Bad Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage
There are many reasons to refinance your mortgage. You may want a lower interest rate, switch from a variable to a fixed rate, or shorten your term from the best mortgage refinancing rates. However, there are also some bad reasons to refinance your mortgage. Here are four of them:
To Consolidate Debt
If you’re looking to consolidate debt, refinancing your mortgage is probably not the best way to do it. You’ll likely end up with a higher interest rate and longer term, increasing your debt load instead of reducing it. A better option would be to get a personal loan or use a balance transfer credit card.
To Move Into a Longer-Term Loan
One common refinance motivation is to move from a shorter-term loan into a longer-term one. This can be advantageous if you plan on staying in your home for the long haul and want to take advantage of today’s low-interest rates. But it can also be detrimental, turning what was once a manageable monthly mortgage payment into a strain on your budget. Before you refinance to a longer-term loan, be sure to consider the following:
- How much longer do you plan on staying in your home? If you think there’s a chance you may move sooner than later, refinancing into a 30-year mortgage may not make sense.
- What are the costs associated with refinancing? These can include appraisal fees, loan origination fees, and closing costs. Be sure to factor these into your decision.
- How does a longer-term loan