When you refinance a mortgage loan, you are essentially exchanging your current loan for a new one at a different rate. The reason to refinance a mortgage loan is to take advantage of a lower rate so you will owe less in the long run or can free up cash.

Scenarios to Refinance a Mortgage Loan

Different circumstances might motivate you to refinance.  For instance, maybe you signed up for a fixed-rate mortgage when you originally bought your home, and now you hear that interest rates have dropped. This is a typical situation where homeowners like to refinance a mortgage loan.  Maybe you have an adjustable rate mortgage, and it would benefit you to refinance your mortgage loan to a fixed rate. With a fixed rate mortgage each payment would be identical, so you could budget comfortably knowing there would be no surprises.

Benefits to Refinancing Your Mortgage Loan

Because buying a home is typically the biggest purchase you make in your life, your mortgage payment usually makes up the largest chunk of your monthly expenses. It is understandable that you would consider refinancing your mortgage to lessen that load.  A lower fixed rate allows you to have more money to put toward other needs or to pay off your home faster. 
 
Yet another excellent reason to refinance a mortgage loan is to shorten its term. Changing a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year will save you lots of money on interest.  That can add up to thousands of dollars… and you own it outright sooner too!