The financial industry has become increasingly competitive over the past years and lenders are desperate to attract customers, thus forcing their creative media guys to come up with new appealing concepts so as to take hold of as many clients as possible.
There is an old saying stating that “there is nothing really free”, and when it comes to this kind of loans, the saying turns out to be just perfect. So, you want to know what’s the catch with No Closing Costs Refinance? Read on and you’ll find out what lenders have prayed for you to ignore.
No Closing Costs Refinance
Those lenders who offer this kind of loans state that you’d be saving thousands of dollars on closing costs. Well those “thousands of dollars” add up to $3000, $4000 at a most. But if you pay attention to the interest rate they charge on No Closing Costs Refinance Loans you’ll notice that it’s almost 2% above the average interest rate offered by other lenders.
So their claim is only partly true. They are charging no closing costs at all, but what they make you save by not charging any fee, they compensate with overpriced interest rates. If you do your math, unless you’re requesting a 12 months refinance program, chances are that you’ll be paying a lot more than those $4000 in closing costs.
Avoid being tricked
Though ethically questionable, there is nothing illegal about these practices so you need to be particularly careful when looking for a refinance loan. What you may think is an excellent offering, can turn out to be a rip off. Always ask for loan quotes and take your time to analyze them, never rush in and don’t let loan salesmen trick you into signing something you don’t want to sign.
Whenever you hear “interest rate is a bit higher”, find out how higher and whenever you hear “you’ll save thousands of dollars on closing costs”, find out how many thousands. Do all the research you need to, till you find which lender is best for you.
Focus on the Interest Rate
Always remember when it comes to refinance, unless you are refinancing a small amount cause you’ve already paid almost all of your mortgage, you should focus on finding the lowest interest rate available. It is the only true way of saving thousands of dollars with a refinance home loan and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.
So don’t pay attention to those offering incredible refinance programs at no cost and search the internet for refinance home loan lenders, request quotes and compare interest rates and fees. Once you’ve selected the best deal contact the lender in order to apply for the loan. Take your time to make a conscious decision and you’ll avoid costly mistakes.
By: Mary Wise
Posts Tagged ‘Thousands Of Dollars’
The Catch Behind No Closing Costs Refinance Loans
March 30th, 2010Tennessee Refinance Loans – Refinance Mistakes That Will Cost You Money
March 8th, 2010
Getting a Tennessee refinance loan can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. There’s only one catch—you need to get a good deal on your refinance. It is the only way to make sure you get the absolute most out of your savings. Below is a list of three common refinance mistakes that will be sure to cost you money. With just a little bit of time and effort, you will easily be able to avoid these refinancing pitfalls.
Not Researching Rates
It is imperative that you get a good interest rate on your Tennessee refinance loan. To do this, you will need to research average rates and get rate quotes from several different lenders. This will allow you to make comparisons and be confident in the rate you finally choose to accept. Currently, fixed rates on 30 year Tennessee refinance loans average 5.45 percent.
Choosing the Wrong Lender
There are many reputable lenders who deal in Tennessee refinance loans. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of scammers. Tennessee has a serious problem with predatory lending. As of January 2007, a new law will be in effect to help protect borrowers. The law applies to high cost refinance loans and prohibits fraudulent practices. Even with this law in place, you are the only one who can protect your finances. Be sure to take time to find a lender who has your best interests at heart.
Not Paying Points
If you plan on living in your house for a few years and you have the money to do it, it only makes sense to pay points on your Tennessee refinance loan. Paying points upfront can significantly lower your interest rate and make the refinance more worthwhile.
By: Jane Hale
Refinance Mortgage Loan – Shorten Your Loan Term
March 7th, 2010
A 15-year loan term has many advantages, although it may appear to be expensive because of the higher monthly amortization. However, a shorter loan term assures you that you’ll be free from this burden before or at the time of retirement and save thousands of dollars. Consider having your loan restructured to a shorter loan term.
Benefits of a Shorter Loan Term
The prospect of spending 30 years paying back a mortgage is discouraging. If you have 20 years remaining on your loan, the option to shorten your loan term to 15 can be tempting. Taking away 5 years from a 20-year loan means a higher monthly bill, but freedom from the mortgage after 15 years instead of 20 is definitely more appealing. But if it’s only a matter of a few hundred dollars more, why not? Never mind if you’ll be paying a higher monthly bill.
You’ll be saving thousands of dollars from interests alone with the five years knocked off from the 20-year loan term. Another benefit is building your home equity faster. A refinance mortgage loan offers the chance to restructure your terms.
What’s Involved
For a home mortgage, the lender will pull your credit record to check if you’ve been paying your debts on time. You’ll also be paying the fees involved before, during, and after your loan is processed.
The lender will assess all the information to evaluate if you are a good risk for a shorter loan term. If you’re dealing with the same lender, the process won’t be as rigorous and as lengthy like it would be if you go to a new lender.
It’s a fact that lenders prefer long-term mortgages because it rakes in more profits. To counter loss in future profits, lenders penalize borrowers for paying their mortgage ahead of term. This is why prospective borrowers should always inquire if the lender charges prepayment penalties.
Assuming that your lender does not charge penalties on prepayment, you have to contend instead with the closing costs for your refinance mortgage loan.
Others get a refinance mortgage loan to switch to a short term interest only loan. They are banking on the equity of the house and intend to sell it in the near future. The proceeds of the sale will go to the interest and they can still have extra money from the profit. In your case, you’re looking at the full ownership of your home in a shorter time.
For a new loan, you can decide if you want a fixed rate mortgage or an ARM. An online calculator can compute how much you’re going to pay the monthly bill in 15 years’ time. From the calculations, you’ll be able to determine the feasibility of a short term ARM or fixed rate refinance mortgage loan.
Short Term or Long Term?
A short term, or traditional loan, will always depend on your financial situation and future plans. A short-term refi is ideal now that interest rates are low. You’ll be surprised that you’ll be paying the same monthly fee as your first mortgage, so there’s not much of a change in the monthly bills. The prospect of paying off your loan in 15 years, however, is imminent. For those who feel secure with the stability of the traditional 30-year loan term, switching from an ARM to a fixed rate refinance mortgage loan is recommended.
By: Rony Walker