Short Term Refi's

A 15 year mortgage has a better rate than a 30 year mortgage offered the same day - usually by a quarter of a percent.

However, even if rates are the same as your current mortgage, refinancing to a shorter mortgage can save you thousands in interest by paying off the principal sooner. Your monthly payments will be slightly larger, but that is because a larger portion of the balance is being paid. 

Offers Self-Discipline

Short term loans make your decision to pay off your mortgage official. For those that have a hard time making extra payments on their mortgage, a short term mortgage may be the answer.

It is helpful to first look at your long term financial goals.  Perhaps you are planning to pay for kids' college tuition, to retire, or to reduce your debt load in the future. Decide when you want your mortgage paid off and look at the monthly payments. You can choose a number of periods - 15, 20 or 25 year home loans.

Factors To Consider

Low rates aren't the only factor to consider when deciding to refinance, the payment period is also important. By simply making larger principal payments, you get rid of your loan sooner and save money on interest payments. Additionally, reducing your debt level by paying off your mortgage also improves your credit and financial situation.

However, you should also remember the immediate impact of a short term mortgage. A larger monthly payment can put a strain on your monthly budget. You may also find that if you plan to sell your home within a couple of years, you will not recoup the cost of refinancing fees.

You are also limiting your financial flexibility. You are committing yourself to a larger principal payment. You could choose to simply pay down the principal when you have the available cash.

In the end, short term mortgages do have their benefits and should be considered when you plan to refinance.

Should I Refinance?

Refinancing can be worthwhile, but it does not make good financial sense for everyone. A general role of thumb is that refinancing becomes worth your while if the current interest rate on your mortgage is at least 2 percentage points higher than the prevailing market rate.

There are several reasons to refinance your home:

1. To lower the interest rate on your mortgage, reducing your monthly payments and overall cost;

2. To reduce the term or length of your loan, doing so can save you thousands of dollars in interest;

3. To provide a means of consolidating your debt;

4. To draw on the equity built up in the house to get cash for a major purchase or for children's education;

5. Have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and want a fixed-rate loan to have the certainty of knowing exactly what the mortgage payment will be for the life of the loan.

It is better to refinance if you can get an interest rate at least two percentage points lower than what you are currently paying. However, every situation is different. Some lenders are offering reduced fees or no points. Asking yourself a few questions may help you determine if you can save money:

1. How much can I lower my current monthly payment?
2. How much will I pay in refinancing costs?
3. How much will I still owe on the house?
4. How much am I currently paying each month?
5. How much did I initially pay for the house?

There are other considerations, too, such as how long you plan to stay in the house. Most sources say that it takes at least three years to realize fully the savings from a lower interest rate, given the costs of the refinancing. Itemize all the expenses of the refinance and estimate your new monthly payments. Answering these questions can help you to decide if you should refinance.

Talk with mortgage lenders, real estate agents, attorneys, and other advisors about lending practices, mortgage instruments, and your own interests before you commit to any specific loan.

Tips To Getting Approved Online - With Bad Credit

Buying another home with bad credit doesn't have to stop you from finding an affordable lender. By shopping online for a lender you can find the best lending rates for your situation. The following search tips will help you get started.  

Gather Your Information

Before you begin searching for mortgage quotes, gather all your financial information ahead of time. A copy of your IRS tax form from last year will list most of the financial information you will need to enter.

If you are buying a home, know the homes price and how much you plan on putting down. Most mortgage lenders require at least 10% for people with poor credit, but 20% down will help you avoid private mortgage insurance, saving you hundreds a year.

Know Your Lender

Sub prime lenders specialize in high risk loans, particularly loans to people with bad credit. In order to cover this risk, sub prime lenders charge a couple of interest points higher than a traditional lender.

Most sub prime lenders will also require a down payment to ensure that they get at least something if they have to foreclose on the loan. However, legitimate sub prime lenders will not charge excessively high rates or fees, so read the details before you sign for a mortgage loan.

Compare Rates

Online mortgage rates can vary as much as 5% between lenders, which can add up to thousands over several years. Even half a percentage point will save you money, so compare several lenders before deciding on one.

Mortgage loan websites allow you to gather quotes from several lenders by having you enter your information once. This is a convenient way to compare rates since the quotes are all for the same loan amount with the same personal information.

Look For Fees

Mortgage rates are only part of the cost of a mortgage loan. You also need to add in the cost of points and fees to determine the total cost of the mortgage loan. Fees and points can be paid at the beginning of your loan or over the entire period of the loan.

Follow Through

Remember that a mortgage loan quote does not guarantee a loan rate a week later. Mortgage rates can vary daily, so once you find a good rate you need to lock it in by completing the loan process.