With a home loan for your Colac home, it’s easy to just ‘set and forget’.
But it’s a good idea to review your home loan every two to three years.
We are currently living in a world of rapid change – interest rates could do up or down, new lenders are always emerging, and products are being released, trialed and withdrawn all the time.
This means that keeping the same home loan for 30 years could cost you more money than you need to spend!
Refinancing your home loan doesn’t need to be a daunting exercise. Below, we’ve broken it down to try and make the process easy to follow.
We’ll start with common questions that are often raised regarding refinancing a home loan.
WHY consider refinancing?
Generally speaking, there are four main reasons to consider refinancing.
- Your loan may be less competitive, and you could potentially get a lower interest rate.
- Different home loan features and benefits could work better for you.
- Your financial situation may have changed.
- You want to access some of the equity you’ve built up in your current home.
WHEN is the right time to consider refinancing?
We’re currently experiencing a low interest rate period, so there are many competitive home loan products available. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to review your home loan every two to three years.
WHO should you use to refinance?
You should always talk to a mortgage broker because our opinion is not biased towards any particular lender or product. (Unlike a bank which will offer whatever loans they have to sell at the time.)
We won’t suggest that you refinance if it isn’t the right move for you.
WHAT is the process to refinance?
We’ve explained the when, who and what of refinancing, but what’s the actual process involved? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Speak to us
Before we begin exploring your loan options, it’s important for us to have a sound understanding of where you’re at financially and what you’d like to achieve. We’ll start by reviewing your current home loan and compare it with others in the market. We’ll be here to help you decide if it’s the right time to refinance your home loan and what features will work best for you.
Step 2: Choose your mortgage and apply
You may opt to stay with your current lender by negotiating for a better rate or changing to an alternative product; or refinance by switching to another lender offering a better rate or loan features to suit your current circumstances. We’re here to help you find the right home loan to fit your personal goals and objectives. Then we’ll submit your application.
Step 3: Get your valuation
Your new home loan provider will require a valuation on your property as part of the application process. Keep in mind that their valuation might be more conservative than the market value you estimate.
Step 4: Get approved
Within a few days of submitting your application, it’s likely your inbox will light up with that delightful email confirming you’ve been approved for your new home loan. Yay!
Step 5: Your old mortgage will be closed
Your broker will arrange for you to complete a ‘discharge authority’ form. Your current lender will then provide a payout figure. Your new lender will fund your loan to pay out your current loan provider. If you’re refinancing to consolidate other debts, for example, credit cards or personal loans, these will be finalised with the proceeds of your new loan at the same time.
Step 6: You start fresh!
Once you have your new home loan in place, you will begin making repayments. If you need any help managing your new home loan, we are always here to lend a hand.
We would love to help you decide whether refinancing is the right step for you.
Whether you are looking to refinance for a better interest rate, to access equity, consolidate debt or for a property investment to build wealth for your future, we can help you to achieve your goals.
Please get in touch today!
