Get to know the ins and outs of mortgage refinancing and find out what your options are for refinancing.

With so many financing and credit options available to homeowners, refinancing your home loan mortgage might sound confusing when you start the process. Here, we cover what refinancing a mortgage involves and how it can benefit you and your finances.

What is refinancing a home loan mortgage?

Refinancing is a process homeowners go through to change the interest rate and/or terms of their current mortgage. In essence, refinancing is changing aspects of your mortgage. Refinancing is not taking out a second or additional mortgage, such as a home equity loan or home equity line of credit.

Doing the math

Imagine that your current interest rate is at 6.5%* (not unusual just a few years ago) and you have the opportunity to refinance at 4.5%*. Before taxes and insurance, here is how 2% impacts this monthly mortgage payment:

• $1042.91 monthly payment ($165,000 mortgage at 6.5%*) 
• $836.03 monthly payment ($165,000 mortgage at 4.5%*)
• $206.88 monthly savings

* Please note that interest rates are used as examples only and not intended to indicate actual rates currently available.

Use our mortgage calculators to plug in potential refinancing rates and compare them to your current mortgage rate — you’ll be able to see exactly how much refinancing can save you.

Types of refinancing

There are several refinancing options to consider:

1. Traditional mortgage refinancing: Adjusts your interest rate and/or terms. 
2. Cash-out refinancing: Like a traditional mortgage refinance, but adds a cash-out option to receive funds at closing.
3. Streamlined refinancing: Can expedite the loan approval process and offer lower rates if your mortgage is with U.S. Bank.

When to refinance your mortgage

Perhaps the most common reason to refinance is to lower your interest rate and, consequently, your monthly payment as well as the overall cost of your home. The interest rate on your mortgage has a substantial impact on the amount of your monthly payments.

You also might consider refinancing if your mortgage has an adjustable rate and you want a more traditional mortgage. Or, you may be looking to consolidate debts at a lower interest rate. There are several reasons to explore refinancing.

How to refinance a mortgage

There are three steps to refinancing a mortgage:

1. Compare mortgage rates: Check out the current rates to determine which mortgage rates are best for you and if refinancing is worth it.
2. Prequalify for new mortgage loan terms: Fill out a form with some of your basic information and loan details and learn how much you may qualify for when refinancing your mortgage. 
3. Apply to refinance your mortgage: Once you get an idea of how much you qualify for, start the mortgage refinancing process by applying with a mortgage loan officer.

Want to learn more about refinancing your mortgage? We’re ready to help.