Q: Should I
refinance?
If you're in an adjustable rate mortgage, you
may want to think about getting a fixed-rate
mortgage.
Sometimes it makes sense to refinance. Sometimes
it does not. It depends greatly on your
individual situation and what your financial
goals are. For instance, you may want to lower
your interest rate and/or monthly payment, but
you need to ask yourself these questions:
-
How long do you expect to be in your home?
-
How much equity do you have in your home?
-
Are you willing to pay points to get a lower
rate?
-
Will having lower payments more than make up
for the closing costs , fees and points if
any?
Q. Should I
refinance from an adjustable rate to a fixed
rate?
Generally, it's a good idea to get the lowest
fixed rate possible, but you also have to
consider your situation. If you're in the first
year of an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and
you plan on moving in three years, it probably
doesn't make sense for you to refinance.
However, if the rate on your ARM is about to
adjust and you think the rate will go up, then
it may make sense to get a long-term