Both new homebuyers and refinancers can get free access to the credit reports that lenders use by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, a website created via Congressional mandate. A free report from each of the three consumer reporting agencies -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- is available at no cost every 12 months. Check for errors; if mistakes are found, don't hesitate to dispute any and all inaccurate and derogatory items.
If you plan on moving out of your existing home within the next few years, it may not be beneficial for you to refinance. Make sure you let your mortgage specialist know your future plans.
Stick with a simple loan. It is easier to understand and less likely to get you into trouble. Adjustable-rate mortgages may seem like a way to get a bigger house now or to keep more money now, but when the rates adjust you can get into trouble. Avoid anything with a balloon payment. Just choose a simple 30-year mortgage you can easily afford.
If you are able to get a lower rate that what you currently have, you can save tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Also, most lenders don't charge as many fees to refinance a mortgage and depending on how much equity you have in your home you may be able to roll the closing costs into your new loan, still have a lower balance than your original loan, a lower rate, and a lower payment.
If you are refinancing from one ARM to another, check the initial rate and the fully-indexed rate. Also ask about the rate adjustments you might face over the term of the loan.
