When it comes to mortgages, many individuals don't refinance. A fundamental number are unaware they have the alternative of shifting their loan to different financier; others are simply indifferent. They stick with their very first loaner and the "reward" for such loyalty tends to be higher interest rates. Due to the order of magnitude of mortgages and the tenure that the loan is amortised over, the interest we are speaking about here can well stretch from 1000's to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Take a look at the following factors to see whether it's time for you to consider refinancing.
Current Mortgage Interest Rate
It is decidedly a positive indication for you to explore refinancing when your current interest rate is higher than available loan packages on the market. A first step to take is to go back to your existing bank or financial institution and ask them to revise your package, otherwise known as repricing. If your lender comes back with an offer, it will commonly be better than your current one. You can then compare this offer with offers from other lenders to see whether you should switch or stay put.
Lock-in and Clawback Periods
When you take up a mortgage, there may be a lock-in period where your housing lender will charge you a penalisation fee, normally a percentage of your outstanding loan value, if you were to fully repay your home loan. Almost all mortgages also come with a clawback period where the lender will claim back "freebies", such as legal subsidies, that they "gave" you when you take up your mortgage (Note: lock-in period is separate from clawback period). It may not be commendable for you to refinance due to such costs.
Loan Quantum
The larger your mortgage amount, the greater your savings for the same reduction in interest rates. For instance, 1% on a loan of S$100,000 is much less than 1% on a loan of S$500,000. However, fixed cost to refinancing, which comprises mainly of legal fees, do not vary much with loan quantum. The difference between your existing and refinancing interest rates, therefore, has to be bigger for a relatively smaller housing loan as fixed cost eats into a more significant part of your interest rate savings.
Perceived Interest Rate Movements
Your view on how interest rates is moving can be a factor when thinking whether you should refinance. If you are currently on a fixed rate package and believe interest rates are dropping, you may want to refinance to a floating rate package. Conversely, if you are on floating rates and believe interest rates are skyrocketing, changing to fixed rates may be a solid choice.
Individual Financial Assessment
If there is a change in your financial state, you may want to alter your package details via refinancing. For example, you are starting your own business and do not want volatility in other areas. Give some thought to taking up a fixed rate package. Maybe you want cash to invest in different place. Consider increasing your loan quantum. Or your monthly income has increased and you want to reduce interest loan payments. Contemplate reducing your loan tenure.
If looking through this article is giving your a headache or you simply want to save yourself the trouble, contact us for a non-obligatory loan consultation. Our professional advisors not only frees up your time but also do not charge any fees to help you get the best deal. Refinancing does not have to be a long-winded procedure. - 30462
Current Mortgage Interest Rate
It is decidedly a positive indication for you to explore refinancing when your current interest rate is higher than available loan packages on the market. A first step to take is to go back to your existing bank or financial institution and ask them to revise your package, otherwise known as repricing. If your lender comes back with an offer, it will commonly be better than your current one. You can then compare this offer with offers from other lenders to see whether you should switch or stay put.
Lock-in and Clawback Periods
When you take up a mortgage, there may be a lock-in period where your housing lender will charge you a penalisation fee, normally a percentage of your outstanding loan value, if you were to fully repay your home loan. Almost all mortgages also come with a clawback period where the lender will claim back "freebies", such as legal subsidies, that they "gave" you when you take up your mortgage (Note: lock-in period is separate from clawback period). It may not be commendable for you to refinance due to such costs.
Loan Quantum
The larger your mortgage amount, the greater your savings for the same reduction in interest rates. For instance, 1% on a loan of S$100,000 is much less than 1% on a loan of S$500,000. However, fixed cost to refinancing, which comprises mainly of legal fees, do not vary much with loan quantum. The difference between your existing and refinancing interest rates, therefore, has to be bigger for a relatively smaller housing loan as fixed cost eats into a more significant part of your interest rate savings.
Perceived Interest Rate Movements
Your view on how interest rates is moving can be a factor when thinking whether you should refinance. If you are currently on a fixed rate package and believe interest rates are dropping, you may want to refinance to a floating rate package. Conversely, if you are on floating rates and believe interest rates are skyrocketing, changing to fixed rates may be a solid choice.
Individual Financial Assessment
If there is a change in your financial state, you may want to alter your package details via refinancing. For example, you are starting your own business and do not want volatility in other areas. Give some thought to taking up a fixed rate package. Maybe you want cash to invest in different place. Consider increasing your loan quantum. Or your monthly income has increased and you want to reduce interest loan payments. Contemplate reducing your loan tenure.
If looking through this article is giving your a headache or you simply want to save yourself the trouble, contact us for a non-obligatory loan consultation. Our professional advisors not only frees up your time but also do not charge any fees to help you get the best deal. Refinancing does not have to be a long-winded procedure. - 30462
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