Get the most out of refinancing your loan

*Advice given in this article is general only and may not apply to you. Always speak with a financial expert if you have questions about your circumstances.

If you’re thinking of refinancing, why not deep dive into your current situation to get the most benefits?

Things To Consider

If you think a mortgage is a “set and forget” type of deal, think again! Most banks will let you refinance your mortgage loan after approximately 12 months (though this varies per bank and depending on the features of the loan). This is great for borrowers who have been looking for a better deal on their loan, as refinancing can save them thousands of pesos throughout the duration of their mortgage!

If it’s been a while since your loan started, think about the following: Has your family grown? Have you switched jobs? Have you bought or sold an investment property? If your lifestyle or situation has changed since you made your very first repayment on your loan, it’s a good idea to take a look at alternative loans just to make sure you’ve got the best deal for you.

Remember: when it comes to your own finances, you’re the expert. But there are a few things to consider before you switch home loans to help you make the right decision.

The greatest reason people refinance is because of the savings they can gather from a new loan. Whether that’s a lower home loan interest rate, improved loan features, or lower fees, any of these changes could help you get ahead financially. Some people choose to refinance to consolidate their debts from credit cards, personal loans, or auto loans into a single loan, which can save money.

Other things to consider beyond the potential savings are:

  • Decide whether a fixed-rate loan, variable-rate loan, or a combination of the two, will suit your needs best. Think about how interest rates have changed in the recent past, and what is predicted for the future.

  • Compare the costs of any new home loan, not just the headline rates, because all home loans have different amounts of fees. Compare the features too – some are handy, but don’t end up paying for features you will not use.

  • If you are thinking of going to a new bank, find their application fees and other caveats – some banks require you to open a bank account with them in order to receive and pay back the loan, which you may not wish to do.

  • In working out your loan affordability, factor in potential further rate increases so that you are prepared for increases to your minimum repayment amount in the future.

  • Determine whether you have the capacity of buying a second home or starting your own business. Refinancing can help you leverage your equity for a loan that requires collateral.

What's the final take away?

There are many reasons why you should consider refinancing and these are just a few of them. You are the expert in your own finances, but if you need guidance or assistance consider using a mortgage broker to help you.

On Key
Related Posts

What Is Refinancing?

A refinancing loan is a type of loan that replaces your current home loan with a new one that has more desirable terms for you.

On Key
Related Posts

What Is Refinancing?

A refinancing loan is a type of loan that replaces your current home loan with a new one that has more desirable terms for you.