Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

Refinance Your Mortgage with These 5 Tips

Homebuying 3 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

Over time, the mortgage market fluctuates and creates new opportunities for homeowners to revise the terms of their mortgage. This is known as refinancing. When refinanced, a mortgage can include lower interest rates, home equity credit, and a restructured loan duration.

Homeowners will refinance for many reasons: to get a cash out, to buy out someone on the title, to consolidate their debt, for a low-rate bridge loan, and more.

Test out this Refinance Mortgage Calculator, and then see if the following tips can save you time and money in your search for the perfect home loan.

5 Tips to Refinance Your Mortgage

  1. Lock in a Cost-Efficient Rate. Ultimately, it is a good idea to lower your monthly payment and re-structure the length of time it will take to pay off your loan. If you are purely looking for a lower rate, according to the Federal Reserve Board, the interest on the mortgage needs to be 1-2% lower than their current mortgage loan rate. Keep in mind that a lower rate isn’t always possible during a refinance, depending on your reason for doing the new loan.
  2. Evaluate the Terms. When it comes to mortgage refinancing, you should always read the fine print. Some lenders may offer lower rates, but with much longer terms. To determine if a loan is worthwhile compared to your current mortgage, multiply what you are currently paying (principle with interest, but not escrow) by the number of months left. Do the same for the refinance option and compare to determine if it is a good fit.
  3. Consider the Benefits of a New Type of Mortgage. If you are looking to refinance your mortgage, a great tip is to check out the variety of loan types lenders offer. Each may have advantages and disadvantages, and one may be a better fit for your situation. For example, if your financial assets have grown or changed, you may benefit from switching to an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM), depending on your unique needs. Don’t forget about property taxes and escrow accounts, which can also significantly impact your monthly payment amount.
  4. Shop Around. The financially savvy homeowner is aware of the many options available for mortgage refinancing. Ask a lot of questions. What looks like a good deal might not be because fees charged may vary. Remember to include closing costs in your estimate of each refinance option.
  5. Refinance with a Mortgage Expert. At First Bank, we are skilled in helping homeowners refinance their mortgages. We are committed to doing our part to help local communities thrive and prosper through financial guidance and banking services. To discuss your mortgage refinance options, contact us today.

Loans are subject to credit approval.

———-
Sources:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/when-to-refinance-your-mortgage-1.aspx
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/refinancings/
https://localfirstbank.com/mortgage/refinancing-calculator/

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Mortgage Q&A: What Are Current FHA Rates? What are FHA mortgage rates? They’re the rates associated with an FHA mortgage. FHA mortgage rates will vary based on a number of factors. There are fixed rates and adjustable rates, down payments, credit scores of all levels and other factors that will affect the interest rates. The best thing to do is contact First Bank where one of our loan specialists can help answer what current FHA mortgage rates are available to you. What are FHA Mortgages? Before you explore current FHA rates, it is important to understand what FHA mortgages are. To start, FHA stands for Federal Housing Administration. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses as the result of homeowners defaulting on their mortgage loans.” What are FHA Mortgage Loan Requirements? Although some requirements can vary, FHA requirements usually include: A decent credit score. To receive a FHA mortgage, applicants should have a credit score of at least 580. Applicants with a credit score below 580 may still be eligible for a FHA loan, but will most likely be required to put down a 10 percent down payment. Verifiable income. According to FHA.com, “FHA loan rules for income have more to do with stability of income, the ratio of monthly financial obligations compared to that income, and the reliability of the paychecks rather than scrutinizing the amount itself.” Why Get a FHA Mortgage? In general, FHA mortgages are easier to qualify for than conventional loans, require smaller down payments, and have lower interest rates. For buyers who have decent credit, and who do not have a lot of money to put down, an FHA mortgage can provide the chance to buy a home — a chance that many may otherwise lack. Call First Bank Today Now that you have a basic understanding of FHA mortgages, you can inquire with First Bank about what the current FHA rates are. We have representatives who are available by phone Monday through Friday to assist you. Give us a call today to get started. ———- Sources: HUD: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/fhahistory FHA: http://www.fha.com/fha_credit_requirements 2 min read
Mortgage Rates 101: Information You Should Know Acquiring information about mortgage rates is a vital step in the home buying process. Mortgage rates vary based on several factors, such as the amount and type of your loan and your credit score. To get better mortgage rates in your area, it’s best to contact your local lender like First Bank. First Bank’s Mortgage Center provides customers with answers to common questions about loan options, mortgage rates information, and more. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an experienced homebuyer, or building a new home, we provide information that can help you qualify for the loan and purchase your new home. Mortgage Rates Information from First Bank You will typically have multiple loan options to choose from before purchasing a home, including conventional mortgages, government loans, and construction loans. Two of the most popular types of home loans are conventional adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages. Conventional adjustable-rate mortgages: Interest rate, monthly principal, and interest payments remain the same for an initial period of 3, 5, or 7 years, for example—then adjust periodically. Interest rate caps set a limit on how much your interest rate can increase. ARMs typically have a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. Monthly principal and interest payments may increase as the rate adjusts. Conventional fixed-rate mortgages: Interest rate and monthly payments stay the same for the duration of the loan. Offers protection from rising interest rates for life of the loan. Available in 15-year, 20-year, and 30-year fixed-rate loan term options. For more information on conventional mortgage rates or mortgage rates on our other home loan options, find your local First Bank loan officer today. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/credit_score.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/05/022405.asp?lgl=mtdt-v1 2 min read