When is the Right Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

When mortgage interest rates come down, many homeowners start to wonder if it makes sense for them to refinance. Your mortgage is most likely your largest debt as a homeowner, and the interest rate you pay significantly impacts your monthly payment and the cost of your loan over the term. 

For that reason, it’s natural to wonder if there’s an ideal time to refinance. Refinancing your mortgage can be a great way to save money, pay off your loan faster, or even access cash from your home’s equity. But how do you know when the timing is right? 

Like many financial decisions, the answer depends on your specific situation and what you hope to accomplish by refinancing. 

In this blog post, we will cover the key factors and scenarios to consider when deciding if it is the right time for you to refinance. 

When Interest Rates Are Low, That’s A Good Starting Point 

The most talked-about factor for refinancing is interest rates. Refinancing can snag you a much better deal when interest rates drop significantly below what you’re currently paying. 

That could mean lower monthly payments, considerable savings over the life of your loan, or both. While interest rates are important, they aren’t the only factor to consider. 

When Your Financial Situation Has Improved 

While the real estate market may factor most heavily in the interest rates offered on a day-to-day basis, your personal credit history also plays a key part in determining your interest rate. 

Have you gotten a raise, paid off other debts, or significantly boosted your credit score since you bought your home? If so, refinancing could get you a much better interest rate with your financial picture having improved. 

Lenders look favorably on borrowers with a proven track record of responsible financial management. This means that you may be able to secure a lower monthly payment and save a considerable amount of money in the long run. 

When You Want to Tap Into Your Home’s Equity 

Home equity is the difference between the current value of your home and the amount you owe on an outstanding mortgage. As you pay off your mortgage and your home appreciates in value, your equity increases. 

A cash-out refinance allows you to turn that equity into cold, hard cash. This mortgage product involves replacing your current mortgage with a new home loan for more than you owe. You would then receive the sum of that difference. 

Cash-out refinances can provide tremendous flexibility. You can use the money you gain for anything, from home renovations to paying off other debt or even for your dream vacation. 

When You Want to Switch to a Different Type of Home Loan 

Refinancing can save you money if the type of home loan that you have now may be more expensive than another or if it doesn’t fit with your goals. 

A common example of this involves homeowners who financed their homes initially with an adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM). Financing with an ARM means that your mortgage’s interest rate will remain the same for an initial fixed period, most commonly five or seven years. Then, after that,, your interest rate will either increase or decrease at each subsequent adjustment period based on the market conditions. 

Suppose you are arriving at an adjustment period where it is likely that your mortgage rate will increase. In that case, you may consider refinancing to a fixed interest rate to preserve that lower rate. 

On the flip side, if you are considering moving in the next few years, you may consider refinancing into an ARM, as they usually offer lower interest rates during the initial fixed period. This would allow you to save money as you start saving toward your next move. 

FHA loans are another popular loan choice among first-time homebuyers because they require lower down payments and credit scores. One drawback to FHA loans is that their mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) can add a significant cost to your monthly payments. 

Your MIP can be hard to remove. If you have built up enough equity in your home, you may be able to refinance into a conventional mortgage without needing private mortgage insurance. 

When You Need to Remove a Co-Borrower 

Life circumstances change, and sometimes, that means needing to remove a co-borrower from your mortgage. Whether it’s due to divorce a change in financial situations, or simply wanting to take sole ownership of the property, refinancing might be the right solution for your situation. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Qualify independently: You’ll need to demonstrate to your lender that you can handle the mortgage payments and responsibilities independently. This means having a sufficient credit score, income, and a manageable debt-to-income ratio. 

2. Refinance in your name only: You’ll apply for a new mortgage in your name, using the proceeds to pay off the existing loan and remove the other borrower’s name from the title. 

3. Consider a cash-out refinance: If the other borrower has equity in the home, you might need a cash-out refinance to buy out their share. This involves taking out a larger loan than the remaining balance and paying them their portion in cash. 

Removing a borrower can be complex, so it’s crucial to consult with a mortgage professional to understand your options and ensure a smooth process. 

No matter why you want to refinance, an experienced mortgage professional will help you assess whether it is the right time for you based on your goals and current financial situation. 

Get started with a free consultation with one of our expert loan officers today!