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Top 5 reasons to refinance and the pros and cons of each

Read, 3 minutes

At some point, you might consider refinancing your home. Doing so may lower your monthly mortgage payments and/or save on interest over the life of your loan. However, refinancing isn’t just about the interest rate—there are costs and risks to keep in mind, too. Here’s an in-depth look at the reasons to refinance, and the pros and cons you’ll want to consider.

1  Lower monthly payments

Refinancing for another 30-year term after making payments for years and earning equity may lower your monthly payments, freeing up room in your budget for other financial goals.

2  Lower interest rate

If interest rates fall after you close on your loan, you could consider refinancing to take advantage of the lower rate. You might save thousands of dollars, depending on the length of time you’ve had your loan and the difference in your current rate and the refinance rate. Still, there are other factors to consider. Speak with your lender for all the details and decide what’s best for you.

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3  Switch to a fixed rate

If your original loan is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and your initial fixed term is about to expire, you may want to refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. Locking in a fixed rate can protect you from rising interest rates in the future. And having the same principal and interest payment every month is easier to plan and budget for. Remember, you still have the option of refinancing for fewer than 30 years (commonly 10, 15 or 20 years).

Quick tip

Mortgage rates can move up and down daily, so it’s important to keep an eye on this number before you make any decisions.

4  Reduce your loan term

If you can afford to increase your monthly payments, one option is to shorten your loan term. By paying more over a shorter period of time, you could save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. You can also pay extra on principal each month and payoff your loan sooner.

5  Cash-out refinance

As an alternative to a home equity loan, you may qualify for a cash-out refinance. You might need the cash to start a business or pay for a child’s college education. Keep in mind, though, that the cash you take out will cost you more in interest over the life of your new loan, but not necessarily more than other financing options would cost you.

Breaking even on closing costs

Find out what your closing costs will be if you refinance, and factor those into your break-even point—the time it will take you to recover the money it costs to refinance. If you plan to sell before that point, you probably should not refinance.

Use this example as a guide:

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$5,000 The cost to refinance ÷ $200 Your monthly savings = 25 The number of months it will take to break even

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The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial or investment advice. Bank of America Corporation and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional when making decisions regarding your financial or investment management. ©2024 Bank of America Corporation.

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