Refinance Options - Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages

When is a good time to refinance your mortgage to a fixed rate loan?

The very best time to refinance is when the interest rates are at an all time low. If you're waiting for this option, you'll want to follow the market and keep an eye on what direction our financial leaders are heading. Usually it's based on the status of our economy and there is a lot of discussion about it before the prime interest rate moves in either direction. Keep your ear to the ground.

It's also a good idea to refinance to a fixed rate if you plan on living in your home for the life of the loan. Ninety percent (90%) of our population moves to a new or different home for one reason or another within 5-7 years. But, there are those who stay put and want the stability of steady payments. It makes financial planning much easier to know for certain how much your expenses are from month to month. If you are one of these people, your best refinance option is a fixed rate mortgage.

By all means... if you can't sleep at night worrying about the ups and downs of your mortgage payment, then contact a good mortgage broker and start the refinance process right away. It's not worth the stress!

When is a good time to consider an ARM?

When you DON'T qualify for the purchase of a home or refinance to a fixed rate mortgage. Sometimes this is the only way to qualify for a purchase due to credit history, debt to income ratio or not enough income. Later on you can refinance into a fixed rate loan if the ARM loan makes you nervous.

When your monthly payment, after the refinance, will be significantly less than the total of your current payment plus the payments of all your credit cards and loans. If you're in a home for 5-7 years and you are paying 10, 15 or even 20% interest rate on consumer debts, refinance your mortgage and use your equity to pay off your high interest debts. This will make a significant impact on your monthly cash flow and may give you the necessary breathing room you need.

When you DON'T plan on staying in your home for more than 5-7 years due to family size increasing, kids going off to college, job relocation, etc. Why pay for a higher fixed rate long term mortgage if you are only going to move or refinance in a few years anyway.

Homeowners who refinance with long term fixed rates pay between 1.00-2.00% higher than those who refinance with an ARM. That may not seem like a lot but when you have a $250,000 mortgage, it makes a BIG difference in your payment.

When you CAN anticipate increases in your income due to promotions and raises. Some employees receive a raise each year based on a percentage of their current income and can come relatively close to determining what their raise will be. If you're due for and expect to get a promotion, you'll probably know ahead of time what that new position will pay you. These are perfect opportunities to consider a refinance.

When you ARE comfortable with moderate adjustments in your mortgage payment. Some people are just more relaxed about finances than others. Most often this is due to not having to worry about their basic survival needs and having a steady, generous income.

What it all boils down to is level of risk. If you can't sleep at night unless you know your mortgage payment is $XXX.00 every month, then a long term fixed rate mortgage is the best option for you.

If you can sleep at night taking some calculated risks, other options may be available to you.