Interest rates are notorious for fluctuating. So, if rates have gone down due to market conditions since you last purchased or refinanced your home loan, it may make sense to refinance.

Because interest rates are directly tied to home much you pay on your overall mortgage, lower rates typically mean lower monthly payments. Even if the length of your loan stays the same, you can save hundreds to thousands off your total loan payment.

If you’ve ever wanted to cut the length of your mortgage in half to get you on the right track to paying off your home loan as fast as possible, you can do that by refinancing from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage. Your monthly payments will be higher, but don’t let that scare you! It just means you’re paying more toward your principal each month.

Typically, interest rates are lower on shorter loan terms as well! This is a great option to maximize return on your investment faster and plan for debt-free homeownership.

Home values have risen dramatically over the past few years. If your original down payment was less than 20%, you’re likely paying mortgage insurance. The good news is, your home likely has enough equity to refinance and remove your monthly mortgage insurance payments. This could save you a lot of money!

A home appraisal will serve as validation of your current home value and if your loan amount is 80% or less of the current appraised value, your mortgage insurance should be dropped.

FHA ➡️ Conventional

If your current mortgage is with the FHA (Federal Housing Authority), you’re paying a premium for mortgage insurance in addition to other costs associated with this type of loan.

As home values continue to rise, it may be a good time for you to look at switching from your FHA loan to a conventional loan.

ARM ➡️ Conventional

If you currently have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) and you’re looking to switch to a fixed-rate loan before your interest rate goes up, a conventional loan could be a right fit for you.

Monthly payments on an ARM loan change due to adjustments in the interest rates due to the market. The unpredictability of this loan can be unnerving for those who want the comfort of a consistent payment to budget for each month.

If your current mortgage has a really low interest rate, staying put may be a wise financial decision. But you don’t have to compromise on the quality or future value of your home. With a few upgrades, you can enjoy your current home more and maintain its future marketability down the road.

Here's the top 5 home improvements to help provide the best long-term financial return:

1. Hardwood Floor Refinish: 147% ROI
2. New Wood Flooring: 118% ROI
3. Insulation Upgrade: 100% ROI
4. New Roofing: 100% ROI
5. New Garage Door: 100% ROI

If you’re feeling locked in by a low interest rate on your current mortgage, but you’re also carrying higher interest debt balances, your “blended” rate may be much higher than you think.

If this is the case, it may be worth looking into your refinancing options to reduce your high-interest debt like credit cards and help with your monthly cash flow to get you back on track with your budget.