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Mortgage Refinance 101 - How to Choose the Right Loan Term and ARM



If you have a current mortgage loan, then probably the odds are good that you've been offered a mortgage refinance. Refinancing is a way for homeowners to lower their interest rates and sometimes extend their loan term which can save you a lot of money. However, if you are considering refinancing your mortgage, there are some things you should know to get the best deal possible. Here are 4 tips to help you find the perfect refinancing opportunity. How to get a 15 year mortgage rates.


Shop Around You may be wondering how you can shop around for mortgage refinancing quotes. The first thing you can do is use a mortgage refinance calculator to determine what the interest rate would be for your current mortgage. There are many free calculators available on the Internet that will allow you to determine the savings you can realize on your mortgage.


Research Your Situation Researching your situation is an important part of getting a refinance. To qualify for the best mortgage rate, you must have enough collateral to secure the loan. The amount of equity you have in your home will affect the lender's loan type as well as your eligibility for a loan term. Researching your situation before beginning the refinancing process will help you choose the right loan type and home equity loan term.


Lenders Look at Your Loan Balance One of the reasons that some homeowners refinance is to reduce their mortgage payments. However, if you have poor credit, your payment may not be high enough to cover the interest savings. In this case, you will want to talk to your lender about reducing your interest rate on your current mortgage or renegotiating your loan balance to reduce your monthly mortgage payment. By lowering your mortgage balance or renegotiating the terms of your loan, you can save yourself thousands of dollars.


Combine Your Savings With Other Resources You may be able to save money by combining your refinancing savings with other current expenses. If you have existing homeowners insurance, take out a policy or similar coverage and add it to the value of your home. As refinancing can oftentimes reduce your monthly mortgage payment and allow you to pay down your debt quicker, combining these two resources could save you thousands of dollars.


Choose an ARM When You've Found the Perfect ARMs For Your Home Most borrowers prefer an adjustable-rate mortgage, especially when they know the exact interest rate they will qualify for after the refinance. Many borrowers also opt for a fixed-rate loan because they do not wish to give up their variable-rate mortgage. Unfortunately, many homeowners also choose an ARM when they are not qualified for the lowest possible rate. This may cause you to pay thousands of dollars more over the life of your loan if you decide to refinance while your adjustable-rate mortgage has only a few points left.


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