Mortgage Refinance

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

According to mortgage analytics company Black Knight, over 1.3 million well-qualified U.S. homeowners might save up to 0.75 percentage points on their mortgage by lowering their rate. These borrowers would save a sum of $405 million each month, or $320 per homeowner each month. When refinancing, the lower your interest rate, the more money you’ll save over time. According to most mortgage experts, a reduction of at least 0.75 percentage points (from 6.5% to 5.75%, for example) is ideal. However, a drop of as little as 0.50 percentage points may be beneficial in some situations.

If you are considering a refinance this year, it may make sense to do so sooner rather than later. Mortgage rates are expected to keep climbing—which means waiting could reduce (if not eliminate) your chance of finding a better interest rate. If you are unsure whether a refinance is the right move, read on for more information that will help you decide.

When Does Refinancing Make Sense?

When people notice mortgage rates falling below their current loan rate, they typically consider a refinance. However, there are other compelling reasons to refinance, such as:

  • If you’re trying to pay off your debt sooner and with a lesser term.
  • If you have enough equity in your property, you can refinance a loan without mortgage insurance.
  • You want to borrow money against the equity in your home, but you don’t want to take on a lot of debt.

When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?

A homeowner may refinance their mortgage to reduce monthly payments, pay off an existing loan and replace it with a new one, or both. There are several reasons why homeowners might want to refinance their mortgage:

  • To obtain a lower interest rate.
  • To shorten the term of their mortgage.
  • To convert from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate loan, or vice versa.
  • To tap into their equity to address a financial crisis, make a significant purchase, or consolidate debt.

An initial mortgage is far more expensive than a HELOC, but homeowners must weigh the costs against the benefits of refinancing to make an informed decision. Refinancing may cost anywhere from 3% to 6% of a loan’s principal. Much like an original mortgage, refinancing also requires an appraisal, title search, and application fees, so it’s critical for homeowners to evaluate whether it is a smart financial move.

What Is a Reasonable Mortgage Rate?

Many individuals expect mortgage rates to follow when the Federal Reserve lowers short-term interest rates. However, mortgage rates do not always move in step with short-term rates. Avoid focusing on a low mortgage rate you’ve seen or read about because mortgage refinancing rates change daily. Furthermore, your rate may be higher or lower than the current published rate each time you call to find out.

The interest rate on your mortgage refinance is mainly determined by your credit score and the equity you have in your house. As long as your credit score is good and you can show proof of consistent income, you’ll be more likely to find a competitive quote.

What Is a Reasonable Mortgage Rate?

According to Freddie Mac, the current average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed-rate loan is 5.30%. If you can lower your current interest rate by at least 0.5 percent, it’s probably worth considering a mortgage refinancing. Lowering your interest rate from 6% to 5% will save you approximately $95 each month or $1,140 per year. If you can reduce the rate from 6% to 5%, your monthly savings would be $188 or $2,256 per year.

You don’t have to refinance into a 30-year loan. If your financial status has improved and you can make larger monthly payments, you may refinance a 30-year loan into a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, which you can pay off faster while saving on interest. Two important things to take into account, besides your monthly savings, are the expenses of changing loans and the time it will take you to recover or break even.

The last component of the refinance puzzle is to balance your refinancing objectives with the change in loan length. Refinancing into another 30-year loan means you’ll be paying a mortgage for 40 years rather than 30 if you’re ten years into a 30-year mortgage. If your main goal is to lower your monthly payment, refinancing into a 30-year mortgage makes sense. However, if your objective is to save money on interest and shorten the duration of your loan, refinancing a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage may be the better option as long as you can afford the higher monthly payments.

How Much Does It Cost To Refinance Your Home?

Various factors will determine the overall cost of refinancing your home loan. The current value of your property and the sort of lender you deal with can influence the price. Typically, when refinancing, you should anticipate spending around 2% – 6% of the total value of your loan. This amount will cover all other closing charges, such as:

  • Application Fees: Even if rejected, your lender may charge you for your application.
  • Appraisal Fees: When you refinance, your lender will likely demand an appraisal. An appraisal usually costs between $300 and $500.
  • Attorney Fees: An attorney may be required to review and file paperwork for your refinancing loan, depending on your state. The fees also vary depending on the region.
  • Title and Insurance: Your lender will likely want a title search during the refinancing procedure.

Some homeowners may be able to include these closing costs into their total loan amount. However, it depends on the lender, the loan type, and how much equity you have. As a result, you may accept a greater mortgage rate in return.

How Long Does It Take To Refinance Your House?

How Long Does It Take To Refinance Your House?

You can get involved in speeding up the time needed to refinance your house. Prepare and research ahead of time if you want the process to move at a faster pace. Having essential documents on hand will help simplify things. So be sure to keep the following information on hand:

  • W-2 forms
  • Tax returns
  • Pay stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Business financial statements
  • Proof of employment
  • Investment or retirement income
  • Billing statements
  • Homeowners’ insurance policy information

In most situations, this information must be current. Lenders usually want to see statements from the two previous years. So, before meeting with a lender, make sure you have the most up-to-date versions of all the documents mentioned earlier.

The Bottom Line

Refinancing can be a wise financial decision if it lowers your mortgage payment, extends the term of your loan, or helps you build equity faster. It may also be a valuable instrument for managing debt responsibly. Take some time to examine your finances and ask yourself these questions before refinancing: How long do I expect to live in my house? What money am I saving by refinancing?

The total cost of refinancing will depend on your current interest rate and the amount you borrow. It’s also important to remember that a mortgage refinancing costs 3% to 6% of the loan’s principal. It takes years to recover this expense with the savings generated by a lower interest rate or a shorter term. So, if you don’t expect to stay in your house for more than a few years, the fees will eat any potential savings from refinancing.

It’s also important to remember that a clever homeowner is always looking for ways to lower debt, enhance equity, save money, and terminate their mortgage payment. Taking money out of your equity when refinancing will not help you achieve any of those objectives.

Still confused? Feel free to contact us. We will guide you to the best possible outcomes.

Mortgage

Is 2022 a Good Time To Buy a Home?

Is it a good time to buy a home in 2022? That is s the question that many people are asking themselves right now. Housing forecasts predict house prices will increase in the upcoming year, but mortgage rates are still low. Read on if you are considering buying a property this year or the next! We will go through everything you need to know about purchasing real estate in 2022, including what to anticipate from the housing market and how to get the most refined mortgage loan for your needs. 

Buy Now or Wait? The Big Question in 2022

Many people try to time their purchase of a home or investment property right. They want the lowest rates, prices, and, ideally, an all-out buyer’s market. Unfortunately, such circumstances are rare. If you’re waiting for the ideal opportunity, you might end up waiting a long time. There’s no perfect moment to buy a home — it will always be a challenging feat, no matter the conditions. However, if you do your research and are financially prepared, 2022 could be an excellent year to purchase a property. The following graph can help you understand the scenario.

Current Market Conditions

Current Market Conditions

Any looking into purchasing a home needs to be aware of the current circumstances of the housing market. According to most recent reports, prices are only going up from where they currently sit. While this may seem like good news for sellers, it could create some challenges for buyers who don’t have a large budget.

If you’re considering buying a home in 2022, you first need to save as much money as possible. Even if you’re not planning on putting down 20%, every little bit will help when it comes time to negotiate with sellers. The market situation is shifting, making it more straightforward for some homeowners and difficult for others. So here are a few of the most important things to consider before buying property.

Interest Rates Are Going Up

Interest Rates Are Going Up

In 2022, interest rates dropped to historically low levels, making home buying more appealing. However, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates for the first time in two years to combat inflation. It’s terrible news for borrowers because monthly mortgage payments will go up. However, it’s important to remember that these rising rates are still lower than many borrowers have previously committed to.

Home Prices Will Continue to Increase

With home values continuing to rise, some buyers might be driven out of the market. On the other hand, the prices are anticipated to grow slower than in 2021.

It’s Still a Seller’s Market

There are fewer homes on the market than people are looking for, making it a seller’s market. However, this year’s supply of available homes is expected to rise, making it more straightforward for buyers to locate the house they want.

Homes Are Selling Quickly

For several years, properties have been selling rapidly, impacting potential buyers. Buyers may need to make compromises or offer a higher price to stand out to sellers. Considering your budget before starting your search is critical to knowing what you can and can’t afford.

How Have Mortgage Rates Changed in 2022?

How Have Mortgage Rates Changed in 2022?

We don’t know what’s in store for mortgage rates as 2022 ticks along. There’s reason to believe that rates will continue to climb.

Should You Buy a Home in 2022?

Now is an excellent time to buy a house — and U.S. consumers agree. According to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey: 

  1. Mortgage rates dropped in July.
  2. More homes are available for sale nationwide.
  3. Sellers are willing to cut prices.

Today, over two-thirds of renters would buy a home if their lease ended. Most expect rents to rise sharply into 2022–2023. The housing market could favor buyers now, too. New credit scoring rules gave millions of U.S. consumers 22 extra credit score points, which means that the math of whether it’s better to rent or buy a home has changed. While mortgage rates and housing market situations are undoubtedly important, there are several circumstances to consider. Whether you should buy a home in 2022 depends on your finances.

You’re in a solid position to buy a home if you have:

  • A steady job.
  • A down payment was saved up.
  • An excellent credit score.
  • Low levels of debt.

Conclusion

Purchasing a home is a huge decision that no one should take lightly. If you’re thinking of buying a home in 2022, make sure you do your research and prepare financially before making any decisions. Keep an eye on current market conditions and work with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. If you have any questions, reach out to the experts at Home Loan Center — we’re here to help you through every step of the process! We can’t wait to help you find your dream home!

Mortgage

15-Year Vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Which One Is Right For You?

When buying or refinancing a home, one of the first major decisions you have to make is whether you want a 15-year or 30-year mortgage. While both options offer a set monthly payment for many years, there are several distinctions between the two other than just how long it will take you to pay off your property. But which one is better for you? Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of each mortgage so you can choose which one works best for your budget and long-term financial goals.

What Are the Differences Between 15-Year And 30-Year Mortgages?

The length of each loan is the most significant distinction between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage. A 15-year mortgage allows you to pay off the total amount you borrow to purchase your house in 15 years, whereas a 30-year mortgage allows you to pay off the same amount in double the time.

Fixed-rate loans are the most common type of mortgage. When you get a 15-year or 30-year mortgage, for example, you will lock in an interest rate at the time of application and keep that same interest rate for the duration of your loan. You will also usually have the same monthly payment throughout the whole term of your loan.

Pros Of A 15-Year Mortgage 

Faster Payoff: You’ll be mortgage debt-free in half the time of a traditional, 30-year mortgage if you take out a 15-year loan.

Pay Less Interest: You will save interest money if you make fewer payments. This can be a difference of tens of thousands of dollars over the length of the loan, depending on your loan size.

Lower Interest Rate: Lenders typically demand lower interest rates on a 15-year mortgage than they do on a 30-year loan, resulting in additional savings over the lifespan of your loan.

More Equity, Faster: You will pay more of the principal over time with a 15-year loan, which means you’ll have equity in your home sooner that you can use if necessary.

Cons Of A 15-Year Mortgage 

Smaller Loan Amount: If your ideal house is on the higher end of your affordability range, you might not be able to obtain a 15-year loan. A more expensive house means a more significant payment, so you may not qualify for as big a mortgage.

Higher Monthly Payment: Short-term loans are almost always higher priced than regular unsecured personal loans. With a shorter loan, you will probably pay considerably more each month. Your payment may be 40% greater than it would be on a 30-year mortgage, and even more in some cases.

15-Year Vs. 30-Year Mortgage

Pros Of A 30-Year Mortgage 

Lower Monthly Payment: When you take out a 30-year mortgage, your monthly payment will be far less than if you took out a 15-year mortgage.

Easier to Qualify: The lower monthly payment makes it easier for consumers to fulfill debt-to-income ratio criteria and get a loan.

More Room In Budget: A lower payment means you’ll have more money to spend on other things.

Cons Of A 30-Year Mortgage

More Interest Paid: You will pay way more interest over 30 years than on a 15-year mortgage. 

Higher Interest Rates: Lenders consider a 30-year mortgage riskier and will charge higher rates.

Slower Equity: You’ll pay less in the long run if you take smaller initial payments, so it will take longer to build equity. It might also extend the time to pay for private mortgage insurance.

Should You Choose A 15 Or 30-Year Mortgage?

Should You Choose A 15 Or 30-Year Mortgage?

So, how do you decide? Take a look at your finances and see what options are available to you.

A 15-Year Loan Is Best If:

  • You Can Comfortably Afford a Higher Monthly Mortgage Payment: On a 15-year loan, your monthly principal and interest payments will be dramatically higher. Only consider this option if you have extra cash in your budget and can still pay other bills, such as credit card debt.
  • You Want To Build Equity More Quickly: You’ll pay less interest on a 15-year mortgage than on a 30-year mortgage since you’re paying more each month toward your principal. This allows you to build equity in your property at a faster rate. Additional equity enables you to get a cash-out refinance, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit for other financial objectives sooner because it frees up cash earlier. It also implies that you’ll be free of your mortgage much sooner.
  • You’re Buying a House That’s Well Within Your Means: Obtaining a loan for 15 years or less is feasible if you take the 15-year option. This could be a better alternative if you know you can pay it off sooner. 
  • You Plan To Stay In Your Home Short Term: If you know you’ll have to sell relatively soon, a 15-year loan might help you develop more significant equity and earn more money when reselling. You’ll make an enormous profit once all the costs and commissions are deducted because you’ll pay more principal than interest.

A 30-Year Loan Is Best If:

  • You Want a Lower Monthly Mortgage Payment: Your repayment term is longer with a 30-year loan. This spreads out your mortgage payments over a more significant period, making them more affordable.
  • You Want More Room In Your Budget: A lower monthly mortgage payment gives you more wiggle room for budgeting and focusing on other financial goals, such as boosting your emergency fund or retirement savings.
  • You Want the Option To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster Without Being Tied Down: If you borrow a 15-year loan, you’re committing to a higher monthly mortgage payment for the entire loan term. However, a 30-year mortgage allows you to pay extra money toward your principal and shave time off your repayment term whenever you have the financial bandwidth to do so.
  • You Want To Buy the Best House You Can Afford: You’ll likely qualify for a larger loan with a 30-year mortgage, which means you can buy a more expensive house.

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong answer when choosing a 15-year or a 30-year mortgage. It depends on your unique financial situation and what you’re looking for in a home loan. If you can afford the higher monthly payments of a 15-year mortgage and you’re confident that your income won’t fluctuate much over time, this may be the best option. On the other hand, if you want more flexibility and lower monthly payments, then a 30-year mortgage may be the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one makes the most sense for your circumstances.

Have you ever considered a 15-year or a 30-year mortgage? Contact us for a free consultation.

Mortgage

How To Maximize Your Home Equity? Best Ways To Tap Into Your Home Equity.

Housing Prices have risen dramatically over the past few years and continue to increase across the country.

During the pandemic, millions fled major cities to find more extensive and comfier spaces to work from home in the suburbs, raising demand and driving up costs. Meanwhile, material shortages worldwide continue to raise new home construction costs. The housing market’s low supply coupled with cash-wielding house hunters continues to squeeze an already tight market even further, and experts predict this trend will continue well into the rest of 2022.

This same scenario is excellent news for a homeowner’s equity. Over the past several years, people in the industry have discovered that the real estate gold rush is on. Home values have increased dramatically, helping homeowners gain over $55,000 in equity in less than a year, all between the fourth quarters of 2020 and 2021.

Overall, $3.2 trillion in total equity was added across the country during the same period, with a 29% increase year over year, according to CoreLogic, a real estate data analytics firm. While many homeowners have plenty of equity, it’s locked until they sell their home, use their equity through a cash-out refinance, or obtain a home equity financial product such as a HELOC or home equity loan.

Your home is most certainly one of your most valuable assets, and as with other assets, you can profit from your house’s value in various ways. The cash-out refinance, HELOC, and a home equity loan are three popular methods for withdrawing equity from your property without selling it. These investment products allow you to access your home’s equity for various uses, such as remodeling your house or funding your children’s education. However, if you sell your property, you’ll have to repay it over time or in one lump sum. So, before you decide what to do, consult with a home equity professional about the benefits and drawbacks of each choice.

Maximize Your Home Equity:

Here are some of the most popular ways to access your house’s worth while it is still increasing in value.

Cash-out refinances, HELOCs, and Home Equity loans

Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance is a mortgage loan that helps you access the equity in your home. With this type of loan, you replace your current mortgage with a new one and receive the difference in cash. The main advantage of a cash-out refinance is that it usually has lower interest rates than other types of loans, such as home equity loans. Additionally, it allows you to borrow more money than a home equity loan. A few drawbacks of cashing out include: 

Risk of foreclosure: If you cannot repay your loan, you could lose your home. Unsecured loans are far less risky.

Closing costs: Mortgage loans demand high up-front closing costs, which must be paid no matter what, whether you roll them into your loan balance, write a check, or take a higher rate. To close your loan, you’ll spend between several hundred and several thousand dollars, and you need to add that amount to the costs of wherever you’re spending the money.

HELOC

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a loan that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. With a HELOC loan, you can withdraw money as needed up to the limit of your credit line. The advantage of a HELOC loan is that it usually has lower interest rates than other types of loans and allows you to borrow money over time. One disadvantage of HELOCs often stems from a borrower’s lack of discipline. Because HELOCs let you make interest-only payments during the draw period, it’s easy to access cash impulsively without considering the potential financial ramifications. Another thing to consider is that the interest on a HELOC is not tax deductible.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a type of loan that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. However, you receive the money in one lump sum. In addition to offering a stable interest rate, home equity loans are secured by your property, and they typically offer a lower rate than unsecured forms of borrowing such as personal loans or credit cards. The disadvantage is that you could lose your home because it’s being used as collateral for the loan. Furthermore, you’re responsible for the loan balance if you sell your home. Since the loan is tied to your home, you must pay off the loan if you choose to sell it.

As you can see, there are several ways to access your home equity without selling your home.  Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consult a home equity professional to determine which loan suits your circumstances. With home values on the rise, now is a great time to tap into that equity. By doing so, you can use the money for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other financial needs.

Important Factors To Consider

Important Factors To Consider

Even if you think your home’s equity is a good alternative for funding your house’s makeover or lowering your debt, there are certain factors to consider before doing so.

 

maximize your home equity.

Your home’s value can decline.

Keep in mind that there’s no assurance that your property’s value will rise dramatically over time. Your home may even depreciate in an economic slump or be damaged by fire or extreme weather. If you borrow money on a HELOC or take out a home equity loan and the value of your house decreases, you may end up owing more on the loan than what your house is worth. You are said to be “underwater” on your mortgage when this happens.

Say, for example, that you have a mortgage worth $300,000, but the housing market in your area has collapsed, leaving your property’s market value at only $200,000. Your mortgage would be $100,000 greater than the real estate. Getting accepted for debt consolidation or a new loan with better terms is considerably more difficult if your mortgage is underwater.

There’s a limit on the loan’s amount.

You can only borrow up to 80% – 85% percent of the value of your house with a HELOC or home equity loan, minus any existing mortgage debt. Even if you have $300,000 in equity, most lenders will not allow you to borrow that much. Your loan-to-value ratio or LTV determines the amount you may borrow, and that number varies from person to person. It’s tied closely to one’s credit score, financial history, and current income.

How not to use your home equity.

A common reason to tap into home equity is for non-essential personal expenses such as an extravagant vacation or a luxury car that is not in line with your budget. While spending money on something other than house payments may be appealing, creating a savings plan to cover these entertaining expenses is the best way to go. A good rule of thumb is not to borrow more than you need, don’t overspend, and not put your house at risk of foreclosure for a frivolous home equity purchase.

Even if you use your home equity to add value to your house or improve your financial position in some other way, keep in mind that if you don’t repay a home equity loan or HELOC, you risk losing your house. Run the numbers and ensure you can continue paying your mortgages while using home equity money.

Do you have any questions about how to access your home equity?  Leave a comment below or contact us for a free consultation.

Sponsor Story

How West Capital Lending is competing with the nation’s biggest mortgage brokers West Capital offers fast closing times, great pricing and bespoke communication.

The housing market is still tight, which means potential home buyers and current homeowners can’t afford to lose time with any missteps. What’s one part of the process that can make or break a deal, especially in a seller’s market, but that’s entirely within a borrower’s control? Choosing the right lender for their mortgage.

Here’s a look at how one local firm, which happens to be the nation’s fastest-growing mortgage broker, is setting itself apart from other lenders.

According to Eric Hines, co-founder of West Capital Lending, in today’s market, lenders need to offer a few non-negotiables.

“Fast closing times, stellar communication, multiple lenders and programs available and great pricing,” he said. Without those, a buyer will likely not get that dream home they’re eyeing.

For Hines and his co-founder, Daniel Iskander, the clients always come first – and that philosophy is what allowed them to grow from a combined team of about 60 loan officers to over 180 in a little over six months. In less than a year, while dealing with all the curveballs of the market and the pandemic, they firmly established West Capital Lending as the number one broker partner of Rocket Pro, the country’s largest residential mortgage lender. What does that mean for their clients?

“A dedicated team of underwriters and support staff, along with the best pricing and service equals an exceptional client experience,” said Hines.

By partnering with Rocket Pro, West Capital can both “communicate to the client in their preferred channel and do so while completing the transaction faster than normal,” added Iskander. Their average closing time is under 25 days.

That speed and agility happens despite the industry’s countless challenges: working through forbearance guidelines, unforeseen FHFA fees for refinancing borrowers, appraisals that take up to eight weeks for delivery or cost as much as $2,700. While West Capital can’t make the market loosen up, they can offer clients both direct lending and access to over 40 lenders where necessary, said Iskander. That means they’re well-equipped for any curveball.

Hines said they can also go far beyond conventional mortgages, with products as diverse as low down payment options with little or no private mortgage insurance, jumbo loans, no-cost programs and even programs for people with no income or who are self-employed. They offer FHA and VA loans, hard-money loans, reverse mortgages, down payment assistance programs, rental income loans for investors – and the list goes on.

Couple those options with a team of experienced loan officers, and West Capital can help clients navigate the constant changes in the industry due to the pandemic. They don’t just say “no.”

“If you don’t have somebody who knows that these changes are coming, you might have somebody that just tells you ‘no,’ when you could be very well-qualified or when you’re looking to go through the process without the risk of the virus,” said Iskander.

That flexibility and support extends to their team as well.

“I was looking for a platform that would support my growing mortgage origination business,” said Shawn Wyns, Vice President at West Capital. “I was looking for a company that was flexible with my needs and those of my division, who constantly supports high performing teams. West Capital Lending is providing all those things.”

And, Wyns added, “I feel appreciated and supported here. I know my business will continue to thrive for years to come – all while having a healthy work-life balance.”

That matters to Hines and Iskander. They founded West Capital because they take the American Dream of homeownership seriously – and want clients and the team to enjoy that dream.

When it comes time to choose a mortgage lender, don’t settle. Learn what West Capital Lending can do for you.

 

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