Refinancing Second Mortgages
Rebecca Game
For individuals that have two mortgages, there may be advantages to refinancing a second mortgage. If you're one of these individuals and are considering refinancing a second mortgage, there may be good reason for it.
Reasons for Refinancing a Second Mortgage
1. Your credit scores are higher. If your credit scores have gone up since you previously obtained your loan, it may be an enormous benefit to consdier refinancing a second mortgage. Higher credit scores can lead to lower interest rates, which in turn lead to lower payments or even a shorter payoff term.
2. You need the added funds for a business purchase or expense. If you find that your business could use some improvement, whether through the purchase of equipment or improvements in other areas, refinancing a second mortgage can offer funds needed in these areas, often at a lower interest rate than a business loan or signature loan.
3. You've generated some high interest bills. If you've had emergency purchases that you've needed to make using credit cards, chances are that the interest rates are very high. It may be wise to consider refinancing a second mortgage in order to pay off these bills. The payment term will be shorter, the interest rate lower, and the interest paid could be tax deductible.
If refinancing a second mortgage is in your future, consider the advantages and disadvantages of refinancing.
Advantages of Refinancing a Second Mortgage
1. Interest rates have decreased. Lower interest rates may have become effective since you initially obtained your second mortgage. Refinancing a second mortgage could mean locking into lower interest rates, and ultimately, can offer lower monthly payments.
2. Funds are needed to pay off bills or make a business purchases. If you find that you could use money to pay off high interest bills or make a business purchase, for example, refinancing a second mortgage can offer some excellent options. By reviewing the equity added into your home or property since the second mortgage was originally financed, your lender will be able to determine how much money you can obtain by refinancing a second mortgage. A home appraisal will be required for this to happen, but the benefit can be a huge advantage.
3. Interest payments may be tax deductible. Consult with your financial institution or tax preparation specialist to verify, but in many instances, interest paid through refinancing a second mortgage may be tax deductible.
Disadvantages of Refinancing a Second Mortgage
1. Interest rates may be higher. If you obtained your second mortgage while rates were at an all-time low, refinancing a second mortgage could mean that your interest rates will increase by two percent or more.
2. Payments may be higher. If you cash out on equity that has increased in your home or property since you initially signed for your second mortgage, refinancing a second mortgage will obviously mean higher monthly payments. Consider the other factors involved, though. If the cash will be used to pay off high interest bills, or if it will be used to purchase much-needed business equipment, the added payment may be of larger benefit than if the refinancing did not occur.
Be Prepared When Refinancing a Second Mortgage
Proper preparation is your best bet in refinancing a second mortgage. Refinancing a second mortgage can be advantageous, or it can be of harm to your budget, depending on the circumstances. Use careful consideration in refinancing a second mortgage.
Since credit scores can be lowered if your reports are requested by too many lenders, do your homework prior to contacting lenders. Request your credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Transunion, and Experian. Be aware of your credit scores, and let potential lenders know what your scores are prior to requesting their interest rates or application.
Do not provide your social security number or tax identification number until you have informed the lender of your credit scores and have their interest rates. Shop around with different lenders to find out what rates they currently offer for refinancing a second mortgage. Once you have this information from several lenders, and understand their terms for repayment, choose the lender that best suits your needs.
Consider all factors, including the loan amount and the interest rate, and choose a lender that does not offer a penalty for early payoff. At that point, it's safe to move forward and request an application from the lender best suited for you.
About the author:
Rebecca Game is the founder of Digital Women ®, an online community for women in business. A 30 year entrepreneur and dedicated to helping other women. Visit her site: Loans for Women
http://loans.digital-women.com
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