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Mortgage Refinancing Factors You Should Know

Posted on February 20, 2010 in the mortgage refinance category

Mortgage Refinancing Factors You Should Know

Before facing off with a lender, before applying for a mortgage refinancing, there is, of course, research.

You should never be alienated in the discussion. Know the common terms used in the deal in order to keep track of the conversation and know where you stand. Not everybody is a financial analyst, but one should know enough. So here are the essential factors on mortgage refinancing that you need to know before sitting at that table:

Up-Front Costs or Closing Costs
Closing costs are fees and other miscellaneous billings that come in a typical mortgage refinancing deal.

Insurance fees, attorney fees, title insurance as well as other costs are included in this category. It is important to know what the final amount would be right before you close. If it is far from the sum that you had in mind, then perhaps it’s best to re-assess and get a better rate somewhere else.

Points
Think of paying points as the initial amount the mortgage financing company is asking to start the new loan. Consider it as down payment. It is usually a considerable amount; this is in exchange for lower payments, lower interest rates and/or a longer term.

Points are usually a percentage of the loan amount, so when they say 5 points, it means they are asking for five percent of the loan balance upfront.

Mortgage Term/Duration
This one is easy to understand. This means the length of time you agree to pay off the loan and its interest. Know that the longer the duration, the more the interest will take away from you. On the other hand, a shorter duration means higher monthly payments, but saving more money in total.

FRM and ARM
These are the two types of mortgage refinancing interest rates. Fixed rate mortgage, as its name suggests, gives you a fixed interest rate in the new loan. This is favorable on long mortgage duration.

Adjustable rate mortgages on the other hand, is adjusted periodically, according to a number of factors in the market. It could also work for you, depending on your situation.

Prime and Subprime Lenders
Subprime lenders are financial companies who may approve of your loan even if you have bad ratings or credit. They are not as orthodox or as strict as prime lenders. However, their terms may be different that conventional loans. It is not surprising for them to offer you higher rates for mortgage financing.

Check your credit scores first. You may find that you are enough to qualify prime loans.

Credit rating
Credit rating pertains to your history of payments and obligations in settling your debt. Before sitting at that table, it is best to know your credit score and history very well. A good and bad credit rating will affect the rates that you can get.

Current Interest Rates
Do your research and know what interest rates are available out there. Know what limits can work for you and what is not possible for your budget. Compare your current mortgage rate and the interest rate you are aiming to get. Shop around and consult other lenders if possible.

If you come across a term you do not understand in your discussion, do not hesitate to ask right away. Clear communication is key in getting the right mortgage refinancing loan for you. Good mortgage company representatives will also be eager to explain to you, because a smooth conversation does evolve into a good deal.

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25 Responses to “Mortgage Refinancing Factors You Should Know”

  1. Arya on February 21st, 2010 3:19 pm

    mortgage give me bad experience, so now i have to carefully when i decide to get mortgage for my home

  2. Spectrum Properties Glasgow on February 21st, 2010 11:21 pm

    Hmm interesting read. I think it is invaluable to anyone, that before dealing with any property decisions they brush up on terms. Last thing you want is to end up with the wrong end of the stick because you misunderstood.

  3. Norfolk Home on February 22nd, 2010 1:24 pm

    Thanks for the finance tips, im looking into getting a mortage so this will help.

  4. WindowCleaningCamarillo on February 23rd, 2010 6:35 pm

    My parents refinanced their mortgage a couple times and it has pretty much ruined their finances

  5. Body on February 24th, 2010 4:32 am

    With this I now that refinancing factor of mortgage

  6. Office Space in Newport Beach on February 27th, 2010 9:44 am

    nice post, It’s true that Points are usually a percentage of the loan amount.

  7. Jocuri on March 3rd, 2010 6:11 am

    thanks for your important tips for the topic of
    mortgage refinancing. its loan finacing facilities is very easy and fixed interest rates.

  8. Dotti Driver on March 5th, 2010 7:10 pm

    I have clients who either don’t understand the terms of refinancing, or they have been misled. I keep hearing that it doesn’t cost anything to refinance. I explain that they are paying fees, but they don’t think that’s true. The fees must be rolled into the loan for them to think it’s free.

  9. Maui Realtor on March 17th, 2010 5:14 am

    I think it’s important to stress what to many is obvious: As a consumer, be diligent about what you are signing! Too many people assumed ridiculously high mortgages and then claim they didnt know. Make it a point to know what you are signing. Great post.

  10. DC Condo Boutique on March 25th, 2010 2:31 am

    Current low interest rates on a fixed mortgage can make refinancing a positive move right now. Hopefully the rates will stay low and keep the housing market moving in a positive manner

  11. Gino @ Detox on April 5th, 2010 5:43 am

    It is difficult to find a good mortgage financing company. I think we should take a detailed research about the financing company before applying for finance. This post can give an idea of research on financing companies to made it easy.Thanks for the excellent post.

  12. Orem Utah Homes on April 22nd, 2010 9:14 am

    I really admire the good post. What is most important is that getting good points regarding factors that you need to consider as you go through with the process will help you somehow be updated and aware of what’s going on inside the deal. Keep on track and knowing what’s better! :-) Nice post!

  13. ???????? ? ????????? on May 6th, 2010 9:40 am

    I am from Finland and down here it works little bit differently. We have fixed interest rates and Euribor, which can change dramatically. This is very useful article.

  14. Call Answering Service on May 20th, 2010 8:47 pm

    Knowing the common terms used in the deal is very important in order to keep track of the conversation and not get lost. After all, not everybody is a financial analyst, that’s why at least a little knowledge is important as well as open channels of communication.

  15. Bhanu Pratap verma on May 21st, 2010 9:00 am

    This one is easy to understand. This means the length of time you agree to pay off the loan and its interest. Know that the longer the duration, the more the interest will take away from you. On the other hand, a shorter duration means higher monthly payments, but saving more money in total.

  16. Louseeo @ Siterra on May 21st, 2010 9:03 pm

    This is good to know I am in the process of refinancing my home. It is good that information like this is out there. It will help me make better decisions.

  17. Karl Lopez on May 24th, 2010 11:35 am

    If you have great credit ratings it will be easier for you to get a good loan, great post

  18. nike requin on June 22nd, 2010 2:30 pm

    urrent low interest rates on a fixed mortgage can make refinancing a positive move right now

  19. nike requin on June 22nd, 2010 2:31 pm

    will stay low and keep the housing market moving in a positive manner

  20. Palmdale Homes on June 24th, 2010 6:01 pm

    Adjustable rate mortgages can be good for people who aren’t planning on staying in a property for a long time. They can get the loan when rates are low and then move and sell the property before the interest levels change.

  21. Aprilette on July 28th, 2010 12:27 pm

    Hey this is such an informative article and I’m glad you posted this. You are definitely right, that clear cut communication is the key in choosing the correct refinancing company. I agree with you on that. Some people are too hasty with their decisions, that they end up paying more than what they bargained for!!!

  22. France Dayne on August 22nd, 2010 9:01 am

    Thank you so much for that very helpful blog post. This gives us an idea on what are the important things to know before applying for a mortgage refinancing.

  23. High approval loans fast on October 7th, 2010 12:14 pm

    Good credit report and score, better down payment, outstanding bills and credit cards payments, amount of funds available are the factors that influence the chances of getting mortgage refinancing.

  24. jills on November 11th, 2010 12:57 pm

    Forgive me for being late to the welcome party but great to have you at Altos. I consider Altos one of the top real estate statistics companies out there. You’ve joined a great team.

  25. payday loan on June 27th, 2011 8:44 am

    Thanks for this informative article. Just a quick question as well, where can I find the theme you have for your website? Cheers mate.

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