Chances are, if you have an ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) on your property, than you got it when interest rates were quite low. Now, however, interest rates are on the rise, and with an ARM, it means you could be paying quite a bit more per month on your loan. Whether your property is a primary residence, investment property or business property, you can refinance your property loan for a fixed rate, creating stability in your payments and saving money in the long run. Replacing your ARM with a fixed rate loan The adjustable rate mortgage is one in which the interest changes as the Federal Reserve changes the interest rates up or down. If rates stay steady, or if they fall, an ARM can be a great thing. Your payments are lowering on a regular basis. Unfortunately, interest rates are not always falling. This means that more than likely, your payments are steadily increasing, especially if you got your property loan at a rock-bottom rate. Getting a fixed loan when you refinance your property loan means that the interest rate is locked in and that you do not have to worry about rising monthly payments. Saving money in the long run When you refinance your property loan using a fixed mortgage to replace your ARM, you can save money in the long run. If you keep having to pay more due to interest rate changes, you will pay thousands more over the life of the loan than you would pay if you had a fixed rate. Even though the interest rate on an adjustable rate mortgage goes down on occasion, over a 30-year period that rarely actually ever evens out. As a rule, a fixed rate (as long as it is relatively low) saves you more money than an ARM. Refinancing your property loan Most lenders will refinance your property loan as long as you have fair credit. Some will even help you if you have poor credit. It also helps to have some equity in your home. You will have the easiest time if you are doing a straight refinance, rather than a cash out refinance. Also, you need to check your original loan terms. Some loans penalize you for paying them off early, and your property loan refinance may result in a prepayment penalty. |
