Refinancing your mortgage has certain advantages. The key reason homeowners refinance is to obtain a lower interest rate, which will lower their monthly payments. Even so, some homeowners are hesitant to refinance. The refinance process involves creating a new mortgage loan. Moreover, the process is long and homeowners are required to pay closing costs and other fees that accompany a mortgage loan. Refinancing your home does not assure a lower interest rate. Before approving a refinance, lenders review your credit and other factors to establish a rate. Nonetheless, there are ways for homeowners to improve their chances of receiving a low refinance rate.

Improve Credit History

Our credit rating has a huge role in determining credit worthiness. The information included in credit reports reveals our current standing with creditors. Missed or late payments greatly reduce credit scores. Moreover, keeping credit cards and lines of credit at the maximum limit decrease credit scores. Before applying for a mortgage refinance, review your credit report. Check for inaccuracies that may justify a higher interest rate. Next, contact the credit bureau and creditor to resolve the dispute. Once a credit report error is corrected, creditors are willing to submit a letter as verification that an issue has been resolved.

Consider Paying Points

Paying points for a lower interest rate is another alternative. Traditionally, the more points charged to a mortgage, the lower the interest rate. Each point is equivalent to one percent of the mortgage amount. For example, a $100,000 mortgage loan with two points will incur an additional $2,000 in charges, and so forth. Paying points is more worthwhile for individuals who plan to live in their homes for a long time. Points are either paid upfront, or financed with the loan balance.

Compare Rates and Services of Different Lenders

It makes sense to obtain a refinance loan from your current mortgage lender. You and the lender have an established relationship and payment history. While your current mortgage lender may be willing to negotiate reduced fees, they may not offer the best rate. Thus, it is imperative to compare rates and fees with at least three other lenders. Applying for a refinance loan online is the best option. By submitting an application to online mortgage brokers, you will receive multiple offers from various lenders eager to have your business. Compare rates and services, and then choose the company with the best offer.

To view our list of recommended sources for mortgage refinance loans, visit this page: Recommended Home Refinance Lenders.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.