Three Great Reasons to Refinance

For those who are considering a mortgage refinance option this year, it may be a wise financial decision. Current interest rates are still at historically low levels, but they are beginning what appears to be a steady, continuous rise. Several key economic indicators are pointing to rising interest rates over the long term, as analysts predict the end of the ride for those record-breaking low rates we’re enjoyed for the past few years.

Here are three great reasons to refinance:

1) Avoid Hikes in Adjustable Rate Mortgages

As interest rates go up, so will the monthly payments on those adjustable rate mortgages that were so popular during the recent real estate bull market. One of the most significant reasons to refinance right now is to switch from adjustable rates – that will likely increase over time – to predictable low fixed rate mortgages. Consumers who lock in lower rates now will save money and avoid the pressures that rising rates bring to consumers.

2) Consolidate High Interest Loans

If you currently own a home with accumulated equity, you can refinance and take out a second mortgage or home equity loan to pay off high interest debts like credit cards. Use this strategy now to lock in low rates and then pay off all your high-interest car loans, bank line of credit notes, and department store charge cards.

By consolidating those debts into one single low-interest payment, you can manage to pay off an entire basketful of high-risk loans and refinance your personal debt into a single second mortgage payment. And you can pay off your second mortgage slowly, over the next 15, 20, or 30 years, while also deducting the interest payments at tax time.

3) Update Your Mortgage for a Lower Rate

Perhaps you have a loan that you used to buy your house a while back, when interest rates were higher than they are now. You can refinance to low rates while you still have the opportunity, and save money every month for the life of the loan. By simply lowering your interest rate by one or two points, it is possible to save tens of thousands of dollars over 20 or 30 years, while also lowering your monthly payments. With a fixed rate loan, your rate will never go up, for as long as the loan exists. Pay on it for 30 years, and even if rates go sky high, your loan will remain at these historically cheap rates.

Whatever your reasons – and regardless of your particular situation – if you want to take advantage of the great low rates that are currently available, act now. They probably won’t be around much longer, and those who plan ahead and take steps to refinance won’t look back with 20/20 hindsight and have any regrets this time next year.