Mortgage Refinancing
Refinancing your mortgage is a great way to save money, gather more equity, and reduce your interest rates. Unfortunately, there will be shady lenders and brokers out to scam you of your hard earn cash and the chance to get that better deal. However, not all bad deals are the result of scams and unscrupulous lenders. Many are to due to the borrower’s lack of knowledge and preparation.
So, how can you recognize a scam? The answer is easy enough though it is often overlooked, and that is common sense. The first precaution you will need to avoid refinancing scams is plenty of research. Today with the internet, research on anything is quick and easy. A few phone calls, a few online searches and you will know enough about mortgages to recognize a scam. Become familiar with the mortgage lingo and the common phrases used, this will help cut through the quick talk and the acronym peppered speeches. While researching, you will also want to know what rights you have and what the lender's legal obligations are. You will be able to avoid any frauds that will take advantage of your rights as you go through the process of refinancing your mortgage if you can just be aware of exactly what is going on.
This research will even enable you to go through the paperwork process with only a minor headache and a complete understanding of what it is your John Hancock is scribbled on. Paperwork is often the quickest way one will use to scam you, so it is extremely important to read everything and understand it all before signing. If you have a question a reputable lender will be more than happy to provide an answer, so this is a telling sign. Do not sign with anyone that asks you to trust them blindly. While you read the paper work pay special attention to the fine print and additional fees that you will be asked to pay.
At all times you must remain vigilant against scams and frauds. A scam artist will never tell you that he is trying to take you for all you have, at least not out right. It is up to you to ask the right questions, read the paper work, and gather knowledge on your own. A reputable lender will be more than happy to share information, explain procedures, and answer any questions that you may have. It is generally a good idea to go with established refinancing companies with a history of service that and integrity that you can trust.
Be aware of common scams and frauds that usually pop up during advantageous times in the market. Do not flock to lenders that offer deals that are too good to be true; often times they are.
Vigilance and knowledge can be your two greatest allies in guarding yourself from scams.
Deciding to refinance your mortgage can be a tricky task, as you can never be sure if the rates are going to drop further and if you wait, those rates just may inflate which means you missed out on a great deal. The financial industry is a best guess beast which makes it difficult for even experienced financiers to know exactly where the market it heading. So, how can you tell what the right time is to refinance is?
One rule of thumb is that if your current interest rate is not more than two points above the new rate, then refinancing will simply not save you enough money to justify the process. You will have to pay a new closing cost along with other fees such as appraisals and the amount of time it will take to pay that off may not be worth the refinance in the long run. If you plan to move soon then you may not be in your home long enough in order to pay off the expenses that it took to refinance. If this is the case, then it may not be the time to refinance.
There are other instances where refinancing is just simply not wise even if the interest rates are going down at a record rate. A bad credit score may result in not receiving the deal that you are hoping for. In fact, a bad credit score can even carry penalties and additional fees such as the need to purchase mortgage insurance.
If you happen to have good credit, a stable job, and a good history of payment you may want to consider refinancing based on where you live. Sure, interest rates are at an all time low, but if you live in a declining market such as Florida or California, the cost of refinancing will carry heavy fees, such as a hefty down payment. While this scenario may not be accurate for all parts of Florida, California, or other areas facing severe housing problems, it is definitely something to take into consideration.
Generally it is the right time to refinance if you live in an urban area that is seeing significant financial prosperity. If your credit score is over 650 or if your current mortgage, either a fixed rate or an adjustable rate is over 6 percent then now is the time to look into refinancing. Ultimately, the decision is yours. It would be wise to discuss all of your options with your lender or financial advisor before deciding.
Refinancing your mortgage just may save you hundreds of dollars each month, however if you do not act wisely and weigh both the positives and negatives, refinancing will end up costing you more money.
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