Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan. This is because 15-year mortgages typically have lower interest rates and shorter repayment periods.
By paying off your mortgage in 15 years, you can save around $24,000 in interest payments compared to a 30-year mortgage. This is based on a $200,000 loan with a 4% interest rate.
The average homeowner can save around $1,200 per year by switching to a 15-year mortgage. This amount will vary depending on your loan amount and interest rate.
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage requires careful consideration of your financial situation and goals.
What Is a 15-Year Mortgage?
A 15-year mortgage is a type of home loan that allows you to pay off your mortgage in just 15 years, rather than the traditional 30 years. This can be a great option for those who want to pay off their mortgage quickly and save on interest over the life of the loan.
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The interest rates for 15-year mortgages can vary depending on the type of loan and the lender. For example, the 15-year fixed average interest rate is currently 5.78%, which is a significant increase from last week's rate of 5.68%.
Here are some current interest rates for 15-year mortgages:
These rates can vary depending on the type of loan and the lender, so it's always a good idea to shop around and compare rates before making a decision.
Should You Refinance?
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can be a smart move, but it's essential to consider the costs and benefits. Typically, homeowners refinance to a 15-year fixed mortgage to save on interest and pay off the loan faster.
Refinancing is best when the potential savings outweigh the closing cost fees, which can range from 2% to 6% of the loan’s principal amount. To determine if refinancing is financially worthwhile, calculate how much you'll save in interest with a 15-year mortgage and subtract the amount from the fees.
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Before refinancing, consider whether you've had your current mortgage long enough to refinance. Most lenders require a certain amount of time to pass before you can refinance to a new loan, known as “seasoning.” This timeframe can vary, but it's crucial to check with your lender.
You'll also need to think about whether you can afford the higher monthly payment. If you're refinancing to a 15-year loan from a 30-year loan, your monthly payment could go up, even with a lower balance overall, because you're paying back the new loan in half the time.
To help you decide, consider the following factors:
- Can you afford the higher monthly payment?
- Will you remain in your home long enough to break even on the closing costs?
- Will a higher monthly payment get in the way of other financial goals?
- How secure is your income?
- Is it better to simply pay more on your current mortgage?
Benefits and Savings
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can save you thousands of dollars in interest rate charges over the life of the loan.
You'll also get out of debt sooner by repaying your mortgage faster, which can be a huge relief. In fact, you'll own your home free and clear 10 years sooner, which is a great feeling.
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can save you around $71,700 in interest over the life of the loan, as seen in an example where a borrower refinanced their 30-year mortgage with a current loan amount of $400,000 and an interest rate of 2.99%. This translates to a monthly mortgage payment increase of around $865.
Here's a breakdown of the interest savings you could expect from refinancing to a 15-year mortgage:
This shows that refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can lead to significant interest savings, even if you're taking out a new loan at a higher interest rate.
For another approach, see: 5 Year Interest Only Mortgage Rates
What Are the Benefits of?
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can be a smart move, especially if you're looking to save money on interest over the life of the loan. This type of mortgage typically comes with a lower interest rate than a 30-year mortgage.
One of the main benefits of a 15-year mortgage is that it allows you to pay off your home faster, which can be a huge advantage if you're eager to become debt-free. In fact, you'll pay off your mortgage in just 15 years, rather than 30.
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can also save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. This is because you'll be paying off the principal balance faster, which means you won't be accumulating as much interest.
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Save Thousands
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can save you thousands of dollars in interest rate charges over the life of the loan. In fact, you'll save about $71,700 in interest over the life of the loan, as seen in the example where a borrower refinanced from a 30-year mortgage with a 2.99% interest rate to a 15-year mortgage with the same interest rate.
Your monthly mortgage payment will increase, from about $1,895 per month to about $2,760, which is an extra $865 per month. However, you'll own your home free and clear 10 years sooner.
The amount you'll save in interest depends on the interest rate available when you refinance and how long you're shaving off your repayment term. You can use the example in the article to see how much you could save, but keep in mind that mortgage rates depend on many factors, including economic conditions and lender policies.
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Here's an example of how much you could save refinancing to a 15-year mortgage:
In this scenario, the borrower could save considerably on interest by refinancing to a 15-year loan and paying about $780 more per month. This is just one example, but it shows how refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can save you thousands of dollars in interest.
Lenders and Rates
Each lender offers its own combination of interest rate and fees, so you can save money by comparison shopping and applying with multiple lenders.
To find the best lender for your 15-year mortgage, consider looking at the Loan Estimate form provided by each lender after you submit a complete mortgage application. This will let you compare interest rates, origination fees, and closing costs.
According to the article, mortgage rates vary by lender, and you can save money by comparing rates and fees. One way to do this is by using a mortgage rate tool, such as NerdWallet's mortgage rate tool, which can help you find competitive 15-year fixed mortgage rates without requiring personal information.
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Compare Current
Comparing current mortgage rates can be a daunting task, but it's essential to find the best deal for your home loan. Mortgage rates vary by lender, so you can save money by comparison shopping and applying with multiple lenders.
If you're looking to refinance your home loan, you'll want to compare your current interest rate with the new one you'll potentially receive with a refinance. This is especially true for 15-year mortgages, which generally have lower interest rates than 30-year mortgages but come with higher monthly payments.
To find the best mortgage rate, consider your credit score. Homebuyers who qualify for the lowest mortgage rates tend to have good credit scores, with a minimum of 740 required to access the best rates.
Here are some current mortgage rates to consider:
The amount of debt you're carrying can also affect the mortgage rate on your 15-year fixed mortgage loan. If your debt-to-income ratio is 36% or higher, you might get stuck with a high mortgage rate.
To find competitive 15-year fixed mortgage rates, use a mortgage rate tool that allows you to filter by loan details without providing personal information.
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Conforming Loans
Conforming loans are a type of mortgage loan that meets the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are government-sponsored enterprises that buy and sell mortgages.
These loans are available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, with a maximum loan limit that varies by location.
To qualify for a conforming loan, borrowers typically need a credit score of 620 or higher, and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% or less.
Conforming loan limits are $510,400 for single-family homes in most areas, but can be as high as $765,600 in high-cost areas.
Borrowers can choose between a 15-year or 30-year fixed-rate loan term, or an adjustable-rate loan that can offer lower interest rates.
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Taxes and Payments
You can deduct the mortgage interest you've paid on your income tax returns if you meet certain conditions, but this might not save you much if you have a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage because you'll be paying less interest.
Generally, you can't get a deduction for paid mortgage interest if you don't itemize your deductions, unless your state lets you deduct mortgage interest on your state income tax return after you've taken the standard deduction on your federal return.
It's also worth noting that if you've taken out a mortgage loan with a value above $750,000, you can't qualify for the mortgage interest deduction either.
How a Mortgage Affects Monthly Payments
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can significantly increase your monthly mortgage payment. This is because you're paying off the same loan amount in a shorter amount of time.
Using a refinance calculator can help you determine if a 15-year mortgage refinance is right for you by comparing your current mortgage payment to the new results.
A 15-year mortgage loan payment can be substantial, so it's essential to consider whether you can afford the larger monthly payment.
The decision to refinance to a 15-year mortgage ultimately comes down to whether you can comfortably afford the monthly payment.
Taxes
You can deduct mortgage interest on your income tax returns if you meet certain conditions, like itemizing your deductions or living in a state that allows mortgage interest deductions on state tax returns.
Generally, you can't get a deduction for paid mortgage interest if you've taken the standard deduction on your federal return and don't itemize.
If you've taken out a mortgage loan with a value above $750,000, you're out of luck when it comes to the mortgage interest deduction.
Your tax savings will likely be low if you've got a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, since you'll be paying less interest than someone with a 30-year fixed mortgage loan.
ARMs and Loans
If you're nearing the end of your introductory period with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), you may be facing a significant increase in your loan costs. You can refinance to a new ARM, but this will only delay the inevitable.
Refinancing to a 15-year fixed loan can provide stability and peace of mind, as the interest rate remains the same through the life of your loan. This can be a great option for those who value predictability in their monthly payments.
You have two main choices when it comes to refinancing from an ARM: refinance to a new ARM or lock into a 15-year fixed loan. Consider your financial goals and preferences when making this decision.
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Comparing 3-Year vs 5-Year ARMs
A 3-year ARM has a fixed interest rate for the first 3 years, after which the rate can adjust annually for the remaining 27-year term. This means you'll have a longer period of uncertainty about your monthly payments.
Unlike a 3-year ARM, a 5-year ARM offers a fixed interest rate for the first 5 years, which can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. This can be a significant advantage if you plan to keep the home long-term.
However, 5-year ARMs can be riskier because rates and payments may increase after the initial fixed period ends. Unless you plan to sell or refinance the home before the 5-year ARM’s fixed period ends, a 15-year mortgage is the lower risk option.
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Arms vs
You can refinance from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage, but it's essential to consider the terms and costs involved. Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can provide stability and predictability, with a fixed interest rate that remains the same through the life of your loan.
ARMs typically start with a fixed rate for a specific amount of time, usually 5, 7, or 10 years. If you refinance to a 15-year mortgage before that time is up, you could end up paying more in interest.
Refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage can provide peace of mind that you won't be paying more if rates increase. Your monthly payment on your principal balance and interest won't change, making it easier to budget.
However, if you're not planning on living in the home long after the fixed-rate period ends, you may not want to refinance. Refinancing comes with costs, so it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current interest rate for a 15-year refinance?
As of now, the national average 15-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.34%. Check current rates to see how they may have changed since this information was last updated.
What is the disadvantage of a 15-year mortgage?
A 15-year mortgage has larger monthly payments due to its shorter loan term, and may also require stricter qualification requirements. This can make it more challenging to qualify for and afford.
Sources
- https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-rates/15-year-fixed/
- https://smartasset.com/mortgage/15-yr-fixed-mortgage-rates
- https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/should-i-refinance-to-a-15-year-loan
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates/15-year-fixed
- https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/refinancing-into-a-15-year-mortgage/
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