You should always mortgage rate compare to find the best mortgage to meet your needs before refinancing. Mortgage rate compare by contacting at least three different mortgage lenders. Despite your reason for refinancing – lower monthly payments or to build equity faster, three lenders are better than one.

Record numbers of homeowners are jumping on the refinancing bandwagon in an effort to lower their mortgage interest rates. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) refinancing is not for everyone and or those that decide that it is, it’s best to mortgage rate compare before signing on the dotted line.

Industry experts claim that homeowners are refinancing in record numbers. While this is all well and good for some it may not be for others. It’s true with a good refinancing package you can potentially shave hundreds of dollars off your existing mortgage but it isn’t for everyone.

 The Better Business Bureau recommends homeowners mortgage rate compare and take the time to negotiate the best deal possible. The association however also suggests that homeowners should proceed with caution when it comes to dealing with some lenders.

In an effort to help homeowners determine if refinancing is in their best interest, the BBB suggests you take the following into consideration when doing a mortgage rate compare.

The long and short of it is that you are simply applying for a new mortgage at a lower rate which you then in turn use to pay off your old loan. The advantage for lenders is that they can profit once again by requiring you to pay for most of your original costs once again. Such costs may include loan application fees, a credit check, title search, lawyers fees and an appraisal. In many cases discount points and other more uncommon finance charges may also apply.

That said when you mortgage rate compare you will also find institutions that offer refinancing plans where most if not all of the above mentioned costs are folded into the loan thereby reducing your actual out of pocket fees to a minimum. A tax deduction on the interest may also be a possibility. Consult with you tax advisor to see if one would apply.

When considering refinancing it’s important to make sure that interest rates have dropped significantly to make your efforts to mortgage rate compare and refinance worth the effort. A good rule of thumb is to consider a two or three percent difference between your current mortgage rate and that of a new rate. In order to get the most value for your refinancing efforts you need to look at the new rate over a period of several years in order to offset the costs you’re required to pay upon closing.

There are many factors that come into play when you consider the ultimate amount you may be able to save by refinancing. Such factors include whether you will be selling your home in the near future and what if any effects there will be on your taxes.

All the more reason to mortgage rate compare and gather information from various lenders. Being a knowledgeable homeowner is vital. Just knowing your interest rate and your monthly payment costs is not enough to win at the refinancing game. A wise homeowner will always mortgage rate compare and gather information about the same loan amount, loan term and type of loan so comparisons are easily made.

Look out for your own best interests and don’t feel pressured to stay with the lender of your original mortgage if their terms aren’t in your best interest.

Also be wary of smooth-talking lenders that use high pressured tactics via telephone or door-to-door soliciting. Such lenders are sure to offer easy credit and guaranteed low-interest loans. They prey on homeowners who are in need of cash for home repairs or simply to pay bills. But if it sounds to good to be true chances are it is.

In reality these lenders are offering up little more than loans that have outrageous fees, high interest rates and fine print that makes it very expensive to get out of. A common red flag is when a lender asks for an upfront fee prior to you actually obtaining the loan. If this happens take your business elsewhere.

Mortgage rate compare and arm yourself with knowledge about the mortgage loan process. To protect yourself have the lender write down all costs associated with the loan. Then take the time to read through the loan documentation carefully. Never sign something you don’t fully understand. 

Ask the right questions, mortgage rate compare between lenders and negotiate the best refinancing deal you can.