Mortgage Refinansing Help

Mortgage Refinancing Help: Labor

“Don't escrow taxes and insurance. Unless you're undisciplined, avoid putting monies in escrow to cover your property taxes and homeowner's insurance. There's usually a fee for this privilege that runs under 1 percent of the loan amount, in states where it's allowed. "Paying the fee will allow you to time your tax and insurance payments to your benefit," says Bank South's Steve Austin. For instance, you may be able to prepay taxes that are due next year and use those payments to reduce your current tax bill. Moreover, you get to hang onto your money longer. That may be an advantage when interest-bearing accounts start paying more. ”

Mortgage Refinancing Help : Society: Issues : Labor (94)

Be Inquisitive. It's your responsibility to make sure that you understand the terms of your loan. Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Don't sign your loan documents until you are satisfied with the information and confident that you have made the right decision.

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Society: Law: Legal Information: Labor and Employment Law (66)
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It's better to follow the 2% Rule which suggests that you can enjoy the benefits of a home refinance if your mortgage refinance rate is 2% lower than that on your current loan. The interest savings will help you recoup the costs you've paid for the new loan provided you stay in the property for a certain period of time (break-even period). However, there are no-cost as well as low-cost refinance loans wherein the costs are included into the loan. But you can expect comparatively higher rates on such loans. Moreover, these loans are limited when the market is in a credit crunch.

If there are only a few years left on your current loan, it's no use refinancing with a long term loan. You may need extra cash but with a long term loan, you'll end up paying more for the entire loan term.

If you want to make sure the interest rate your lender offers you is the rate you get when you close the loan, ask about a mortgage lock-in (also called a rate lock or rate commitment). Any lock-in promise should be in writing. Make sure your lender explains any costs or obligations before you sign.

Be Proactive. Your loan representative should keep in contact with you even if there isn't any action on your loan. But do your part to keep the lines of communication open as well. If you don't hear from your loan representative for a few days, pick up the phone and ask for an update. The old adage that the squeaky wheel gets the grease definitely applies in this situation.