Refinancing checklist

So, the home loan you agreed to a few years back no longer caters to your current financial situation and you now need to make a decision on whether or not refinance. Here’s a list of everything you need to consider before making the big switch.

Set your goal

Whether it’s to gain lower monthly repayments or to access the equity of your property for a home renovation, there are various reasons why consumers choose to refinance. It can offer great savings with more competitive interest rates, loan features and reduced fees.

Professional advice

Enlisting the services of a broker can assist you in finding the best loan to suit your situation, as they can negotiate on your behalf and walk you through the whole process.

Brokers stay up-to-date with current market interest rates and most have access to over 30 different banks and lending institutions. They can assess your current loan to make sure a refinance is suitable.

Compare all your options

The home loan market is competitive, so it’s always a good idea to take the time to consider your options and find the deal that is best suited to your situation. Write down a list of features imperative to your new agreement and always refer back to it as you make your decision.

Paperwork

The documentation required varies from lender to lender and the kind of loan you are switching to. However, in most cases, the paperwork required to support your application are details of your income, employment, assets and other loan commitments.

Take your time

Just like applying for your first loan, refinancing is a serious financial step and the more time you spend on the decision, the less likely you are to leave yourself open to risks. 

Also make sure you weigh up all the applicable fees against the potential savings.

If you're looking to refinance talk to an MFAA Accredited finance broker today.