The hassle of making two monthly mortgage payments has prompted many homeowners
to consider refinancing their 1st and 2nd mortgages into one loan. While
combining both loans into one mortgage is convenient, and may save you money,
homeowners should carefully weigh the risks and advantages before choosing to
refinance their mortgages.
Benefits Associated with Combining 1st and 2nd
Mortgages
Aside from consolidating your mortgages and making one monthly
payment, a mortgage consolidation may lower your monthly payments to mortgage
lenders. If you acquired your 1st or 2nd mortgage before home loan rates began
to decline, you are likely paying an interest rate that is at least two points
above current market rates. If so, a refinancing will greatly benefit you. By
refinancing both mortgages with a low interest rate, you may save hundreds on
your monthly mortgage payment.
Furthermore, if you accepted a 1st and 2nd
mortgage with an adjustable mortgage rate, refinancing both loans at a fixed
rate may benefit you in the long run. Even if your current rates are low, these
rates are not guaranteed to remain low. As market trends fluctuated, your
adjustable rate mortgages are free to rise. Higher mortgage rates will cause
your mortgage payment to climb considerably. Refinancing both mortgages with a
fixed rate will ensure that your mortgage remains
predictable.
Disadvantages to Refinancing 1st and 2nd
Mortgage
Before choosing to refinance your mortgages, it is imperative to
consider the drawbacks of combining both mortgages. To begin, refinancing a
mortgage involves the same procedures as applying for the initial mortgage.
Thus, you are required to pay closing costs and fees. In this case, refinancing
is best for those who plan to live in their homes for a long time.
If
your credit score has dropped considerably within recent years, lenders may not
approve you for a low rate refinancing. By refinancing and consolidating both
mortgages, be prepared to pay a higher interest rate. Before accepting an offer,
carefully compare the savings.
Moreover, refinancing your two mortgages
may result in you paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is required for
home loans with less than 20% equity. To avoid paying private mortgage
insurance, homeowners may consider refinancing both mortgages separately, as
opposed to consolidating both mortgage loans.