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Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move
“Refinancing can be a great financial move if it reduces your mortgage payment, shortens the term on your loan, reduces costly debt, or helps you build equity more quickly.”
– Steve Wingerter, 7 Locks Lending
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Refinancing for a Better Interest Rate
This takes advantage of a lower rate if the market presents this opportunity. A lower mortgage interest rate directly translates into smaller monthly mortgage payments (and greater savings). This can save you a significant amount of money over time.
The overall cost of refinancing should be considered to determine the benefit with a rule of thumb being that there should be at least a 1% reduction in rate. However, this all depends on the break-even point and if you will keep the loan long enough to realize the savings. A shorter term may also be worth consideration and usually offers a lower rate. There is no cost to reviewing if it makes sense for your situation.
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Debt Consolidation Refinancing
Use the equity in your home to consolidate debt you may have, such as credit cards and other loans with higher interest rates. Lower your overall payment obligations and interest paid to a lower mortgage rate. And that interest is now tax deductible.
Simply put, a home loan is one of the most affordable ways to borrow money. This can be done with a cash-out refinance or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
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Cash-Out Refinancing
Take cash out based on the equity you have in your home for other goals such as a down payment on another property, business venture, home improvements, divorce equity payout, etc. A cash-out refinance gives you a lump sum when you close your refinance loan.
With a cash-out refinance, you can replace your current mortgage with a new loan for a higher amount and keep the difference in cash at closing. For example, if you currently have a $200,000 mortgage, you can refinance to a $250,000 mortgage and get $50,000 in cash at closing.
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