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Mortgage Refinancing – Five Common Mistakes

Five Mortgage MistakesThe mortgage industry is undergoing the worst crisis lenders have ever faced; if you’re considering refinancing your mortgage it’s more important than ever do your homework and choose an honest lender. Here five common mortgage refinancing mistakes you need to avoid in order avoiding paying too much for your next loan.

Mistake Number One: Going for the “Cheapest” Loan

The cheapest mortgage offer isn’t necessarily the best loan for your situation. Turn on the television and you’ll see lenders bragging about their “unbelievable mortgage rates” or “no closing costs” loan offers. These loans are nearly always loaded with fees and unnecessary markup of your mortgage interest rate; always treat these loan offers with a healthy dose of skepticism. Most mortgage representatives are simply trying to get your application and commit to the loan; after you’ve done this you are at the mortgage company’s mercy for rates and fees. This is why you should choose loan offers carefully and make sure nothing changes once you’ve committed to a loan offer.

Mistake Number Two: Comparing Dissimilar Loan Offers

When you’re comparing mortgage offers it’s important to compare similar loan types. Comparing a 30 year fixed rate mortgage to a 15 year loan with an Adjustable Mortgage Rate does you no good. Keep in mind that a company with great fixed rate loans may not have the best adjustable rate offers. Make sure you are using the Good Faith Estimate to compare loan offers and are making apples to apples comparisons before choosing a lender.

Mistake Number Three: Relying on the Annual Percentage Rate

Many people think the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the best way to compare loan offers. While it’s true that Truth-in-Lending laws require lenders to publish Annual Percentage Rates, which is supposed to tell you the total cost of a loan expressed as an annual percentage, there is no standard for calculating this rate. The APR from one lender may not reflect the same costs as an APR from another, making this figure completely useless.

Mistake Number Four: Not Requesting a Good Faith Estimate

Mortgage lenders are required to provide you the Good Faith Estimate after receiving your application; however, most lenders will provide you this document upon request. This document is an itemized list of all expected fees you will be responsible for paying; however, keep in mind that the Good Faith Estimate is only an estimate. Dishonest mortgage companies change loan offers and terms after you’ve committed to a loan. This is why it’s important to reconcile your Good Faith Estimate with the HUD-1 statement before signing the contract.

Mistake Number Five: Shopping Over a Period of Time

Interest rates change on a daily basis. If you do your comparison shopping over a period of days or weeks the mortgage rates you compare may no longer be available. Try to limit your comparison shopping to one morning or afternoon at a time. This will allow you to keep up with changing interest rates.

You can learn more about your mortgage refinancing options, including other mistakes to avoid by registering for a free video tutorial. The videos walk you through the entire process of refinancing with a wholesale mortgage rate, saving you thousands of dollars in the process.

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