Mortgage Refinancing Tips: When to Refinance

Knowing exactly when to refinance a loan can be difficult. For some people, it has great financial benefits, and for others, it may never be worth it. The decision to refinance should be based on:

* How long you plan to be in the house
* How much lower the interest rate will be on your new loan
* Whether or not you are currently paying private mortgage insurance
* The closing costs for the new mortgage loan
* The amount of equity that you have built up
* Whether or not you plan to do cash-out refinancing

If you are wondering whether or not refinancing is a good idea based on your personal circumstances, here are a few general mortgage refinancing tips that may help:

* If you do not plan on staying in the house very long, refinancing may not be in your best interests.
* Unless you are getting a lower interest rate, refinancing your home may cost you more money in the long run and may require you to pay higher monthly payments.
* If you have a mortgage, you should keep an eye on rates—especially if you have an adjustable rate mortgage. Getting locked in at a lower, fixed rate can save you hundreds, possibly even thousands, of dollars over the life of your loan.
* There is a refinancing myth that says you should not refinance your mortgage unless your interest rate will be at least two points less. This myth is not necessarily true if there are other benefits to the refinance or other reasons behind it.
* If you are paying private insurance on your current mortgage, refinancing may allow you to do away with this unnecessary expense.
* Closing costs can be expensive. If you plan on refinancing your home to save money, be sure to take into consideration how much the closing costs on the new loan will cost you.
* If you have equity built up in your home, and you need cash, you have two choices: get a home equity loan or utilize cash-out refinancing. Each has its pros and cons, so be sure to evaluate your situation carefully prior to making a decision.