Are you wondering if there is a way for you to save money, borrow money inexpensively, or protect yourself against future interest rate hikes? If you are a homeowner, one strategy that you can employ to accomplish this is to refinance your mortgage.
The simple answer is that refinancing means breaking your current mortgage early and replacing it with another one. You new mortgage can be for the same amount as your current mortgage (so that you can pay off your current mortgage), or it can be for a higher amount (so that you can pay off your current mortgage and receive an additional lump sum of money).
Lower your interest rate: If you currently have a mortgage with a higher interest rate (such as a bad credit mortgage or self-employed mortgage) but you can now qualify for a mortgage with a lower interest rate, then you may be able to save quite a bit of money by refinancing your mortgage and getting a lower interest rate.
Borrow money: Refinancing your mortgage can also be a great way to borrow money at a low interest rate. Typically, lenders will allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home equity with a home refinance. Homeowners use this method of borrow for a number of purposes including home renovations, getting a down payment for another property, and for debt consolidation. Really though, you can borrow money from your home equity through a refinance for any purpose that you choose.
The main drawback is that because you will be breaking your first mortgage, there is going to be a financial penalty. The further away your current mortgage renewal date is, the higher that penalty is going to be. Nevertheless, a mortgage refinance may still be able to help you save quite a bit of money, but you should consult with a mortgage broker to make sure the trade off is worth it.
The best way to know if this is the right strategy for you is to consult with a mortgage broker. A broker will do a needs assessment and determine whether it makes financial sense for you to refinance your mortgage or if there is another solution (like a second mortgage) that will better meet your needs.