Cash Out Refinances – Should You Take Out?
If you have a substantial amount of equity in your home, cash out refinances can give you access to a big chunk of money. However, you need to decide whether this is the right move for you.
A cash out refinance can help you pay for a variety of things, including home improvements, debt consolidation or an emergency fund. But you should be careful to use the money wisely.
Cash Out Refinances Predictable Payments
Most cash out refinances involve 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, so your payments will be predictable and easy to budget for. In contrast, many home equity loans and lines of credit (HELOC) carry variable rates that can fluctuate from month to month. This is especially true for escrow payments, which can increase or decrease as property tax and insurance costs rise or fall.
While there are plenty of reasons to refinance your mortgage, the most important one is probably the same as it always has been — to get a better deal on your monthly payments. A good lender will make it easy for you to compare interest rates and loan terms on your existing mortgage with those on a new home equity loan or HELOC to find the best fit for you.
Another benefit of a cash out refinance is that you can use the funds to pay off high-interest debts, make major home improvements or take a much needed vacation. Depending on the type of home improvement or renovation, it could even improve your property’s value.
Taking out a large amount of cash for the purposes of home improvements may sound like a good idea to many homeowners. However, if you’re a homeowner with limited funds to work with, it might be more wise to save those dollars and use them for other expenses.
Ultimately, a cash out refinance is a big decision to make and should be considered carefully before you go ahead with the application. Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on your specific situation, which is why working with an experienced mortgage broker is important to finding a mortgage that makes sense for you.
Home Improvements
If you have a home improvement plan in mind, a cash out refinance might be the perfect financing solution for you. These loans can be used for a variety of projects, from updating your kitchen to building a pool or adding a garage.
The first benefit of using a cash out refinance to finance your home improvements is that you’ll be able to access a large sum of money. This can be a huge help when you need funds for a major project, such as a new addition, a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovations.
Unlike with a traditional mortgage, you won’t have to pay interest on the extra amount you’re borrowing through a cash out refinance. This means you’ll be able to use the money you need for your projects without having to worry about paying any additional fees.
Another great thing about cash out refinances is that they often have lower interest rates than other types of loans, such as home equity loans (HELOCs) or credit cards. You may also be able to deduct the interest you’re paying on this type of loan at tax time, depending on your state.
However, keep in mind that you must have sufficient equity built up to qualify for this type of loan. Many lenders require you to have at least 20 percent equity in your home before allowing you to refinance and take out a cash-out amount for your renovations.
You’ll want to get a new appraisal before pursuing a cash out refinance, so you can be sure you have enough to cover your expenses. You’ll also need to meet lender requirements and be willing to commit to the loan terms for a period of time.
The downside to a cash out refinance is that it doesn’t work for all homeowners. It’s best for those who have a clear renovation plan in mind that will add value to their property. In addition, it’s not always the best option for those who want to make a small renovation, such as replacing a faucet or changing out a light fixture. If this is the case, there are other ways to finance your home improvements.
Consolidating Debt
Cash out refinances are a debt consolidation option that allow you to access a lump sum of money. These loans replace your existing mortgage with a new loan and give you the difference in cash at closing. This cash can be used for various purposes, including paying down high-interest debts or making home improvements.
Debt consolidation is a popular way to simplify your debts, reduce interest costs and make your payments more affordable. It also helps you avoid late fees, overlimit charges and other types of fees that can eat into your budget.
However, you must be disciplined with your debt repayment. This is especially true when you borrow money to consolidate other debts, such as a mortgage or home equity loan. If you fall behind on your payment, you could end up putting your house at risk.
A cash out refinance is typically only a good option if you have a significant amount of home equity, say at least 20%. In addition, you must have a credit score of at least 620 and a debt-to-income ratio that doesn’t exceed 43%.
You may also want to consider using a personal loan, which isn’t tied to your home and can offer lower interest rates than debt consolidation mortgages. These loans are generally unsecured, but they can still hurt your credit rating and increase your risk of foreclosure if you don’t pay them back.
If you’re considering consolidating your debt, talk to a financial expert about your options before applying for a cash out refinance. They can help you determine whether this is a beneficial option for you and your family.
In addition to your credit score and income, lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio, which combines your other debts. A higher ratio means you’re more likely to be a high-risk borrower. This can make it difficult to qualify for a cash out refinance or even a new loan. It can also affect the interest rate you’ll be offered, so it’s important to run the numbers before getting a loan.
Tax Benefits of Cash Out Refinances
Taking out a cash out refinance can be a great way to access the equity you have built up in your home. This can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation and other major expenses. However, it’s important to understand how cash out refinances impact your taxes.
A cash out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan that is greater than your old balance. At closing, a portion of this new loan is used to pay off your old mortgage, and the rest goes in cash, which you can use for home improvements or other expenses.
You can also take advantage of the tax benefits that come with a cash out refinance. These include access to more funds, a lower interest rate and some tax deductions.
For instance, you can deduct the interest on your new loan if it’s used for a home improvement project that increases the value of your property. This is known as a capital home improvement, and it can help you save money when you sell your home in the future.
If you’re an investor, a cash out refinance can be especially useful for paying for the down payment on another rental property. This can help you offset the loss of income generated by the refinanced property, which could mean a better return on your investment.
According to Grace Yung, a financial planner at Midtown Financial Group in Manhattan, it may still be a good idea to consider a cash out refinance to pay off high-interest credit card debt. This way, you can get out of debt with a lower interest rate and increase your credit score by paying off the cards in full.
In addition, if you’re an owner-occupied homeowner and are planning on selling your home, using the cash to improve it can make the sale more attractive. This can boost your home’s value and reduce your capital gains tax liability.
You can also get a tax break by adding a home office to your house. This can help you save on your taxes if you’re self-employed or own a small business.