When is it Worth it to Refinance?

The refinance game always seems like a bit of a gamble—will rates go up or down, and when? Am I eligible to refinance? What is the current value of my home? How is my credit score? What should I consider before I refinance? Fortunately, by taking stock of your finances and considering a few key factors, you can be better equipped to decide when the time is right for your current situation and future finances.

Why Refinance

Traditionally, low interest rates are what tempt people to refinance their homes. Refinancing can result in a lower monthly payment, and free up cash for other expenses like paying off additional debt, purchasing another property, or paying for repairs or a remodel. The traditional rule of thumb says to refinance if interest rates are at least 1% below your current rate. That being said, make sure to factor in your current loan term when considering a refinance as your interest rate is not the only thing to keep in mind when making this decision.

What Happens When You Refinance Your Home

Refinancing allows you to choose a new mortgage type and term. You can take out another 30-year mortgage to make lower monthly payments and free up cash or switch to a shorter-term like a 15-year mortgage to enjoy lower interest rates and pay off your mortgage sooner. Before making any permanent decisions, look beyond a potentially smaller payment amount. Often, people are so focused on the lower interest rate or monthly payment that they forget to consider that when you refinance, you start over with a new loan. With any mortgage, the goal is to increase the equity in your home, and ultimately own it free and clear. When you refinance, you might be increasing the amount of time it will take you to own your home and you'll ultimately end up paying more in interest over the life of the new loan.

When is it Worth it to Refinance?

This is a tough question to answer, as it really depends on your specific situation and future plans. First and foremost, always do the math to see if refinancing would save or cost you money. If you want to do a remodel or need cash for another reason, you might be thinking about a cash out refinance to fund your project, but consider a home equity loan or line of credit , also known as a HELOAN or HELOC , instead. If you plan to move in a year or two, it wouldn't make sense to refinance, but if this is the house for you or you don't plan on moving for several years, refinancing might be the right option for you.

How to Refinance a House

A 15-year mortgage generally come with a lower interest rate than a 30-year as it's paid over a shorter period of time. This can help save quite a bit of money in interest, but the payments will likely be significantly higher, which can make things tough if money is tight in the future. If your income is higher and budget allows, you could save money on a 15-year mortgage. However, if you're unsure how much longer your income will be higher (i.e. if you're planning on retiring soon), then you may want to consider just making additional mortgage payments over time, versus refinancing.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is by far the most popular as it offers peace of mind with predictable payments but gives you the flexibility to pay it off faster by adding to the monthly payment when you can.

Check with Your Current Mortgage Lender

Some banks offer special rates for current borrowers. If you're trying to decide, look at your finances and talk with a mortgage specialist or lending advisor to see what's right for your budget in the current economic market. Whatever your decision, know your options and make sure you can easily make your mortgage payments on time each month to preserve your credit score and future home ownership.

WaFd Bank is Here to Help

When it comes to getting your finances in order for the ups and downs of life, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you're a seasoned budgeting pro or new to saving (check out WaFd Bank's account options while you're here), your local WaFd Bank branch is available to help you reach your financial goals. Open an account online, visit your local branch, or give us a call at 800-324-9375 to learn more and open an account today.

All loans subject to credit approval.