing means a longer new loan. If you have a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with just 20 years remaining but you want more cash flow monthly and you think you’ll be saving more by refinancing into a new 30-year agreement, you will erase 10 years of payments.

Given this scenario, you have to have a very good reason to get a California refinance, like lowering your monthly bills, paying off big debts, sending your child to college, and other big expenses.

But wait, do you know that your loan can be tax deductible? Make inquiries about the State’s policies on this matter. This will help you lower your expenses further.

What Happens When You Apply For a Loan?

When going for a California refinance, here’s what happens after you fill out a loan application form: the loan consultant has your application pre-approved, and before your application file reaches the closing, it goes through a series of steps.

Be ready with a copy of the title of the subject property and your income tax payments. The loan consultant will review these, including other documents. Afterwards, you will receive the loan disclosures which you will sign and return to the loan consultant.

Property appraisal and the review of documents by the processing department and the assigned underwriter will follow. Upon the final approval made by the underwriter, the closing date is finally scheduled. The final documents will be sent to the title company, notary public, or attorney who will close the loan. At this point, be ready with your state issued identification prior to signing the loan document.

Copies of all the documents signed during the closing will be provided. This will be followed by the three-day rescission period - time enough for you to change your mind. If you don’t cancel, a new title will be recorded and you are provided with the California refinance funds.

Double Check Rates Before Getting a Loan

Take the time to review the going rates and compare them with your existing loan. Lowered rates does not mean you’ll be paying lower monthly payments with a California refinance or a re-mortgage. You might end up paying higher monthly bills. If the monthly payment won’t be lowered, a refinance is worthless. So do your homework.

Ray

Rony Walker asked:


These days, shopping around for the best refinance mortgage interest rate online is essential for anyone who is looking to get the most out of their investment in real estate, whether it is for investment purposes, loss attributing qualified companies, or even just moving up the social ladder. It’s not only possible, but it’s also more convenient and less stressful to hunt around for the best refinance mortgage interest rate online.

Do More without Leaving Home

Any piece of property, whether you live in it or simply own it and lease it out, is a huge deal. You invest so much of yourself into it financially, emotionally, and personally, and you tend to tie your sense of self worth and integrity to your properties. It’s now more important than ever to make sure you are getting the best deal on something which is so important to yourself and your families. In the old days, you had to go down dressed in your best suit to visit the intimidating bank manager who would tell you how much a parcel of land would cost you. These days, however, you can search for the best refinance mortgage interest rate online without even setting foot outside the door!

Seek the Best

With residential real estate fast becoming the investment vehicle of choice amongst practically the entire population of the developed world, the hunt for the best refinance mortgage interest rate online has become faster and more furious. Not surprisingly, the competition amongst lenders has increased as a result. A major marketing strategy being employed by a large number of players in the market now is to provide their application services online. Competition amongst borrowers is good for you, the buyer. So is convenience as efficiencies further push down best refinance mortgage interest rate online.

Think Global, Go Global

One of the huge advantages that the Internet has brought to the mortgage brokerage game is the access it gives everyday people to the best refinance mortgage interest rate online, not just in their home countries but anywhere around the world where investment and borrowing conditions are favorable and where they make it possible to conduct transnational mortgage refinancing deals. In the last six years in Auckland, New Zealand for example, the average house price has skyrocketed up to 200 percent in places. In an attempt to cool the housing market, the reserve bank first raised interest rates three times in two months and then more lately has been selling off large amounts of New Zealand currency. Mortgage interest rates are now far too high for New Zealand to afford to refinance but overseas investors have the advantage of being able to access some of the best refinance mortgage interest rate online, such as the National Australian Bank operating out of Japan, offering 1.5% as opposed to The New Zealand bank’s 10.69% fixed rate. If you’re an internationally minded investor, it may be a good time to look around for the best refinance mortgage interest rates online and take advantage of vulnerable markets around the globe.

Finding the best refinance mortgage interest rate might seem a daunting task. It’s as simple as baking pie, however, if you do it online.



Laurie

Rony Walker asked:


So you’ve made up your mind that you want a Florida refinance. You want to play it safe, though. Good thinking. After all, your home is by far your most valuable asset. More so, you like it in sunny Florida. The last thing you want is to be kicked out of your home because of some Florida refinance gone berserk.

So what may be the safest Florida refinance available? You can choose among the following: open refinance mortgage loan, short term refinance mortgage loan, and fixed rate refinance mortgage loan.

Open Refinance Mortgage Loan

One of the safest Florida refinance loans you’ll find is the open refinance mortgage loan. So how is it safe? It’s safe because it’s ‘open’ for repayment anytime you wish if, for example, things go well with your finances and you suddenly have a lot of extra cash to spare. Of course, you’d want to settle your mortgage loan so you’ll have the load off your shoulders.

With an open mortgage loan, you can do just that. Or you can pay out your refinance mortgage loan anytime and you don’t have to pay fees for that. The opposite applies if you are dealing with a closed refinance mortgage loan, wherein the lender charges you for paying early.

Short-term Refinance Mortgage Loan

Another Florida refinance you’ll find inviting is the short-term refinance mortgage loan. This is yet another safe refinance loan. You see, dealing with its opposite - the long-term refinance mortgage loan - means you’ll have to get stuck with the same deal for 6-10 years. Some deals even go as long as 30 years. With a short-term refinance mortgage loan, you only have to stick with the deal for 1-5 years. You can’t get safer than that.

Since you are freed from the deal sooner than later, you get to revamp your finances in no time. This way, it will be easier for you to put your financial affairs in perspective.

Fixed Rate Refinance Mortgage Loan

If a short-term refinance mortgage loan is still not safe enough for you, then you must check out yet another safe option. It’s the fixed rate refinance mortgage loan. With this type of Florida refinance, you only have to deal with an unchanging interest rate. This means that you are practically shielding yourself from the unpredictability and inconsistencies of the ever changing mortgage market.

Risks are Inevitable (Don’t let them get you down, though.)

Stop fooling yourself, though. Like everything else in life, you do deal with risks when getting into a refinance loan. Still, this should not stop you from going for it. After all, the deal does come with benefits that you’ll find nowhere else. What’s really important is that you find reliable lenders who sincerely hope to give you the most agreeable terms. Also, you should be aware of the things that you must avoid to keep yourself from getting into pitfalls. Go on ahead and scrounge the market for the beast deal you’ll find in Florida.



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Rony Walker asked:


Today’s mortgage rates are favorable for borrowers. If you’re thinking of buying a second home in this side of the US, Florida refinance companies are offering favorable deals which will make your decision a good one. Still, there are refinance traps to avoid.

Failing to Compare Lending Companies

If you are not comfortable with the terms of your current Florida refinance lender, look for others and compare their interest rates. However, you can negotiate for competitive rates since your lender will want to continue doing business with you.

You don’t have to be an expert to know if the Florida refinance company is a reputable one. They’ll be known by their loan consultants or agents. These people are supposed to help you, not bamboozle you into a loan you cannot afford. If you feel they want you to rush your decision, drop them.

Negligence in Choosing the Most Responsive Loan

Since there are a number of refinance loans to choose from, the loan suited for you will depend on your personal and financial circumstances. Depending on your financial viability, you may opt for a 15-year contract or a 30-year loan term.

Weigh the pros and cons and look beyond your situation now. A 15-year loan term may appear expensive, but you will be paying the principal amount faster compared to a 30-year contract.

Failing to Analyze the Significance of Your Expenses

In getting a Florida refinance, determine when you can break even with all the expenses you have incurred for the loan. How is this done?

Add up all your expenses. Subtract the new monthly payment from the previous one. Multiply the difference with the number of months before you can come up with the total amount you spent for loan processing and documentary requirements. The result will reflect the number of months before you can break even with your Florida refinance.

Not Paying Attention to The Mortgage Insurance

Private mortgage insurance is added expense, but is required by lending companies. You will also pay a monthly amortized amount on top of your monthly loan payment. To avoid this, refinance under the capped value.

Not Appreciating the Types of Mortgage Rates

If you have a steady fixed income, the fixed rate interest is ideal for your situation. True, adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) can save you money, but feel the pulse of the economy now. The new ARM, however, is capped with a limit on adjustments, which is a good thing for borrowers.

Go Beyond the Florida Refinance

There are several reasons to get a Florida refinance. It’s always an opportunity for you to take stock of your present circumstance and parlay the loan to economic success.

In going for a Florida refinance, think of the other opportunities a refinance will give you. There’s more to refinance than just paying for a new home. Your refinance can help you with big expenses or float your business. You can enjoy the benefits more if you have a vision for the years to come.



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Colin Ayres asked:


If you’re paying too much on your existing auto loan, an auto refinance loan may be the solution. But, is auto refinancing right for you? Ask yourself three basic questions:

1. Did you obtain the original rate from your dealer who, at the time, offered auto refinance loans? 2. Is it possible that another lender, possibly a bank, may have offered a lower rate on your auto refinance loan? 3. Are you interested in increasing the equity of your car, reversing the “upside-down” trend of your car’s value depreciating faster than you pay off the auto refinance loan?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions above, then auto refinancing may make a lot of sense. And cents. With auto refinance loans, consumers everywhere are literally saving thousands of dollars over their loan terms. Consider this example:

You borrow $20,000 at a rate of 13.4% over a period of 5 years, and then refinance after four months to a new, lower rate of 9.1%. You save $2,350 over the remainder of the auto refinance loan term.

If you financed your car at a dealership, you probably paid an interest surcharge called Rate Participation. Dealers who offer auto refinance loans will generally make money on the interest you’re charged by marking up the rate lenders provide. Sometimes this rate hike can be 3% greater than what a bank would have quoted you otherwise. In these cases, your current credit rating already qualifies you for a lower auto refinance loan rate, one that would have equated to lower monthly payments.

Fortunately, auto refinance loans involve a simple application, and can be completed online in a matter of minutes. This is followed by a phone call from a loan agent who verifies your auto refinance application and gets you a credit decision. The new lender then simply pays off your old auto refinance loan, and opens your new auto refinance loan at a reduced rate and payment. In the meantime, you’ll receive some paperwork via post mail for your signature. The best auto refinance loans have no application fee, pre-payment penalties or hidden charges - what is commonly referred to as “no-obligation”.

But the financial world is not easy to navigate and obtaining the right auto refinance loan can be difficult. The easiest way to find companies offering the best auto refinance loans (and service) is to utilize the Internet. Look for sites that offer vast resources, including advice, tips, and general information about financing, as well as tools that make auto refinancing easy. These companies are usually the most qualified to meet all your unique financial needs.

Like your need to save money. Or, at least, to stop spending it where it doesn’t have to be spent. Auto refinance is a great way to do that, and the checklist below can help. You’ll not only save money, you’ll save time, something just as valuable as your cash. In just a few minutes, you’ll learn how to save hundreds - possibly thousands - of dollars over the life of your auto refinance loan. If have a high APR and want to lower your payments, this is an oversimplified process to do it.

Auto refinance loans can be broken down into five easy steps:

Step One - Begin with the auto refinance application A typical auto refinancing online application is short, easy to fill out, and only takes a few minutes. Never fill out an application that isn’t advertised as “secure.” This will ensure that the information you submit is protected.

In most cases, if you submit your auto refinance application during regular business hours, a designated auto refinancing loan specialist will contact you with a decision promptly. However, if it is submitted at any other time, for example on the weekend, it may take a slightly longer before you hear back.

Step Two - The nuts and bolts of auto refinancing Once your auto refinance loan application is approved, have the following information readily available: • Name(s) on auto refinance loan • Name(s) on car title • Year, Make, Model, Class • VIN# • Exact Mileage • Current Lien Holder • Account Number • Lien Holder Phone # • Additional equipment in the vehicle (Auto refinance terms are affected by factors such as transmission type, 2/4-door, short/long-bed, CD player/changer, running boards, cruise control, power windows/door locks/mirrors/seats, rack, tilt wheel, etc.)

Step Three - Speeding the auto refinance process up To expedite the auto refinancing process, have a copy of your driver’s license, 3 personal references, car insurance, car registration, and/or original lease contract (if applicable), ready to fax to the auto refinancing loan specialist.

Step Four - Signing your auto refinance contract Then, after speaking with a specialist, you’ll be sent documents that must be returned with your signature. Once these documents are received by the lender, a payoff check will be sent to your existing lien holder.

Step Five - Closing the auto refinance deal Finally, once the check clears and title is received, the auto refinance process is complete.

Auto refinance allows you to keep the car you love and get rid of the payments you don’t. Just follow these five steps to a better auto loan. So, start saving money, or lower your payments now.



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Rony Walker asked:


There are two nightmares plaguing our society today. The first is buying a gem of a car, and the second is getting stuck with an expensive refinance mortgage loans. Which is yours?

Jumping Into Quicksand

It is unwise to hurry a loan with insufficient information. Before you can extricate yourself from the mess, you have already sunk neck-deep into the quicksand of an expensive refinance mortgage loan, lured by the promise of lower interest rates.

Failure to understand how a refinance mortgage loan works, and the neglect of reviewing and comparing the features of different loans, including the policies of the various lending companies can result in 15-30 years of painful payback.

Ideally, a refinance mortgage loan should give you the advantage of lower monthly bills compared to the existing loan you will close. Of course, the longer the loan repayment period the lower the monthly dues, but if you sum it up, you will find out that you are paying not only double your loan but also triple.

A 30-year fixed rate switched to a 30 year adjustable rate, will lower monthly bills but after the honeymoon, get ready to pay more. If you were not aware of this, then it is high time to go to the bottom of a refinance - before getting another loan.

Always check the going rates and compare these with your present loan. You might be paying a higher monthly bill even if you got a loan with lower interest rates.

Did you get the right refinance?

Did you refinance just to have lower monthly mortgage payments? An astute borrower goes for a refinance to maximize available options that would work for their advantage.

One way to make refinance work for you is to switch from an existing credit to pay off your loan without living with the stress. If your current loan is a 30-year fixed loan, switching to a 30 or 40-year fixed refinance mortgage loan, you will get a lower monthly bill. A 30-year adjustable exchanged for a fixed 30-year will have you paying lowered monthly bills.

It may sound odd that switching a 30-year fixed rate loan to a 15-year payback will give lower monthly rates and build equity. Your equity is like money in the bank. As the values increases your mortgage payments decreases.

What is the right refinance mortgage loan

It all boils down to being able to pay the monthly bills for a number of years, and the savings you will generate from the new loan. It is a rule of thumb that a new loan must be 2% lower than your existing interest rate. But is this so?

Not always. Some companies will levy charges against you, which will make your loan more expensive in the long run. These charges come in the form of fees that they can think of - origination fees, appraisal fees, and closing fees - are just examples.

Another mistake when getting a refinance is rushing to get lower interest rates but erasing a number of years of payments made on the current loan. This happens when you’ve been paying a 30 year mortgage loan, and there’s 18 years left pay off the loan, and you refinance to a new 30-year program just for a few hundred dollars deducted from the monthly bills.

So you’ll end up shelling more money after your refinance mortgage loan. Is that what you want?



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Jay Moncliff asked:


efinance seems to be the craze these days with interest rates at all time lows. However, you need to do some home refinance research before you will know if it is for you or not. In general, if you bought a home when interest rates were significantly higher, have great credit, little debt, and always pay your bills on time then you should probably at least consider home refinance. Although, if you meet any of the following criteria then you definitely need to think twice before you decide on a home refinance.

Home Refinance Tip #1 Second Mortgages If you have a second mortgage and decide on a home refinance then you will likely find yourself paying more than with your original home loan. If you have taken out a second mortgage on your home to help pay other bills then getting a lender to consider a home refinance for you is going to be difficult.

Home Refinance Tip #2 High Debt to Income Ratio When you apply for a home refinance option then you will have to go through the same qualification procedures you did as when you were approved for your first loan. If you have a high debt to income ratio then it will be unlikely you will be approved for home refinance, and if you are approved for a home refinance it is highly unlikely the terms would be worthwhile.

Home Refinance Tip #3 Bad Credit Bad credit is generally the main villain when it comes to having a proposed home refinance application denied. So, if you have trouble paying your bills, are making late payments, and your credit score is declining, then you definitely need to get your credit in shape before you consider a home refinance.

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