Mortgage Refinance - Tips to Help You Cut Fees and Costs

Saving money through a mortgage refi is more than just finding the lowest interest rates. You can further cut fees and costs through the structure of your loan, avoiding PMI, and buying lower interest rates.

Close Credit Card Accounts

Close inactive credit card accounts to improve your credit score, making you eligible for lower interest rate loans. You will need to notify the credit card companies in writing that you wish the accounts closed on your request.

Next, check your credit report after 30 days to be sure closed accounts include the comment "Closed at Customer's Request." You want future lenders to know it was your request and not bad credit that closed your accounts. Also, take the time to check for any mistakes in your credit report that could negatively impact your credit score.

Avoid The Hidden Cost Of PMI

When refinancing a mortgage, as many as 30% of homeowner's cash out part or all of their home's equity. By investing in home improvements or paying off credit cards, this can be a smart. But, if you are borrowing more than 80% of your home's value, you will be hit with private mortgage insurance, costing you hundreds a year.

Pay Points Now

If you are planning to stay in your home for several years, then you can save money by paying points for lower interest rates. You pay up front fees to ensure you have lower interest payments over the course of your loan. Remember, this only works if you keep your mortgage for several months.

Choose A Short-Term Loan

Short-term mortgages offer lower interest rates than long-term mortgages. You save money by the lower interest rates and shorter payment period. The trade off is a larger monthly payment, but this option can save you thousands.

Ask About Fees

Fees are a hidden cost of many mortgage loans. By law, lenders must disclose fees within three days of a loan application. Fees can go by many names like ? document prep fees, courier fees, administrative fees, and more.

When comparing refi options for your mortgage, request a list of fees from several lenders. Add these fees with the interest of a loan. With these figures, you may be surprised that the cheapest loan didn't have the lowest interest rate.

To view our recommended sources for refinance mortgage loans online, visit this page: Recommended Refi Mortgage Lenders Online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Refinancing Your Mortgage Can Open Up A Lot Of Options For You And Your Family

It can happen to anyone, the roof is leaking, the... Read More

10 Things to Look for in a Home-Equity Line of Credit

If you are a homeowner, you've probably received offers to... Read More

What Are Home Equity Loans?

A home equity loan is simply borrowing on the difference... Read More

Save Money on Your Mortgage

You should say goodbye to PMI. You may not notice... Read More

How Good a Deal Is Your Banks Mortgage Insurance Plan?

When you go to the bank to get a mortgage,... Read More

Mortgage Marketing

W. Edwards Deming said "Marketing and innovation are the only... Read More

A New Choice for Home Financing: Correspondent Lenders

When you begin your search for a new home loan,... Read More

7 Credit Improving Steps You Must Take Before Applying For A Mortgage

If you think you have good credit, think again. Chances... Read More

Mortgage Brokers or Banks: Which is Right For You?

When you're looking for a home loan, you might work... Read More

Home Equity Loan ? Home Theater Adds Fun and Value

In days gone by, the family typically spent their evenings... Read More

Reverse Mortgages ? a Reversal of the Mortgage Process

Mortgages have assumed a number of characters from the time... Read More

Thought Fixed Rate Will Give You a Respite from the Perils of Variable Rates! Think Again

Slight increases in the interest rates raise your hackles. Tension... Read More

Home Loans: To Substantiate Financial Possibilities On Your Land

Availability of Home loans is in full bloom. They are... Read More

How to Save Money by Using an Independent Commercial Mortgage Broker

Being a creature of habit can cost you plenty when... Read More

Council Right to Buy Mortgage ? Helping Everyone Have a Home of

"We will help every Council Tenant to become Home Owners"... Read More

2nd Mortgage - Better Than Refinancing

You have probably received refinancing offers in the mail or... Read More

Buying a House or a Home?

A house is just that, a house, until someone lives... Read More

Gearing Up for Bad Credit Mortgages

Mortgage would have never happened, had mortgages been a no... Read More

Home Equity Can Create a Never-ending Money Cycle

What could you do with $10,000? Well, you can have... Read More

The Worst Way to Shop for a Home Mortgage

You've found a house that is perfect for you. It... Read More

Reasons To Get A Home Equity Loan

Using a home equity loan really depends on what your... Read More

How To Save Thousands in Interest on Your Home Mortgage!

So you have a mortgage on your home or planning... Read More

Stock Market, Bonds, Deposit Account, Cash, Equities, Unit Trusts - Few, Just Few of the Ways of Sav

Man has been known for continually simplifying things in his... Read More

I Have A Slice of the American Dream and It is a 30 Year Nightmare

Well, we did it. We are buying a beautiful, brand... Read More

Secrets Your Banker Wont Tell You - Which Loan is Best for You?

Recently I was driving in my Car and I heard... Read More

Revive Mortgage Tenure With Extend Loan Term Remortgage

You are comfortably wedged in a mortgage deal, paying the... Read More

Securing a Cheap Home Improvement Loan

Finding a cheap home improvement loan can be a challenge... Read More

How To Turn Disadvantages Of A Reverse Mortgage To Your Advantage

When it comes to a reverse mortgage, wise consumers weigh... Read More

Bad Credit Home Equity Loans

A home equity loan allows you to borrow against the... Read More

Guide to Mortgage Terms

Listed below is a guide to mortgage terms. It is... Read More

How Not To Be Ripped Off By Mortgage Brokers

One of the things that bothers me about the mortgage... Read More

Mortgage Prepayment Penalties - Just Say No

One of the most common terms found in a new... Read More

Florida Refinance - Refinancing in Florida

The decision to buy a home in Florida can be... Read More