My Real Estate Blog

Because when you refinance you are replacing your existing loan with a new loan, you will go through a similar process that you went through when you first took out your existing loan. You will go through the application process, credit and financial profile check and in most cases an appraisal will be performed on your home. In addition, when choosing which type of loan to use when you refinance, consider how long you will be staying in your home, how you plan to use any ‘cash out’ equity and how refinancing contributes to your long-term financial goals.

1. Reduce your monthly payments by taking advantage of lower interest rates or extending the repayment period of your loan.
2. Taking ‘cash out’ from the equity in your home to fund a major expense, such as a home remolding project or to consolidate debts.
3. Switching from an adjustable rate or balloon mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage to reduce the chances of higher interest rates or payment adjustment shock.
4. Accelerate the pay off of your mortgage by shortening the term of your loan.

Rate-Term Refinance
A rate-term refinance is when you refinance only your existing mortgage balance (plus closing costs if you choose). The purpose of this type of refinance would be to reduce your interest rate and/or change your loan term.

Cash-Out Refinance
When you ‘cash-out’ refinance, you are taking out a new loan with a balance in excess of your existing mortgage balance. That difference becomes ‘cash-out’ to you at closing. The primary purpose of this type of refinance would be to fund a large purchase, fund a home improvement project or to consolidate debt.