Time Is Right To Refinance But Not For Everyone
Friday, July 2, 2010, 4:55 AM | 6 Comments
For the week ending June 24, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged a record low 4.69%, down from 4.75% the week before and 5.42% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey.
The reason for the falling rate might be that credit is still not readily available for a variety of reasons, the biggest being unemployment rate is still quite high. No job, no money, no new mortgage.
For the survey, Freddie Mac has divided the U.S. in 5 regions. The rate in all regions is not exactly the same. It might be slightly different than the U.S. average. Check with your lender for the specific region.
If you can afford buying a home or refinancing the existing mortgage, this might be the best time to do so especially when your credit score is better.
The mortgage interest is at a record low. However, refinancing is not always the best idea.
In general it is, but your case may turn to be better if you stay put and not refinance.
-
Conditions for refinancing
You should refinance at a lower rate than your existing mortgage. You must, however, calculate the cost of refinancing. If you plan to stay in your home for another 5 years [at least] and are able to recover the cost in 2 to 3 years, then by all means you should go ahead and refinance to lower your monthly payment.
-
Conditions for not refinancing
If you have just 10 years left on a 30-year mortgage and you are offered an opportunity to reduce the payments by taking out a new 30-year mortgage, you don’t win. You shouldn’t refinance then.
-
If you have Adjustable Rate Mortgage, think strongly about refinancing
The last few quarters, you have probably seen your monthly mortgage come down. The rate now is a record low. [That doesn’t mean it will not come down further.] What comes down might go back high as well. It might be a better idea to refinance with a fixed-rate mortgage so you are secure in the belief that your rate is set for quite some time to come.
-
Prepaying now might be a good idea
If the balance in your savings account is high but is collecting dust in the form of 1% or 2% return at the most, you should consider prepaying the whole amount or a big chunk of your remaining mortgage. Invest in your home.
In a Nutshell
Your individual situation will dictate you what to do. Whatever you do or don’t do, it must not be because you are procrastinating and postpone refinancing further. Do your calculation and act accordingly.
3 Trackback(s)
- Jul 2, 2010: Mortgage 101
- Jul 2, 2010: Time Is Right To Refinance But Not For Everyone CCJS On Me
- Jul 2, 2010: Time Is Right To Refinance But Not For Everyone Chase on me
6 Responses to “Time Is Right To Refinance But Not For Everyone”
By las vegas seo on Jul 7, 2010, 6:16 pm | Reply
Hey, was just browsing through the internet searching for some information and stumbled on your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you get this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. You, my friend, ROCK!!!
By iyye on Jul 21, 2010, 7:04 am | Reply
good write thanks perfect
By NealRosalyn on Jul 23, 2010, 6:14 am | Reply
I took my first credit loans when I was a teenager and this aided my relatives a lot. But, I need the term loan also.