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There are probably many "lifesaving" tips people have thrown you to help you determine the right time to refinance your home. You may have heard that the interest rate on the new loan must be at least two percent less than the old loan, or it is not a good decision. Another frequently quoted, but just as frequently incorrect statement, is that if your loan is less than two years old, you shouldn't refinance it now.

Neither one of these statements is entirely correct, and it can be extremely difficult to receive unbiased and accurate information about the refinancing decision and process. It is our desire to offer you a clear, concise guide to help you get rescued from that sea of refinancing confusion. This report has been designed to provide unbiased information that will help you make an educated decision about whether or not to refinance your home mortgage.

Put very simply, the decision to refinance a home should be based on whether you will own the property long enough to recapture the expense connected with the new loan. The way to figure this can be as easy as subtracting the proposed new house payment from the existing payment to find out what the monthly savings will be. Then, divide the monthly savings into the cost of refinancing to determine how many months it will take to recapture that cost.

There are some situations in which a refinancing decision should invariably be made. If you are able to negotiate a "no-cost" mortgage (you pay no points or closing costs), and if the new mortgage rate is lower than your existing rate, than refinancing your loan would certainly be of financial benefit to you. If the remaining mortgage balance, including points and closing costs, can be refinanced at a reduced monthly payment, and still be paid off within your existing mortgage payment term, then refinancing would be highly advisable. If you need extra cash for a home equity or auto loan, and the mortgage rate is lower than alternative loan rates, then refinancing is probably the best choice. Lastly, you can generally count on it being time to refinance when your new mortgage rate is at least one to two points lower than your existing rate, and you plan on staying in your home for at least three to five years.

One widespread myth that needs to be dispelled, is the idea that lowered monthly payments are the financial yardstick that wise refinancing is measured by. Monthly payments are only comparable if they are based on the same loan duration! In fact, lowered monthly payments can be achieved even at a higher mortgage rate, if the new mortgage has a longer term than the remaining years of the old mortgage.

Another common misconception about refinancing is that if the new rate is not at least two points lower than your existing mortgage rate, then refinancing is not worth the time and trouble. In many cases, especially if you are planning to stay in your home at least three to five years, even a one point reduction can make an enormous difference in your overall home mortgage cost. In addition, with the constant technological advances in the mortgage industry, obtaining a mortgage loan or refinance is now faster and easier than ever before. If you have any confusion or apprehension about your refinancing decision, call Referral Financial at 978-2957-9100, and we will consult with you at no charge or obligation.

To accurately sum up your refinancing decision, you need to thoroughly consider the following five factors:

1.The amount of reduction in the mortgage interest rate
2.The amount of reduction in the monthly payment
3.Any prepayment penalties on the old mortgage
4.The amount of closing costs, including any points, loan origination
fees, application fees, inspection fees, appraisal fees, title insurance,
mortgage insurance, etc.
5.The number of years you plan on retaining your home

When you refinance, the proceeds from your new mortgage loan are used to pay off your old mortgage. Even if you use the same lender this is true. You are not simply re-negotiating the terms of the old mortgage, such as reducing the interest rate.

Of course money doesn't just grow on trees, but if it is truly the right time for you to refinance, then with the money you will be saving after twelve to eighteen months, you should begin to feel like your money trees are in full bloom!

If after reviewing this report you are still not sure whether or not you should refinance your home, then it is time to call on someone trained specifically to help you interpret your individual mortgage situation.

We Do This For You At No Cost or Obligation