Weigh the costs carefully of how long you will be staying in your home vs. how much of a savings you will be getting in a refinance. Make sure you include closing costs in your decision.
If you know that you will be moving in 3 to 5 years, you might want to consider refinancing to a 3 or 5 year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage). These loans typically have a much lower rate that a traditional fixed rate loan such as a 30 year fixed, but they do have a fixed rate for the first 3 or 5 years of the loan. This will enable you to benefit from the lower rate, but you won't ever have to worry about the risk of a rate adjustment because you will be selling the home before the fixed-rate period ends.
When refinancing a mortgage, as many as 30% of homeowner's cash out part or all of their home's equity. By investing in home improvements or paying off credit cards, this can be a smart. But, if you are borrowing more than 80% of your home's value, you will be hit with private mortgage insurance, costing you hundreds a year.
Fees are a hidden cost of many mortgage loans. By law, lenders must disclose fees within three days of a loan application. Fees can go by many names like - document prep fees, courier fees, administrative fees, and more.
When lenders offer a "no-cost" loan, they may include a prepayment penalty to discourage you from refinancing within the first few years of the loan. Ask the lender offering a no-cost loan to explain all the fees and penalties before you agree to these terms.
