How to Make the Most From Refinancing
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For most homeowners, mortgage payments dwarf all other living expenses. When an opportunity comes to reduce those payments, many jump at it. Some homeowners, however, jump a little
too quickly.
Turning down free money
In evaluating the benefits of refinancing, financial planners often compare the expected reduction in monthly payments against the costs associated with refinancing. When the amount saved exceeds the costs by more than a tiny amount, planners will often recommend that homeowners replace their current mortgage.
It’s hard to argue against saving money. But by focusing on how much you can save, a surprisingly large number of mortgage borrowers — nearly a third — save less than they could by refinancing too early. These results fly in the face of those who say that many borrowers wait too long before they refinance their mortgages, even when interest rates have dropped substantially.