Mortgage Refinancing
Mortgage refinancing is a tool that many people use to finance large purchases or because of the attractive interest rate that mortgage financing carries. Some examples of reasons that people refinance their mortgages include:
- To consolidate debt
- Finance home renovations
- Pay for child’s education
- Finance business ventures
When arranging mortgage refinancing you can elect to refinance your first mortgage (lowest interest rate), obtain or refinance a second mortgage, or obtain a secured line of credit. Each choice has pros and cons:
First Mortgage
Pros:
- Lowest interest rate
- Lowest monthly payment (is amortized out over a long time with the first mortgage)
Cons:
- You don’t actually pay the lowest interest when the amortization is taken into consideration
- It is blending debt with the first mortgage
Second Mortgage
Pros:
- It is separate from the first mortgage
- It can be amortized over as little as 5 years and act as a debt consolidation
Cons:
- Will be a higher interest rate than a first mortgage – but not necessarily higher interest in total
Personal Line of Credit
Pros:
- It is separate from the first mortgage
- It is revolving so once you pay it down the credit remains available and you don’t have to refinance again
Cons:
- Involves monthly compound interest, has no term and is like having one big credit card – this is the least advisable option