Six common refinancing traps to avoid

Discover six crucial traps to avoid when refinancing your home loan in Australia. Learn how to save money and make informed decisions with expert tips and guidance.

Refinancing your home loan can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Understanding what your goals are and how refinancing can help is important, so you don’t fall into the trap of refinancing for no reason. Here are six traps to watch out for:

Falling for the lowest interest rate

While a low interest rate is appealing, it’s essential to consider the bigger picture. Take into account associated closing costs, fees and charges, evaluate the long-term impact of the interest rate and consider factors such as loan term and the overall cost of borrowing. Remember, the lowest rate isn’t always the best option when all costs are accounted for.

Overlooking the total cost of refinancing

Refinancing involves various expenses that can add up quickly, including application fees, appraisal fees and legal fees. It may also apply prepayment penalties on your existing loan. Calculate the breakeven point to determine if refinancing is worthwhile. If you plan to move or pay off the loan soon, the breakeven point may be too far off to justify refinancing.

Extending the loan term without consideration

While lower monthly payments are tempting, extending the loan term has long-term implications. You may end up paying more in total interest over the life of the loan. Consider your financial goals and whether a shorter term aligns better. It’s important to balance monthly affordability with long-term savings.

Failing to compare multiple lenders

One of the biggest mistakes is not shopping around. Obtain quotes from multiple lenders, compare interest rates, fees and loan terms, and don’t be afraid to negotiate for better terms. This step can save you significant amounts of money.

Refinancing without a clear purpose

Avoid refinancing simply because you can. Evaluate whether refinancing is truly necessary for your current situation and consider the costs involved, including closing fees and appraisal fees. Frequent refinancing can accumulate costs and diminish overall savings, as constantly resetting the loan term can result in paying more interest over time.

Overlooking smaller lenders

Don’t limit yourself to a few choices when refinancing. Smaller lenders can offer competitive rates and personalised service, and they may provide more flexibility and innovative loan products. Expand your options to potentially find more favourable terms by researching and comparing offerings from both big and small lenders.

The best way to avoid these issues is to speak to a mortgage broker. They can help you compare your options and make sure you are working towards your personal financial goals.

Further questions

This is general information only and is subject to change at any given time. Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.