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Home Mortgage Refinancing - Things To Consider When Looking To Get Cash Out On A Refinance
By: Carrie Reeder
When you refinance your home mortgage, lenders often tempt you with the option
of cashing out part of your home’s equity. Cash at a comparably low interest
rate may seem like a good option, but make sure you will financially benefit
from it first.
Raising Your Home’s Value
Only some home improvements raise the value of your home. Bathroom and kitchen
upgrades are one example of this. However, with most remodel jobs, you will not
see a financial gain. If you are using your home’s equity to fund projects, make
sure that your investment will pay off.
Saving On Interest Payments
Paying off credit cards with your home’s equity will save you money in two ways.
First of all, you will save on interest payments. Secondly, the interest you pay
on your mortgage is tax deductible, unlike credit card interest.
PMI Penalty
Private mortgage insurance kicks in if you borrow more than 80% of your home’s
value. These extra payments can add up to several hundred dollars a year, so be
careful how much you borrow. Other lines of credit may be more cost efficient
when you factor in the cost of PMI on your mortgage.
The Length Of The Loan
While it may see smart to take out equity at a low interest rate with your
mortgage, it may be cheaper to cash out through a home equity loan. Home equity
loans allow you to deduct interest payments from your taxes, but they require a
shorter repayment period.
Interest rates on a home equity loan are higher, so you will need to compare the
costs between refinancing and a home equity loan. Generally, if your mortgage is
long-term, a home equity loan is a better deal.
Your Financial Situation
To decide whether to cash out the equity of your home, you have to make
decisions around what is best for your financial situation. There are no hard
rules for this type of decision.
For example, purchasing a car with your home’s equity may be a wise investment
if you need a car and would struggle with a car payment. In the end, financial
decisions are about making trade-offs.
About the Author:
Carrie Reeder is the owner
www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website
about various types of loans. To view our recommended sources for refinance
mortgage loans online, visit this page:
www.abcloanguide.com/refinance.shtml |