I think this would be great to share with present/past buyers you've worked with and also for your own personal use. --Tom :)
- Review your credit before you even begin to shop for a refinance or home equity loan. This will afford you time to correct or repair inaccuracies or minor problems, which could possibly help to lower your new loan's cost.
- Check your current loan for any signs of a prepayment penalty. Some lenders may waive the penalty if you refinance with them again. If your lender won't, you may have to wait for the penalty term to expire. But let them know that, because of this, you'll probably be taking your business elsewhere when the time comes.
- On the subject of prepayment penalties, don't accept a new loan that has one. There are enough offerings out there that don't include this clause. However, prepayment penalties may sometimes be offered by the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate. Depending on the length of the penalty period and the time that you expect to continue to live in the house, this option may be worth considering.
- Be aware that a "no closing cost" refinance loan comes with a price, which is usually a higher interest rate. The lender's fees are simply wrapped into the loan. Prepayment penalties can sometimes also be included with this option, so be careful.
- If you're seeking a home equity loan and have decent credit, you shouldn't have to pay any application or appraisal fees. If a lender tries to charge you for these, keep shopping. You won't have much difficulty finding one that doesn't. You may have to pay recording fees, but that's a minimal expense.
- Generally speaking, the term of your borrowing shouldn't last longer than what you've purchased with the funds. For example, if you used the equity in your home to buy a new car, do all that you can to pay it off within three- to five years, and definitely before you trade for another vehicle.
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