Interest rates fluctuate, and refinancing rates that are lower than your current rate could lower your mortgage payments significantly, leaving more money available for other investment in your business or home.
An illustration of how low refinance rates can positively affect your cash flow is if you refinance $250,000 for 30 years at a fixed rate of 5%, your payment would be $1,419.47; the same loan at a 6% interest rate would cost you $160.70 more each month.
Some reasons for mortgage refinancing are:
- Your current mortgage rate is considerably higher than the new low refinancing rates.
- You have a balloon note and are required to refinance.
- You've accrued equity and would like to refinance to provide extra cash for building improvements or other reasons.
- To convert your adjustable interest rate to a fixed refinance mortgage rate.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Stay current with available refinancing rates
Keeping up with the interest rates is a good way to know when to refinance your home. The economy affects mortgage rates and your payments rise with the rates if you have an adjustable rate mortgage.
I recommend: Stay abreast of current mortgage interest rates at
Bank Rate. Calculate your refinance mortgage rate with a mortgage calculator at
Mortgage-calc and find other financial calculators from the
CCH Financial Planning Toolkit.
Find out all the costs associated with mortgage refinancing
Ask your broker for his current mortgage interest rates and see if the rates are fixed or adjustable. Also, you will need to know the annual percentage rate (APR), which takes into account the interest rates, fees and other charges.
I recommend: Get refinance mortgage rate quotes from lenders at
Mortgage Quotes. Learn what the current APR is in your area at
Century21.
Paying points may give you the best refinance rate
Fees paid to a mortgage refinance company are called points. One point is equal to one percent of your loan amount. These fees are usually paid at closing. The amount you pay for points is tax deductible for a new loan, but not for a refinance. Also, ask your mortgage refinancing lender if there are other fees related to your points. In some cases, you may come out ahead by paying points.
I recommend: Mtg-net may help you decide if paying points is a wise decision.
Mortgage 101 offers a calculator to compare costs associated with paying points for a lower refinance mortgage rate.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Compare refinance rates between online mortgage refinancing companies and your local lenders.
- Often lenders will give you a low refinancing rate if you finance for a shorter term.
The official source of Finding the Best Refinance Mortgage Rate is
the Refinance Mortgage Rate page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
