How To Get The Best Mortgage Refinancing Rates
Think the mortgage rate you are considering is too good to be true? It’s probably a teaser rate. Is mortgage refinancing with a teaser rate a mistake, or can you leverage this lower interest rate to your advantage? Here are several mortgage refinancing tips to help you decide if that lower introductory interest rate is right for you.
Teaser rates are very low interest rates when mortgage refinancing used to lure homeowners with the promise of extremely low monthly payments. The teaser rate is usually much less than the going rates quoted for normal mortgage loans. The catch with a teaser rate is that it only lasts for a short period of time, often only for one month. Once the teaser rate expires the mortgage lender will switch you to the actual mortgage rate and raise your payment amount.
Teaser rates are usually used to promote products that are better for the lender than they are for the homeowner; however, they can be useful in certain situations. If you need short-term financing while you sell your home, a teaser rate could save you money. Make sure the loan does not include a penalty for early repayment as this would eat up your savings with an unnecessary fee.
When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several loan options. Usually, homeowners refinance to lock in a low fixed rate. This way, mortgage payments remain predictable. Many select adjustable rate mortgages below of their low introductory rate. If homeowners choose a mortgage loan with an adjustable rate (ARM), they should anticipate changing rates. If rates falls, ARM’s pose little threat. However, if rates increase, so does the mortgage payment.
Before applying for a refinancing, homeowners should do their research and familiarize themselves with the refi process. For example, refinancing involves paying closing fees. Thus, homeowners ought to have a cash reserve or select a mortgage loan that includes the option of wrapping the closing fees into the principle balance.
