Get Cash Out
When certain expenses are piling up and you need a large amount of cash, you may want to go for cash-out refinancing. This is a good option for you as long as you can retain a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 80% when going for the cash-out (computed after the cash-out refinance). Many homeowners avail of this to cover important expenses such as home improvements, school tuition, etc.
If you go above the 80% mark, you will need to buy private mortgage insurance. It is best to avoid this as this can cost around 1% of the yearly loan value. To compute for the ratio, just add the current balance of the mortgage with the credit card debt to pay off and then divide that sum by the estimated value of your home.
When is The Right Time To Avail of Cash-Out Refinancing?
Whether the interest rate is low or not, a cash-out refinance is still a loan. The cash you will be pulling out will be added to your overall debt. Your current monthly mortgage and existing debts to settle will be the major considerations before deciding.
This said, here are some things best addressed before finalizing your decision to avail of a cash-out refinance:
- The interest rate
Do you qualify for low rates? Or at least qualify for rates lower than those of existing debts? - The length of your existing mortgage
Are you close to completing the payments? If yes, consider that you will be entering another long-term loan. Is this something you are willing to sustain over the long term?
If you avail of options with lower interest rates, your loans will have shorter terms but require higher monthly payments. On the other hand, if you avail of longer-term options will, this will allow you to make lower monthly payments, but require higher interest payments in the long run.
Additional advantages when availing of the cash-out option is that you can make monthly payments on a mortgage while keeping cash on hand. Also, the balance payable will be based on a fixed amount over a period of time and not a revolving balance that updates every time a payment is made.
How Is A Cash-Out Refinance Different From A Home Equity Loan?
The cash-out method of refinancing replaces your previous loan with an entirely new one. Although one is not better than the other, your situation will dictate which one will best suit you. It depends on a couple of factors: interest rates, ease in availing, and loan terms.
- Interest rates for cash-out refinancing are typically lower compared to home equity loans
- Cash-out refinancing will be easier to avail
- Terms for cash-out refinancing can go for 30 or more years
Whatever plan you see fit, consulting a mortgage professional will help minimize potential expenses. Additionally, experts in the field will be able to identify hidden charges that may come with any transaction.
We would be happy to hear more from you. For any other concerns you may have, feel free to contact us directly.