Best Mortgage Refinance Companies in Salem

FAQs

• Introduction

  Refinancing a mortgage can be a complicated process, and hiring a mortgage refinancing broker can make it simpler and faster. There are several things you can do to protect your interests and help your broker complete the process for you.
  

  
  

  Check a potential broker’s online reviews to find one with a good reputation. In addition to the opinions of past clients, check to see if a broker has an online portfolio, which can support the reviews you find from past clients to show a broker’s trustworthiness. This can also help you establish if a broker has handled financing for properties similar to yours.
  

  
  

  Get a written summary of a broker’s rates before committing so you know exactly what hiring your chosen mortgage refinance broker will cost. Find out which lenders work with your broker and what information they need to successfully refinance your mortgage.
  

• What should Salem homeowners do first if they are thinking of refinancing their mortgage?

  Homeowners in Salem seeking to refinance their mortgage for better loan terms should first consult their existing lending institution. Exploring options with other lenders may provide higher loan-to-value ratios or reduced interest rates. Comparison of offerings aids in obtaining an option that may decrease monthly installments or enable the extraction of home equity in cash.

• What should homeowners in Salem understand about mortgage rates when considering refinancing?

  Homeowners in Salem must recognize that mortgage interest rates change every day. If rates descend to an attractive level for refinancing, securing that rate with a financial institution may be wise. This step may involve selecting a financial provider, acquiring preliminary approval, and possibly incurring a charge to guarantee the rate. Judicious timing is crucial, as attempting to catch the lowest possible rate carries risk due to unforeseen rate shifts.

• For homeowners in Salem, what is the significance of a good credit score during the mortgage refinance application process?

  For homeowners in Salem, a good credit score is pivotal as it greatly influences the likelihood of securing the most favorable interest rates during the mortgage refinance process. Actions like opening new credit lines or closing existing ones can detrimentally impact this score. Thus, maintaining a robust credit score ensures better terms and conditions when refinancing.

• What is the USDA streamline refinance loan, and how does it benefit homeowners in Salem?

  The USDA streamline refinance loan provides a path for Salem homeowners with an existing USDA mortgage to lower their interest rate. Modeled after other successful streamline refinance programs like the VA IRRRL, it offers ease in the refinancing process. Since qualifications are already met, this method speeds up the process, trims paperwork, eliminates property inspection, and integrates closing costs into financing, demanding less cash upfront.

• What are the pros and cons of variable-rate mortgages for homeowners in Salem, and how does refinancing come into play?

  Variable-rate mortgages in Salem provide flexibility by not locking borrowers into a stagnant rate if interest is poised to drop, possibly lowering costs. The downside is that rates could escalate, causing changes in payments. When interest rates are depressed, refinancing to a fixed mortgage becomes an option, granting homeowners the stability of unchanging interest fees, thereby diminishing the risks associated with fluctuating rates.

• How do you refinance a mortgage?

  Decide why you’re refinancing, such as to get a lower interest rate, pay off your loan faster, or to get a lower monthly payment. Share your credit information with your broker along with information about the equity you have in your home. Review your mortgage refinance broker’s quotes and choose the best loan terms.

• How does mortgage refinance work?

  The mortgage refinance process begins with choosing a broker and filling out loan application information. The process continues through underwriting and closing. The new mortgage is then used to pay off and close your original mortgage loan. This leaves you with a new loan and mortgage payment to manage each month.

• When should you refinance a mortgage?

  If your credit score has improved or mortgage interest rates have dropped, refinancing can potentially save you money. Other reasons to refinance your mortgage include getting a fixed rate instead of an adjustable one or getting a shorter loan term. An increase in your home’s value that can let you access more equity is another reason to refinance.

• How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?

  The average cost to refinance a mortgage is $5,000. This amount varies, based on the state and county where the property is located and the loan amount. Common fees incurred when refinancing a mortgage include:
  

  • Appraisal fee
  • Broker’s fee
  • Credit check fee
  • Loan application fee
  • Recording fee
  • Title search and insurance fee

• How soon can you refinance a mortgage?

  Some lenders make borrowers wait a minimum of six months before accepting a new mortgage refinancing application. However, when that happens, borrowers can check with other lenders to find one that doesn’t require a wait before refinancing. A mortgage refinance broker can guide you to lenders that allow immediate refinancing.

• How long does it take to refinance a mortgage?

  The average amount of time it takes to refinance a mortgage is 45 days. In some cases, it may be possible to get it done faster. There also may be times when it takes longer to get a mortgage refinanced.

• What is the average closing cost to refinance a mortgage?

  The average closing cost when refinancing a mortgage is $4,345. Closing costs may be much higher or lower depending on the amount of money borrowed. If you see an ad that says there are no closing costs, the costs are factored in elsewhere in the terms of the loan.

• How often can you refinance a mortgage?

  You can refinance a mortgage as often as you like, however, if you refinance frequently, it can cost more in fees than you save on interest. Some reasons for refinancing repeatedly include a sharp drop in interest rates or going through a life event, such as a divorce.

• When is it worth it to refinance a mortgage?

  It’s worth it to refinance when interest rates drop and refinancing will save you money. It also may be worth refinancing if you need to access some of your home’s equity to cover other expenses. Refinancing may be worthwhile if you're switching from a variable to a fixed rate mortgage.

• Can you refinance a mortgage with no closing costs?

  You can refinance a mortgage without paying closing costs at the time. However, those costs are still owed and are factored in elsewhere in the financing. Lenders either add the costs to the principal owed or increase the interest rate on your refinanced mortgage loan.

• Can you refinance a home equity loan into a mortgage?

  You can refinance a home equity loan into a mortgage in some situations. You have to have excellent credit to do this. Additionally, you must have enough equity in your home to qualify for a new mortgage that pays off the existing mortgage and your home equity loan.

• Can you refinance a mortgage without a job?

  In some situations, you can refinance your mortgage if you don't have a job. It depends on the lender, because some will allow it and others won’t. A qualified mortgage refinance broker can help connect you with lenders that consider your situation. You have to submit documentation about your unemployment and the income you have.

• Can you refinance a mortgage with bad credit?

  It’s possible to refinance a mortgage if you have bad credit. If your payment record with your current lender is good, you can discuss refinancing with that lender. You may also be able to refinance a mortgage by going through a government-backed lender, such as the USDA or FHA.

• Can you refinance a second mortgage?

  It’s possible to refinance a second mortgage. If your credit score improves or interest rates drop, refinancing a second mortgage may save you money. Either of these situations can provide a way for you to get a lower interest rate. Refinancing a second mortgage can also sometimes shorten your loan repayment period.

• Can you refinance a first mortgage and not a second?

  You can refinance your first mortgage and not the second one, but it can be difficult. You have to get the lender of your second mortgage to agree to the refinancing. The process is called resubordination, and some home equity lenders won’t agree. Additionally, lenders typically charge extra fees to resubordinate a loan.

• How often should you refinance your mortgage?

  There is no recommended frequency for refinancing a mortgage. How often you should refinance is determined by when it will save you money. If you can get better terms on your mortgage by refinancing, then it’s a good time to take action.
  
  

• What should you expect when refinancing a mortgage?

  When refinancing a mortgage, expect to answer a lot of questions and provide documentation to back up your answers. You'll may also pay fees and closing costs of around $5,000. Additionally, expect to start over in terms of building home equity, because refinancing takes the amortization process back to the beginning.