Friday, September 28, 2007

Online Refinancing

Online refinancing is becoming a popular money management tool for homeowners. In order to enhance their financial stability, many people are looking for, and finding, excellent home refinancing packages. The most common reasons for home mortgage refinancing are (1) to pay off the current mortgage at a lower interest rate; (2) to change a current adjusted rate mortgage to a more stable fixed rate for the remaining life of the loan; and (3) to take advantage of a shorter overall mortgage term. All of these are sound reasons to pursue refinancing, but knowing whether doing so is actually beneficial in the long run will require careful evaluation.

If the interest rate available for the new mortgage is at least two percent lower than the current mortgage rate, it is probably worth proceeding. However, many of the same costs will be incurred as what the borrower had to put out for the initial mortgage. Borrowers should expect to pay an application fee, which includes the loan processing and credit check. A title search and title insurance policy are also required to be sure there are no claims to the title that may need to be cleared at a later date. Also, the new mortgage company will require an appraisal of the property and a new survey, both of which also carry fees. Borrowers will also need to purchase hazard insurance, pay the attorney's fee for the lender, pay for property inspection, loan origination fee, mortgage insurance, and anywhere from 1% to 3% in points. Taking all of these costs into consideration, homeowners need to be very sure that they are dealing with legitimate and reputable companies. Although many, if not most, online refinancing companies are on the up-and-up, it is always wise to research businesses through the Better Business Bureau. Asking for recommendations and feedback from friends and family is also a good idea.

In addition to specifics about the loan process, many sources also offer calculators that help determine what the monthly mortgage payments will be and just how much will be required for all of the fees and closing costs previously mentioned. Obviously, having a good idea of the costs before jumping into the application process is wise. Pursuing a new mortgage is not always cost-effective, and with this advance information the homeowners can see for themselves where they stand. When online refinancing will benefit the homeowner with lower payments and shorter repayment terms, the effort and expense will be worthwhile.

Similar services are offered for refinancing car loans, too. Online refinancing can result in a lower interest rate and faster payoff of current vehicle loans. Given today's high car prices, applying for a new loan often helps car owners keep the vehicles they were in danger of having repossessed. Again, it is absolutely essential for the loan applicant to check out the refinance companies carefully before committing to a loan agreement.

1 Timothy 6:10 reminds Believers of the dangers of putting all of their energies into making and saving and pursuing money. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." So, while investigating refinancing options, keep motives pure and sights set on Godly things.


http://www.christianet.com/refinancing/onlinerefinancing.htm