The length of time that you expect to keep the mortgage helps you determine whether it is worthwhile to pay points up front to reduce your interest rate. Unlike points paid on your original mortgage, points paid to refinance may not be fully deductible on your income taxes in the year they are paid.
Be Patient. Processing all of the paperwork that's required for a new loan takes time. Be patient while your loan moves through the system. Protect your credit score by paying your bills and making your mortgage payments on time and not taking on any more new debt than you absolutely have to.
If your property value reduces and you refinance up to 80% of the reappraised value, your original mortgage amount may be higher than this amount. Thus, the new loan will not be sufficient enough to help you pay down the existing one.
Mortgage can last a lifetime and that extra 1% can add up to literally thousands of dollars over the years. I have friends that are in their 70s and still paying off their home loans. It'll pay off in the long run to make sure you find the best deal possible. Don't let poor credit stop you from refinancing your home.
If you are refinancing from one ARM to another, check the initial rate and the fully-indexed rate. Also ask about the rate adjustments you might face over the term of the loan.
