Maybe you need a little extra cash for a home remodel or college tuition, or perhaps you simply want to save some money. Whatever your reason, refinancing your home loan can be a smart move as long as you get a low rate. Here are some simple tips that can ensure you get the lowest rate possible on your Home Refinance Loan:
Clean up your credit
Lenders use your credit score as one tool for determining your interest rate. In general, the better your score, the lower your rate. Before applying to refinance your mortgage, check your credit report and look for any errors. If you find a mistake that's negatively affecting your score--such as a payment marked as "late" when you sent it on time, or a line of credit that doesn't belong to you--be sure to correct those errors.
Shop around
You might not necessarily get the best deal from the same finance company that holds your mortgage loan. Make sure you check out offers from other lenders. You can do this by submitting your application to multiple lending companies, or by hiring a mortgage broker that will check out numerous lenders for you. To get the largest variety of offers, try different types of companies, such as banks, credit unions, online mortgage lenders and local mortgage brokers.
Negotiate
Once you've received a few offers, take the time to negotiate with lenders. Let them know that you have other options and that you're looking for a great deal. Mention their competitors so they know you're serious about your loan, and be prepared to walk away if the loan company won't give you the best rate. However, once you find a deal you like, ask the lender to "lock it in." Interest rates change daily, and locking it in guarantees that you still get a low rate even if rates soar the next week.
Remember: the interest rate is only part of the expense of refinancing. In many cases you'll have to pay fees, points and other extra charges. You can lower the cost of your loan by asking to have these fees waived or lowered.
Carrie Reeder is the owner of http://www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans online.
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