As time goes by, it becomes necessary to think about refinancing a home loan or mortgage. This can lower monthly payments, speed up repayment, and help people find the right rates and terms for them. After all, what was the right rate or loan when buying the home may no longer be true. People find and lose jobs and improve their finances or need some relief after a while. This is why people should think about refinancing: It will lower payments and could even give people more money than they were thinking. Every detail about a loan could be changed. Thus, if a person wants to pay off a loan in ten years rather than twenty, this too could be changed. Having an idea of the outcome will help people choose between different refinance options.
There are a number of different factors that has to be taken into account when comparing refinance options and quotes. This is why it is important to really investigate everything from interest rates and the terms of a loan to the fees associated with this form of funding. The right refinance option will depend on a person’s needs and current financial situation. With the right refinance rate quotes, one can really shift their payments so that they make life easier.

People’s financial situations change over time. This is why it is important to pursue refinance options. At some point, a person may even be able to repay the loan earlier than he or she thought. This is why it is important to look for refinance options that do not have a prepayment penalty that charges people if they pay off a mortgage early. Of course, such a fee may be okay if the interest rates and terms are favorable enough.

When is the Best Time to Refinance Your Home Loan?

Your credit history has improved:

The best mortgage rates and loan terms are typically reserved for borrowers with the best credit scores. If your credit score is much better than it was when you first got your home loan, it's possible that you can now get approval for a mortgage with a more favorable rate. Obtain a copy of your credit report now so you confirm your scores and correct any errors before applying.

Your income has increased, or your other debts have been paid off:

If your income has recently increased or your non-mortgage debt--such as education loans, car loans, and credit card balances--has decreased, your debt-to-income ratio may have improved, and you may qualify for a lower interest rate for your mortgage.

Your home's value has risen:

Although many home values have declined in recent years, if the value of your home has increased recently and you have greater home equity, you might consider refinancing your home to consolidate debt or make needed home improvements.

You decide you want the stability of a fixed-rate loan:

Many homeowners received adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) or interest-only (I/O) loans in recent years and may be facing increases in monthly mortgage payments. Refinancing a mortgage to a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage can provide stability in payments that makes financial planning and budgeting far easier.

Refinancing When Interest Rates Drop:

Of course, a drop in average mortgage rates remains one big reason why homeowners want to refinance. Even if you already have a 30-year fixed-rate loan, if current interest rates are substantially lower than what you pay on your existing home loan, refinancing your home could save a lot of money over time. Before refinancing your existing mortgage, make sure that you shop around for the best deal and compare interest rates, terms, and conditions. Your mortgage lender or mortgage can help calculate how long it will take to recoup the costs of a home refinance.