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How To Decide On Your Best Refinance Options

How To Decide On Your Best Refinance Options

A crucial part of refinancing your mortgage is knowing how to decide on your best refinance options. You can modify your old mortgage terms for more favorable ones by refinancing after all. 

However, the numerous cash-out refinance options may make selection difficult. That’s why you should understand the viable options and learn how to apply for them.

Best Refinance Options

People often use mortgage refinance to ease payments. It may lower monthly payments or extend payment durations for the same loan balance. Additionally, they may look for refi options to get extra funds or to pay for credit cards and other deferred payments. Lenders may modify your mortgage loan based on your debt-to-income ratio and other factors.

There are two types of refinancing available: conventional and streamline refinance. The former is mainly used by homeowners to improve their mortgage terms. In contrast, the latter is reserved for those with FHA mortgages. 

Read further to understand each and pick which one suits your needs the best.

Conventional Refinance

Conventional Refinance

You may replace or refinance your mortgage with a non-government loan with typically better terms and conditions. This is known as conventional refinance, and it may give you a new mortgage with reduced costs and enhanced flexibility. Moreover, it can be used to get a better conventional loan or to convert an FHA loan into a conventional. 

It can also cancel the insurance for FHA mortgages, consolidate your first and second mortgage, and change the existing rate. You may change a precarious adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) into a potentially safer fixed-rate alternative. 

Additionally, you may get cash from the equity in your home by conventional refi. It’s one of the best refinance options due to its many uses.

FHA Streamline Refinance

There are also refinancing options exclusive to FHA mortgage holders. If your mortgage is from the Federal Housing Administration, you may refinance it faster than conventional choices. There are even streamline options that forego typical requirements, speeding up refinancing more. Keep in mind that you’ll have to meet alternative ones instead.

For example, FHA Streamline Refinance requires a pristine payment history lasting three months. You’re allowed one late payment within 12 months. However, you will be required to pay closing costs and two insurance payments. You must pay the first upfront, while the second comes in 12 monthly payments. 

Furthermore, you must prove to lenders that refinancing will grant you a net tangible benefit. This means the new mortgage must be significantly lower than the ones from your old mortgage. Using it to pay your bills is not considered a net tangible benefit.

Among the best refinance options, streamline refinancing has three types. The first requires a certain credit score, but no property appraisal. In contrast, the second needs an appraisal report instead of a credit report. The last one won’t need either, but it relies on your existing loan amount and its respective pay-offs.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

You should understand the types of mortgage rates to find the most suitable option. You may switch to either a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable one when refinancing. 

Like its namesake, the former has an interest rate that remains constant throughout the payment period. The rate remains constant despite economic factors and its terms are more understandable than the latter.

However, you may find it harder to qualify for fixed-rate loans. Lenders offer loan terms depending on credit rating, home’s value, and downpayment amount. The evaluation will include the life of the loan and the location of your home. In addition, your lender may give you a higher interest rate in order to compensate for possible economic changes.

As a result, fixed-rate options are best for those with good credit and extra money. If you have these, you can get a fixed-rate mortgage that has straightforward terms and conditions. Moreover, the interest rate will remain constant in case of severe economic downturns. Those who can’t qualify for a fixed-rate may choose ARMs instead.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are home loans with fluctuating interest rates. It will initially charge a lower interest rate that changes over time. These charge interest depending on various economic indices, and they are generally more affordable than the alternative. With the best refinance options, refinancing for ARMs can help pay huge expenses and debts. 

It isn’t ideal if you want to easily manage your mortgage. You may be overwhelmed by adjustable-rate terms and the fluctuating interest rate. ARM refinancing is not ideal during a depression, a global pandemic, or other tumultuous economic conditions. 

Thankfully, most lenders like Bank of America details their refi choices online.

How to Get Improved Refinance Rates

Improved Refinance Rates

Before you get to choosing refi rates, you need to think about your intentions first. Do you want to lower monthly payments, so you can afford them? Do you want to complete payments faster, or do you want to take money from equity? 

This will truly help you select which option suits you best, and you may also find corresponding alternatives.

Another one of the refinancing questions you must answer pertains to your eligibility. Check your credit rating and your home equity if you fit the requirements. Next, you should determine if you plan to stay in your home longer, and if taking out another mortgage is better. It’s best to consult a licensed mortgage professional to assist you.

More importantly, follow the recommended steps by the Federal Trade Commission when refinancing. First, find the best refinance options and gather information about them. You should also verify if they are either lenders or brokers. The latter refers you to affiliated lenders that can provide refinancing and both charge separate fees.

Check for other relevant details, such as the kinds of interest and annual percentage rates available. Confirm the included fees for appraisal, closing, underwriting, etc. Verify the required amount for the refinancing down payment as well. Ask if private mortgage insurance (PMI) is necessary, and how much it will cost.

Lastly, negotiate the terms and conditions with your chosen lender. Ask them to write down the details of their refinancing options. Verify which ones you approve, and discuss unfavorable terms with the lender. After negotiation, obtain a written lock-in from them, so you can secure the agreed terms. 

Always make sure to negotiate your refinancing terms before proceeding, regardless of poor credit. You may want to acquire an updated credit report, so you can confirm the viable refi options. Your lender may change your refi conditions to compensate for your poor rating. More importantly, ask a certified mortgage professional for guidance, and look for possible alternatives to refinancing.

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