The lower your interest rate on your refinance mortgage, the more money
you will save. But not all refinance loans are created equal. To get
the lowest interest rates, follow these three tips when applying for you
refinancing.
1. Refinance Your Entire Mortgage
Refinancing your entire mortgage will help you to qualify for the
lowest rates. Having split mortgages or a home equity line of credit
elevates your risk level and rates.
However, if you have a really good rate on one mortgage, then you may
not want to combine those mortgages. Take the time to request quotes for
both loan situations. Within minutes, you can get an answer from
lenders and know which is your best option.
2. Don’t Cash Out Your Equity
Cashing out part or all of your home’s equity will also raise your
refinance rates. So keep that equity in place while you apply for
refinancing. It acts much like a down payment did for your original home loan.
The larger your equity, the better your rates.
If you want to tap into your equity, consider applying for a separate
loan after you refinance, like a home equity line of credit. That way
you won’t be paying a higher rate on your entire principal.
3. Lower Your Rate With Points
As with your first mortgage, you can lower your rates by buying points.
This is a bit risky in that you have to keep your loan for seven years
usually to recoup the cost. To make sure this is your best choice,
compare lending offers. Calculate the cost of points and your potential
savings.
In addition to these tips, comparison shopping will also help you get a
lower interest rate. Each lender looks at refinancing applications
differently, so with careful searching, you can get a better deal. Start by
requesting a loan quote, then compare numbers, both interest and
closing costs.
Just remember that the lowest interest rate will not always be the
cheapest loan. Factor in the cost of fees to be sure you will come out on
top, especially if you plan to sell or refinance in a couple of years.
View our recommended mortgage refi lenders.
