Posts Tagged ‘remortgage’
Taking a remortgage can be a good idea, but you need also to take into account the costs and fees that you will need to incur. Make sure you understand the charges and costs attached to making a change on your loan. Valuation fees You remortgage lender may want to evaluate and assess the value of the house afresh. At times they wave the cost of valuation to their new clients in order to increase their client base. Arrangement fees This has been increasing over the years. Anyone who wants to remortgage needs to know how much the lenders will be charging before they sign for the remortgage. The fee is also dependent on what deal you are looking for and the lender too. Upon receiving an application, you may need to pay the lender to cover the administration costs. This fee is usually none-refundable even when you do not secure the remortgage. Lenders use these to compensate for low interest rates, fees for redemption and penalties. Early repayment charges (Remortgage redemption penalties) This could be one of the most expensive costs of remortgaging. If you try to remortgage before the expiry of the mortgage you are bound to be penalized. The lender wants the borrower to stay for a certain period so as to maximize on profits from them. These are usually high during the first year. In the UK most of the lenders do not attach these early redemption penalties. But all the same know if any on your current loan and also for remortgaging in case you decide to change a few years later. Legal and administration fees. This are paid to cover costs of establishing the remortgage plan and also hiring solicitor. There those lenders that are competitive than others and will offer you a return to certain fees if you also include for example a mortgage protection program. Exit fees In the eyes of Financial services Authority this fees are unfair. From their recommendation most of the lenders have either removed or reduced these exit fees. Some charged over 300 pounds and in response to the removal of the exit fees, they have increased the arrangement fees.
Completion fees They are less common than arrangement fees and are charged once you move to your new home. They are between 200 – 400 pounds. Most times no lender will charge the completion and arrangement fee together. Broker fees If you are using a broker to help you find the best remortgage deal then you will have to pay the brokers fee. You should understand the terms and also the conditions of the broker before contracting them. Some will take payment even when you do not secure the remortgage. Always shop around for brokers as this market is very competitive and you could find a good broker that will secure you deals that are basically not available but will charge you higher rates. Choose your remortgage lender wisely and be sure that you have the facts of all these costs to avoid paying more than you have planned.
If you are having trouble paying your current mortgage, or you think that you are not receiving the best deal you possibly can, then perhaps it is time to think about a remortgage. However, many people are unsure about the relative benefits and problems of a remortgage. Here are some useful tips to help you decide if remortgaging is right for you:
What is a remortgage?
A remortgage is when you replace your existing mortgage loan with a new one from either the same lender or a new lending company. This is usually done to reduce monthly payments or to release home equity. Remortgaging is usually carried out through a remortgage broker.
Remortgaging for lower payments
One of the most common reasons to remortgage is to get lower monthly payments than you do now. If you are struggling right now to pay off your monthly payments, then you need to look for a better deal. If you can find one, then ask your current mortgage lender if they can match this, as they would prefer to keep you as a customer at a lower rate than lose you altogether. If they cannot match the rate, then you should look at remortgaging at the better rate.
Remortgaging to release equity
Another reason why people remortgage is to get hold of some extra money by releasing the equity they have built up in their property. This means that you borrow more than your current mortgage debt to release the money you have already paid into the property. This is especially useful if your property has gone up in price or if you have paid off a large percentage of your mortgage. It is like getting out a loan, but the rates are low as they are part of the remortgage.
Benefits
Of course, the main advantage of getting a remortgage is that you can reduce your monthly payments. This might help you be more financially stable and secure, as you don?t have to struggle to meet the payments. Remortgaging can also free up money through releasing equity, which could help you to make home improvements or to clear other debts.
Pitfalls
One thing that you should look at before remortgaging is whether or not it is really right for you. There are a number of costs involved, such as legal fees and penalties for changing mortgages. These fees can add up and might be more than you can afford. Also, if you borrow more money or you get lower monthly payments, it most likely means you will be paying the money back for a longer period of time. Although it may seem helpful now, you will probably end up paying more long-term, and if you are still paying the money back when you retired you might be left unable to make the payments.
Remortgaging can help you if you are struggling with payments or you need to free up some money. However, you should think carefully about whether or not remortgaging will be beneficial to you in the long-term.