Sunday 5 June 2011

Learning How to Avoid Mortgage Refinancing Mistakes

By Jim Parker


A slower economy has provided some good benefits to homeowners. Banks are offering deals on refinancing and new mortgages as they compete for your business. Choosing the wrong offer for a particular loan need could destroy your money situation, but a good proposal could save you thousands of dollars.

It is important to explore the many options and learn the basics of different mortgages before deciding which loan is right for you.

Interest rates seem to be a hot topic and many people even obsess over this. There are other factors of importance when shopping around such as the amortization schedule, term length, lender fees and closing costs. It is wise to request a Good Faith Estimate prior to completing any application. Closing costs can quickly delete any savings you would normally receive from refinancing. Always calculate the fees to determine if it is valuable to make the transfer. Determine how long you will need to stay in your home before seeing a savings by computing your break-even point.

It is highly recommended that you lock in an interest rate. These can change while a loan is being processed and you may end up with a higher cost when the final paperwork is completed. Instruct the lender to put the agreed upon interest in writing, confirming it when all is done. Banks will not do this unless requested. Adjustable rate mortgages are only good for borrowers who intend to sell the property within one or two years. Monthly payments will raise and lower depending upon the interest rate. Several individuals have found themselves in a foreclosure situation due to elevated payments.

Individuals, who entrust one institution with all their banking needs, should not automatically accept their loans. Shop around for the best rates and bring a Good Faith Estimate back to your current institution to see if they will match or beat it. A loan is a huge purchase and one should not have to settle for a higher rate. Do not settle for a higher rate because you have a checking account at a particular bank. Predatory lending is still a common practice within the market. Despite laws to protect borrowers, it is still a common practice. Many people will continue to be overcharged on interest rates and lender fees. Banks are revenue making businesses and will persist on getting the most out of every consumer.




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