Banknotes

Real estate is one of the best investments you can make, now or in the future. For many, owning a second home is a dream that may seem unattainable, but with interest rates as low as they are, it may be easier than you think. Before you decide to make your dream come true, let’s look at a few of the factors that should be considered.

As I recently explained in detail in another article, a cash-out mortgage refinance loan can be a great way to free up some immediate cash using the equity you’ve built up in your home over the years. However, one of the downsides to a cash-out refinance is taking on a slightly higher interest rate than a regular refinance. It is a practice called “loan-level pricing.”

Whether you currently have extra time to complete a home improvement project or the recent economic challenges have taken a toll on your family budget, many people are looking for immediate cash these days.

Could a cash-out refinance be the solution?

With unemployment rising and no clear timeline for the reopening of non-essential businesses, many people are worried about how they can make ends meet for the next few months and beyond.

One option to consider for financial relief is your mortgage.

Other than different interest rates, most people think that one mortgage is the same as any other. In truth, there are dozens of different mortgage loan options, each with their own special provisions to help people in different phases of life or people in specific situations.

When life changes, your home loan needs may change, too. From first-time home buyer to eventually downsizing as an empty-nester, there’s a perfect mortgage for every phase of life.

Divorce is difficult for so many reasons. To avoid making it harder than it has to be on your finances, it helps to understand the way mortgages are handled as you divide assets.

Whether you are thinking about keeping your current home to provide stability or considering a move to get a fresh start, there are things you should know to make the process easier.

It’s incredible, but true: Mortgage rates, already near historic lows months ago, have continued to drop. In fact, the rate environment is such that people who bought a home just last year might benefit from already refinancing, as it’s estimated that by doing so, the average homeowner could save around $150 monthly.

On December 22, 2017 the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.  The new law makes many significant changes to the tax code, including doing away with the deduction for the interest paid on home equity loans.

Simply put, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (or HECM) is a financial product that allows homeowners, over the age of 62, to extract equity from their homes in tax-free fashion.  HECM’s are only available through FHA approved lenders.  HECM’s are loans secured by a first mortgage on the homeowner’s residence with loan proceeds paid out over time or in a lump sum.  HECM’s do not create a repayment obligation as long as the homeowner resides in their home and keeps real estate taxes current.

Thanks to current mortgage rates, refinancing your home could be a great way to lower your interest rate or improve your loan terms – or both! But a low rate isn’t the only number to consider when trying to decide if the time is right for a refi.