Considering Refinancing? Here’s How to Know When You Should

Good financial management means more than just watching every penny. It also means taking an occasional step back and looking at the big picture in the context of the world around you. An area where many people find a way to save money is by refinancing their homes. 

Here are four ways to know that it’s time to look into refinancing.

Market Rates are Better

Interest rates are almost always in motion, headed either up or down most of the time. At the time of your last refinance or the initial purchase, you may have taken a rate that was pretty solid. Since then, though, rates may have dropped, and a refinance could save you thousands of dollars in interest.

Your Credit Has Improved

One of the most important factors in the interest rate you get is your credit score. Over time, you should be able to see that figure gets better and better. Once you’ve reached a significantly better credit score, you will probably qualify for a better rate, making it worth your while to refinance. 



A home buying loan service can review your situation and see if there may be options for you.

Your Situation Has Changed

Since you took out your current mortgage, you may have encountered many changes. You could have had a job change that resulted in a lower salary, making your mortgage a bit of a strain. You may have experienced marriage, divorce, or the arrival of children. Each of these events can change your financial needs and make it beneficial to investigate refinancing.

You Need Cash Out

Your home is not just your residence. It’s also an investment. The dollars you put into it can someday come out if needed, even if it’s for upgrading the house itself. During a refinance, you can cash out some of your equity to take care of other expenses, such as tuition for the kids, debt consolidation, or even just a great family vacation. Instead of racking up student loans or credit card debt, look into a refinance that will cover the expenses.

When you think about it, very few mortgages should ever go the full term without being refinanced at least once. Changing interest rates and personal needs are a given when you’re considering a time horizon of up to 30 years. Check your situation periodically and be prepared to refinance when the right circumstances develop. You could easily save yourself thousands of dollars in interest.