To Refinance or not to Refinance -- Here is the Answer


I have written many articles on refinancing a fixed rate mortgage to an adjustable rate mortgage. I have helped people cut as much as $800 off their monthly payments by turning their high fixed rate mortgage loan into a much lower ARM. This may be the time, however, to put the strategy in reverse, especially if your adjustable rate mortgage is coming up on the adjustment period.

If you have an adjustable rate mortgage in the four to five percent range, and it is about to adjust, and if you think you'll be in the home for more than five additional years, you'll want to strongly consider refinancing your adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage. Here's why.

Rates continue to remain very low. Fixed rate mortgages in the five to six percent range are very good loans. So, if you have an ARM at five percent, and it could possibly balloon to six or seven percent, now is the time to fix that rate at between five and six percent. Remember, if you intend to remain in your current residence for more than five years, fixing that rate is a very wise move.

This way, you will keep your payment low for the life of your loan, and you will eliminate the worry of an adjustment.

Mark Barnes is the author of the new novel, The League, a shocking, sports-related conspiracy. Learn more about his suspense thriller at http://www.sportsnovels.com. He is also an investment real estate and home loan finance expert. Get his free mortgage finance course at http://www.winningthemortgagegame.com

MORE RESOURCES:
RELATED ARTICLES
Mortgage After Bankruptcy
Most people probably assume that obtaining a mortgage to purchase a home, refinance or to consolidate debt after a bankruptcy is out of the question. In fact, many people are able to obtain these mortgage services, even 1 day after a bankruptcy discharge in some cases.
HELOCs and Second Mortgages: Which One Should I Choose?
Whether you need some extra cash to pay off some credit card debts, or to make some home improvements, home equity lines of credit or second mortgages can be great ways to get started.Many people looking to borrow money often opt for home equity line of credit, or HELOCs, for short.
How to Find a Direct Homeowner Loan
If you've been thinking about applying for a direct homeowner loan, you might want to take a little bit of time to make sure that you understand exactly how these loans work and to shop around for the best deal in a direct homeowner loan.What is a direct homeowner loan?So what is a direct homeowner loan? Basically, a direct homeowner loan is a loan that is made between a lender and a borrower directly (in other words, without a middle-man), using the equity in the borrower's home as collateral for the loan.
How easy is it to get a Commercial Mortgage in the UK?
As is the case when applying for any mortgage, be it a residential or a commercial mortgage, the better your credit and the better the collateral, the easier the process becomes. But that doesn't mean that if your credit is less than perfect, or you want to purchase commercial property in a less then desirable part of the city, that you are automatically locked out of getting the money you need.
Reasons To Get A Home Equity Loan
Using a home equity loan really depends on what your needs, wants and desires are that prompt you to take the home equity loan in the first place.The most common reason people obtain the loan is for debt consolidation however other uses include home improvements, educational expenses, unexpected family emergencies, medical expenses and in some cases for big ticket purchases.
Home Equity Loans
Home equity loans are a popular way for homeowners to borrow money using the equity in their home as collateral. With this type of loan you can use the equity in your home to finance a multitude of things, from home improvements to large purchases and more.
Refinance Mortgage Loan - Tips on Refinancing Your Home Mortgage
Refinancing your home mortgage can come with some great perks. If you do it with no money out of pocket, you can skip one to three mortgage payments.
Home Equity Loan vs. 401(K) Loan -- Which Should You Choose
Home Equity Loan vs. 401(K) LoanYou've finally decided to add that patio you've always wanted to your home.
Homeowner Loans - Whats Available?
It isn't difficult to get a homeowner loan if you own your own home, hundreds of UK lenders will lend up to 95% Loan to Value of your property and some as much as 125% Loan to Value if you find you have little or no equity at all.Homeowner loans are available to those that own or pay a mortgage on their house, bungalow, flat or cottage.
Home Equity - Is it Time to Cash Out and Move?
During the last five years, home prices have increased nationwide. In some parts of the country, notably California, home prices have doubled or even tripled.
Mortgage Terms Explained
When you are hunting for a mortgage, you will find that there are many different types of mortgages available. I will list some of the more common ones and their uses.
Tips for Getting Home Loans from the Right Lenders
Getting home loans is possibly the biggest step in an adult's life. It's up there with having kids, landing that big job, starting your own business.
No Money Down Home Loan
Are you in the market to purchase a home but are concerned about not having enough money for the down payment? No down payment home loans or 100% financing for your mortgage loan used to be only advertised during late night infomercials and in obscure real estate publications. The good news is that if you want to buy a house but have little or no money available for the down payment, there are mortgage lenders who are offering no money down home loans in your area.
Online Mortgages in 5 Easy Steps!
We're all entitled to the opportunities and benefits of home ownership. But because most of us aren't loaded with cash, we must find banks and lenders to assist us with finance.
Buying a House or a Home?
A house is just that, a house, until someone lives in it. That's when it becomes a Home.
How to Secure the Best Mortgage Deal and Save Yourself Thousands in Interest
When you consider that the average home owner will pay out far more in interest over the lifetime of their mortgage than their home actually cost in the first place, you can see why working to secure yourself the best possible mortgage deal now could save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the 25 - 30 year lifetime of your home loan.For the majority of us our house is the single most important and expensive purchase we ever make! Because this is the case we invest a lot of time and effort into finding the perfect property in the most ideal location, however few of us invest the time and effort we should into researching and securing the best possible finance method for purchasing our home.
Why Choose a Home Owner Loan?
Most people choose a home owner loan as it can release the capital that is tied up in their property for immediate use. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home.
Buying a House? How Much Home Can You Afford?
Maybe you've heard the expert advice that your debt to income ratio shouldn't be more than 36 percent of your total income. But do you truly know what that means, and how lenders will look at your financial history in order to decide whether or not to extend you a mortgage? If you need help figuring out your debt to income ratio, simply follow the guidelines below and soon you'll know whether or not you're in a position to apply for a mortgage loan.
Remortgage Debt Consolidation - The New Recourse For Credit Crunch
Shakespeare once said about human nature 'with nothing shall be pleased, till he be eased with being nothing'. It is human nature to not be satisfied with anything for long.
Recent Bankruptcy? Its Not Impossible to Obtain a Home Loan
Because the new bankruptcy laws go into effect on October 17, 2005, more Americans than ever are filing for relief using the federal bankruptcy laws. The vast majority are simply overextended and cannot possibly repay the obligations they have open.