While all real estate may be local, so too is it true that one homeowner, confronted with the opportunity to save $250 per month through refinancing, for example, may view that as a significant financial relief while another may feel it’s not even worth it to get off the couch to consider going through the hassle of the loan process. As we work into the second half of 2019, there is no mistake that the low rate environment we are enjoying again is providing opportunities for homeowners to refinance. Often in these cases, having an open mind about any level of savings can help us determine whether or not a refi is “worth it.” Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, if we take an average loan size and make some assumptions on monthly savings through a refinance at today’s rates, we see that it’s not unreasonable to think that our clients can save between $150 and $350 per month. When you look at this in relation to the most significant household budget expenses; auto loans, student loans and credit car payments, it’s easy to see why a careful review is a great idea. Need more proof?
- As of 2018, it is estimated that 44% of American adults have a car payment. On average these individuals owe over $30K on their auto loan and they pay over $500 per month on their payment. Interest rates vary but with an average FICO score of 695, you can bet your bottom dollar that some of these merry motorists are not enjoying 1% interest rates on their auto debt. It’s possible today’s refinance could cut your auto payment in half — or at least that’s the way it would feel until the car is paid off.
- The average student graduates (or not…) college with about $25,000 in student loan debt. It’s estimated that the payment on this would hover around $280 per month. Owning a home is a big financial responsibility. Owning it alongside student loan debt can turn it into a financial burden that refinancing might ease.
- Depending on what stats you review, it’s estimated that the average American carries between $4000 and $7000 per month in credit card balances that roll from month to month. And you can be sure that as this revolving debt ages, the interest rate on it does not suddenly get better. To break this cycle, a refinance can provide needed monthly budget space to slash the credit card balances and get off the minimum payment treadmill.
Bear in mind that in each case above, I am not advocating that our clients take on more debt! We are not suggesting that they do a cash-out refinance and pay off these other obligations. That may prove to be a good strategy and might warrant further examination. But even in cases where a borrower simply does a “rate and term” refinance and lowers the rate and payment on an existing mortgage, the savings that result can go a long way to comprehensively addressing the other components of any household budget.
We’re here to help when you’re ready to look under the hood, roll up your sleeves and do the work.
My uncle has a country place,
Robert J. Spinosa
Vice President of Mortgage Lending
Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959
rob.spinosa@rate.com
Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709
*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.
Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283
