Is it Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Is it Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

With the average conventional five-year fixed-rate mortgage rate approaching six percent, homeowners who previously locked in lower rates might be hesitant to consider refinancing. However, for those with variable-rate mortgages, refinancing might become a necessity. Regardless of your situation, understanding the refinancing process is crucial.

Steps to Refinancing Your Mortgage in Canada

Here are the six essential steps to refinancing your mortgage in Canada:

1. Evaluate Your Current Mortgage

Start by assessing your current mortgage with these key questions:

What are your current mortgage terms?
What is your mortgage rate?
What is the remaining balance?
What are the penalties or fees?

Understanding your reason for refinancing is crucial, whether it’s to access equity, stabilize your monthly payments, or consolidate debt.

2. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score significantly impacts your ability to secure a favorable new mortgage. Obtain your credit report and score from a reputable credit bureau to ensure accuracy and identify areas for improvement.

3. Research Lenders and Mortgage Rates

Decide whether to stick with your current lender or explore other options. Compare offers from banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers to find the best deal. Calculate the costs and savings associated with refinancing, including closing costs, appraisal fees, legal fees, and prepayment penalties. Ensure the long-term savings outweigh the refinancing costs.

4. Pre-Approval

Apply for pre-approval with your chosen lender to know how much you can borrow and streamline the process. This typically involves providing personal and financial information, income verification, employment details, and credit reports.

5. Processing

The refinancing process involves several steps:

Underwriting: The lender reviews your application, evaluates your property’s value, and assesses your creditworthiness. Additional documentation might be required.
Appraisal: An appraisal may be needed to determine your property’s current market value, which is crucial for calculating the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.

Legal Review: Hire an attorney or notary to manage the legal aspects of refinancing, such as reviewing agreements, preparing documents, and arranging the mortgage closing.

6. The Final Steps

The final steps in mortgage refinancing include:

Mortgage Closing: Sign the new mortgage agreement, either in person at a lawyer’s office or through remote online notarization.
Funds Disbursement: The new mortgage funds will be allocated to cover closing costs, provide funds to access equity, or pay off the current mortgage.
Begin Repayment: Start making payments on your new mortgage according to the updated terms and conditions.

The Growth of Mortgage Refinancing

Despite rising interest rates, refinancing remains a popular option, primarily for debt consolidation. An Angus Reid Institute study found that 45% of mortgage holders have struggled with payments since 2022, with increasing credit card and loan debt being major sources of financial stress. Victor Tran, a mortgage expert at RATESDOTCA, explains that refinancing can consolidate multiple debts into one, potentially lowering overall interest costs and simplifying payments.

Why Choose Lez Gomez for Refinancing?

Exploring financial options can be overwhelming, but not with Lez Gomez. Lez provides customized mortgage solutions based on your unique needs—no cookie-cutter solutions here! He takes the time to understand your short- and long-term goals to create the best plan for you. To Lez Gomez, it’s not just about low rates; it’s about building strong, long-lasting relationships with his clients. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or somewhere in between, Lez will create a custom plan just for you.