Posts Tagged ‘Mortgage Interest Rate’

When A Home Refinance Loan Makes Sense – Suitable Pursuits

December 15th, 2009



Seeking to attain a home refinance loan without actual reason is without a doubt, a wasted effort on any homeowners behalf. Yet, on the other hand, if there are definitive grounds and specific circumstances calling for a home refinance loan pursuit then it’s wise to go head and motion for a mortgage refinancing, as soon as you can. But, just when does seeking a home refinance loan actually make sense? When is it a suitable pursuit? There has to be a time and a place for it, right?

Fitting Circumstances Push Suitable Refinancing Pursuits

There are indeed suitable moments to go ahead and get a home refinance loan or refinance your mortgage overall. But, when is it just the right time? To answer this, you need to consider a few things, namely being just exactly what it is you want or want to fix. Usually, when a homeowner is seeking a home refinance loan it’s usually because something is lacking or needs to be financially changed, or bettered. Usual scenarios leading homeowners to seek refinance home loans include attempts at getting a lower interest rate, changing overall mortgage terms, gaining a substantial amount of cash as soon as possible or to plan ahead for a future home move.

If Ability To Obtain A Lower Interest Rate Is There…

Take advantage of the opportunity. If your current mortgage interest rate is outstanding and you have the capability to acquire a lower rate, don’t hesitate. If you do stall, it’s quite possible you’ll miss out on saving tens of thousands of dollars during the length of your loan’s life. The benefit of acting on getting a lower rate is immeasurable. What you’ll get is a lower overall balance, a lower rate (of course) and lower payments. Also, factor in that the majority of lenders don’t charge refinancing fees, especially if the equity in your home is built up – this could allow you to roll closing costs over into your new home refinance loan.

Changing Your Mortgage Term To Satisfy Homeowner Needs…

Is a great opportunity to utilize a refinance home loan as well. Looking to speed up paying off the principle of your loan? Then refinance your mortgage from 30 to 15 years. Doing this will ultimately save you oodles of interest costs. On the other hand, if you’re looking to free up some money or gain some financial leeway, refinance your mortgage from 15 to 30 years. What happens in this case is a maintaining of your original balance, yet your monthly payment amounts are lowered significantly (making more cash available to you for what you need to fund), by hundreds of dollars. This though will accrue more interest since you’re prolonging the life of your home refinance loan.

If Moving Out Of Your Home Is On The Horizon…

Especially in the next 3 to 5 years or so, then you should look into a refinancing motion, specifically toward an ARM, or adjustable rate mortgage. By opting for a 3 to 5 year ARM, you’ll have a much lower rate compared to, say, having a 30 year fixed mortgage. Benefits here are roted in already stated lower rates, but also, simply in having comfort in knowing you don’t have to worry about rate adjustments; this is so simply because, you will be (hopefully) selling your home before the actual fixed-rate period ends.

By: E.S. Cromwell

Mortgage Refinancing: What is Loan to Value Ratio?

November 16th, 2009



If you are in the process of mortgage refinancing, one important part of your application approval and the interest rate you receive is the Loan-to-Value ratio or LTV. Here are the basics of Loan-to-Value ratio and what you need to know to qualify for the best mortgage loan.

What is the Loan to Value Ratio?

Your Loan to Value Ratio is calculated by dividing the balance of your outstanding mortgage by the appraised value of your home. The more equity you have in your home when refinancing, the lower your LTV ratio will be. The lower your LTV the better your mortgage interest rate will be, saving your money with a lower mortgage payment.

Problems with High LTV Ratios

If your Loan to Value Ratio is high, you can expect to pay more for your mortgage loan. Having a high Loan to Value ratio means you are more of a risk for the lender. Lenders pass this additional risk on to you in the form of higher interest rates and lender fees. If your Loan to Value ratio is greater than 80%, the lender could require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance as a condition of approval.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is expensive and does nothing for you but drive up your cost. PMI only protects the lender from losses due to foreclosure on your home. This costly insurance could drive your monthly payments up several hundred dollars and negate any benefit you might receive from mortgage refinancing.

You can learn more about your mortgage refinancing options and how to avoid costly homeowner mistakes by registering for a free mortgage guidebook.

By: Louie Latour