Reasons to refinance your mortgage

Getting a lower interest rate isn’t the only reason to refinance a mortgage. Mortgage refinancing can also be used to access equity in your home, and to consolidate your debts.

1. Getting a lower interest rates

Refinancing to get a lower interest rate can save you a lot of money over time, depending on the prepayment penalty and the size of your outstanding mortgage. If you hold a variable rate mortgage, then expect to pay a penalty of three months interest, and if you hold a fixed rate mortgage, then you will pay the greater of three months interest or interest rate differential penalty (IRD). Don’t let penalties deter you .Talk to Mortgage Broker and understand the numbers to calculate whether a refinance will save you money.

2. To access equity (cash) in your home

By refinancing your mortgage, you may be able to access the equity in your home. You could potentially access up to 80% of your home’s value, less any outstanding debt. That’s extra money for investment opportunities, home renovations, or your children’s education. There are several ways to access this equity including breaking your mortgage, taking on a home equity line of credit (a HELOC), or blending and extending your mortgage with your current lender.

3. Refinancing to consolidate debt

If you have enough equity in your home, you might be able to use built-up equity in your home to pay-out high-interest debt through a mortgage refinance. For example, if you have a number of outstanding debts, such as a car loan, a line of credit, or credit card bills, you may be able to consolidate this debt through the variety of mortgage refinance options available.