Refinancing 1st and 2nd mortgages can improve your bottom line. When the market conditions prevail with falling interest rates, it creates an opportunity for homeowners to refinance their first and second mortgage together into one new mortgage with one monthly payment. Of course you will need to have enough equity with a low enough loan to value to be eligible.
Second mortgage rates are typically a few points higher than first mortgage rates, so if you currently have a large 2nd mortgage, then you stand to uncover some significant savings when combining both mortgage loans together.
However if you decide to refinance your both mortgages together, don’t get caught up on the first mortgage rate. If you save money each month and are able to lock into a fixed rate loan, then it makes sense to refinance them together. Otherwise, consider refinancing a home equity loan for a lower interest rate or more cash out.
Should I Refinance My First and Second Mortgage?
Refinancing a mortgage can be a powerful financial tool, allowing homeowners to lower their monthly payments, reduce their interest rates, or tap into the equity of their home. For those with both a first and second mortgage, refinancing can become a more complex decision. Should you combine these loans into one? Or should you refinance only one of them? To help you determine whether refinancing your first and second mortgage is a smart move, this article explores the key factors you should consider.
1. Understanding Your Current Mortgages
Before deciding whether to refinance, it’s important to fully understand the details of your first and second mortgages.
- First Mortgage: This is the primary loan used to purchase your home. It typically carries a lower interest rate since it’s secured by the property.
- Second Mortgage: This could be a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Second mortgages usually carry higher interest rates because they are riskier for the lender; if you default, the first mortgage is paid off before the second.
Many homeowners take out a second mortgage to tap into their home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other financial needs. If you have both a first and second mortgage, refinancing can help consolidate them into one loan, simplify your payments, and potentially lower your interest rate.
2. Current Interest Rates and Savings Potential
The most common reason to refinance is to take advantage of lower interest rates. If current mortgage rates are lower than the rates on your existing loans, refinancing could save you a significant amount of money over time.
- First Mortgage Refinance: If the interest rate on your first mortgage is higher than current rates, refinancing it could lower your monthly payments and reduce the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
- Second Mortgage Refinance: Second mortgages often have variable interest rates, especially HELOCs. If your second mortgage rate has increased significantly or if rates are expected to rise, refinancing into a fixed-rate loan could stabilize your payments.
Combining Mortgages: Refinancing both mortgages into one new loan with a lower interest rate could streamline your finances and reduce your overall monthly payments. However, the interest rate on the new combined loan will likely be higher than the rate on your first mortgage but lower than that of your second mortgage.
3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)
Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is a key factor in determining your eligibility for refinancing. The LTV is the amount of your loan(s) compared to the current appraised value of your home. Most lenders prefer an LTV ratio of 80% or less, meaning you should have at least 20% equity in your home.
If your LTV is too high, you might not qualify for refinancing, or you may be required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which could offset the benefits of refinancing. However, if your home’s value has appreciated significantly since you took out your loans, you may have a lower LTV than when you originally borrowed, making refinancing more attractive.
4. Closing Costs and Fees
Refinancing comes with costs, such as closing fees, appraisal fees, and possibly prepayment penalties on your existing loans. These costs can add up to 2% to 5% of the loan amount, so it’s important to calculate whether the savings from a lower interest rate or reduced monthly payments will outweigh these upfront expenses.
If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, the long-term savings from a lower interest rate could offset the refinancing costs. However, if you’re planning to sell your home within the next few years, the savings may not be enough to justify the expense of refinancing.
5. Loan Term Considerations
When you refinance, you can choose a new loan term, such as 15 or 30 years. While extending your loan term can lower your monthly payments, it also means you’ll pay more interest over the life of the loan. On the other hand, choosing a shorter term will increase your monthly payments but allow you to pay off the loan faster and reduce the total interest you pay.
If you’ve been paying on your first mortgage for several years, refinancing into a new 30-year loan may not make sense because you’ll essentially be starting over on your repayment schedule. However, if you’re refinancing to consolidate a first and second mortgage, it may be worth the trade-off for lower monthly payments.
6. Debt Consolidation and Financial Simplification
One of the primary benefits of refinancing a first and second mortgage into one loan is debt consolidation. Managing multiple loans can be complicated and stressful. By consolidating them into a single mortgage, you’ll simplify your financial life with just one monthly payment and one interest rate.
Additionally, if your second mortgage has a variable rate, refinancing into a fixed-rate mortgage can provide more predictable payments, offering peace of mind as interest rates fluctuate.
7. Tax Implications
Interest paid on a mortgage is tax-deductible, but the rules differ for first and second mortgages. If your second mortgage is a home equity loan or HELOC, you can only deduct the interest if the funds were used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home. If you consolidate your mortgages, you may be able to take advantage of the mortgage interest deduction on the entire loan amount.
Consult a tax professional to fully understand how refinancing could impact your taxes.
8. Other Options: Refinancing Just One Loan
If refinancing both loans doesn’t make sense for you, consider refinancing just one of them. For example, if your first mortgage has a low rate but your second mortgage has a high rate, you might benefit from refinancing only the second mortgage to a lower rate while keeping your first mortgage intact.
Refinancing your first and second mortgage can be a smart financial move, especially if you’re looking to lower your interest rates, simplify your payments, or consolidate debt. However, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the potential savings against the costs of refinancing, including closing fees and the impact on your loan term. Consider your long-term financial goals, current interest rates, and the amount of equity in your home before making a decision.
By understanding the pros and cons of refinancing and how it aligns with your financial situation, you can make an informed choice that will benefit you in the long run.
Learn How to Combine your 1st and 2nd mortgage into one low rate loan Before the Interest Rates Rise!
Yes, you can refinance both your first and second mortgage into a single new loan, a process known as a cash-out refinance. This option can potentially lower your monthly payments and interest rates, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Higher Mortgage Rate: Cash-out refinances may come with higher interest rates compared to standard refinances. This could lead to increased costs over time, and the new rate might even be higher than your current mortgage.
Increased Loan Amount and Stretched Term: By combining your 1st and 2nd mortgages, you’ll be taking out a larger loan and possibly extending your repayment period. This could result in higher overall interest payments throughout the life of the loan.
Closing Costs: As with any refinance, you may incur closing costs, which could add to the total cost of the loan.
Increased Risk for Brokers and Lenders: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may view cash-out refinances as riskier than standard refinances. This perception could lead to higher loan costs. In many instances, you will need to seek a private mortgage lender.
Carefully weigh these factors to determine if a cash-out refinance or HELOC refinance are the best option for your financial situation.