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Mortgage Refinancing: Consolidate Your First And Second Mortgages

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

When considering Virginia mortgage refinance, you are focusing on the Virginia refinance rates – what the interest rate, points and final monthly payment will be – after the Virginia mortgage refinance is complete. One good move to lower your payments can be to consolidate your first and second mortgages.

Refinancing Your First and Second Mortgages

Refinancing both your first and second mortgages will result in one low monthly payment that could save you thousands of dollars in interest charges. You qualify for lower rates by combining both mortgages, instead of refinancing separately. You can see substantial savings through your second mortgage refinance, which often has a several-percent-higher interest rate than your first mortgage rates. Not to mention considerable savings on application fees and other closing costs.

Lowering Your Mortgage Payments

You have a couple of options to lower your mortgage payment when refinancing. The first obvious task is to find a low rate mortgage. You will still see a savings in your monthly mortgage bills, even if you still select the same term of your loan.

The lowest payments come from adjustable rate and interest only loans at the beginning of your home loan. But a fixed rate loan can also give you quite reasonable rates with an assurance that those interest rates won’t rise in the future.

You can also extend your loan term in the case of a second mortgage which usually is for five to ten years. By consolidating your loans to a 30 year loan, you extended your payment schedule in order to have a smaller payment. However, it will be done with higher interest rate and charges for short term cases.

Getting the Best Loan

Once you determine the type of loan and terms you want, do your shopping for a good lender to save even more money. Lenders’ charges vary quite dramatically sometimes on how much they charge for closing costs and interest rates. The APR will show you how the loans compare overall, in terms of rates and closing costs.

If you are in Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Maryland, or Delaware, you want to shop around the mid-Atlantic area for mortgage brokers or lenders.

Many people, who need to refinance, are looking for a 15 year fixed or 30 year fixed rate mortgage.

But if you are planning to relocate or refinance again in the future, then be wary of paying high closing costs. Even if the mortgage broker or lender are able to secure you a lower rate, you can realize your savings only if you keep the mortgage for several years.

Don’t make your selection of which lender or mortgage broker to use, based on posted loan rates. Ask for a customized loan quote based on your general information. With more accurate numbers, you can make an informed choice as to who has the best financing for you.

With proper attention to interest rates, points, and closing costs, your Virginia mortgage refinance can go smoothly – consolidating your first and second mortgages.

Consolidate first and second mortgages

Cash Out Refinancing vs. Home Equity Loan

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

In considering mortgage refinance Virginia, you may be thinking about a cash-out refinance and/or a home equity loan in Virginia.

Cash Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance is refinancing your existing mortgage and, additionally, borrowing some of your equity — built up in your home over the years — in a lump sum. Reasons for the cash can be for home improvements, college tuition, or a family vacation, to name a few. The smart borrowers usually use a cash-out refinance to invest in real estate, or to start their own business and, thus, build a steady stream of income.

Cash out refinances are very good financial tools when used for the right reasons. If interest rates are high, it is not wise to do cash out refinancing if your existing mortgage sits on a really good rate. It would certainly be wise to leave it alone until the right time comes to the fore. (Be sure to check Virginia refinance rates.)

Home Equity Loan

However, if you need the cash badly and are looking to tap into the equity you have accumulated in your home without touching your current mortgage, you may want to consider a home equity loan.

With a home equity loan you can borrow the equity you have built up without touching your first mortgage. For example, if you have accumulated $60,000.00 worth of equity in your home, you can borrow within that equity value without your first mortgage being effected. By the way, the home equity loan is also referred to as a second mortgage. Here, again, beware of high interest rates and high closing costs.

The cash out refinance and the home equity loan are very similar and serve almost the same purposes. Your situation should determine which of the two types of loans is the right choice for you.