By Ralph Dibugnara October 10, 2024 By Christy Biebe October 1, 2024 Home equity loans have long been one of the more affordable ways for property owners to borrow and, unlike alternatives such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC), home equity loans typically offer borrowers a fixed interest rate and predictable payments. Unfortunately, home equity loan rates have soared in the post-pandemic era as the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate to fight inflation. While home equity loans and HELOCs remained cheaper than credit cards, borrowing costs hit the highest levels in years. The good news is, the tide may be turning. Driven by anticipation of a Fed rate cut, expert predictions of falling rates in the summer of 2024 proved accurate. With the latest inflation report showing just a 2.5% year-over-year increase in the all-goods index, the Fed rate cut announced in September and the Fed strongly signaling more cuts are coming, predictions of additional rate drops this fall have many owners hoping cheaper loan options will soon be on the table. But, will rates drop in October or should homeowners hold on for further rate declines? We asked some experts where they think rates are trending. Here's the home equity loan interest rate forecast for October Looking to access your home equity this month? Here's what could happen to interest rates: A rate reduction could be on the table Homeowners eager to tap into their equity as soon as possible may have some new opportunities to borrow at a lower rate this October. "Home equity loan rates will be reduced by .50% in October," predicts Melisa Cohn, Regional Vice President at William Raveis Mortgage. Cohn indicates that rates will drop because of the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut at the September meeting. Borrowers who currently have home equity loans won't see their costs decline, unlike those with variable-rate HELOCS that often move directly with the prime rate which is heavily influenced by the Fed. Although HELOC rates fluctuate over time, home equity loan rates are fixed. Anyone who already borrowed is locked in at the rate they were initially offered unless they refinance. New home equity loan borrowers, however, could benefit from more affordable loan options coming on the market. The Fed's benchmark rate is just one factor affecting how much banks charge homeowners looking to tap equity, but when it costs banks less to borrow, they often respond by lowering rates on home equity and other consumer loans. Bigger rate cuts are coming While loans should become more affordable in October, those who can hold on for a little longer may be rewarded for their patience. "I don't think we'll see much change in home equity rates in October; however, pretty sizable drops are coming," predicts Aaron Gordon, Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Loan officer at Guild Mortgage. "The Fed dropped rates 50 basis points in September so that was great news for home equity loans but the next Fed meeting isn't until early November. With inflation getting closer to the Fed's 2% stated target, I believe we'll see steady drops over the next year." Ralph DiBugnara, President of Home Qualified, also believes rate drops are imminent but not necessarily immediate, although he predicts the rate decline will start in October. "With overall mortgage rates coming down because the Fed has started lowering the borrowing rate, home equity loan rates will come down as well," he says. "This reduction should happen over the fourth quarter of 2024 and into 2025." DiBugnara explained that reduced consumer spending, higher unemployment rates and high levels of consumer debt will prompt the Fed to continue rate cuts, which will lead to further reductions in home equity loan costs for property owners. The bottom line Of course, not everyone can delay their borrowing date indefinitely if they have pressing financial needs now and those looking for home equity loans in October should still see some good opportunities out there. The key will be finding them. "It's important to shop home equity rates as there may be a pretty big difference between your favorite bank or credit union and other lenders," Gordon says. By exploring multiple loan offers and comparing rates and fees, borrowers who need to tap their equity can find the best deals in the current market -- while homeowners who aren't on the clock can sit back and wait for even better offers in November and beyond.

By Ralph Dibugnara October 4, 2024 By Christy Bieber Edited By Angelica Leicht September 24, 2024 On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced a 50 basis point cut to the federal funds rate. For homebuyers faced with record-high mortgage rates in the post-pandemic era, this was welcome news. Many had been prepping for a rate cut in hopes mortgage rates would fall after the September Fed meeting. Those readying themselves for cheaper home loans were given reason for optimism about September's mortgage rate forecast when the Fed delivered a larger-than-anticipated rate cut. Still, the big question for most buyers is whether the Fed's moves will push current mortgage rates low enough so they can finally buy a home with affordable monthly payments. Mortgage costs had already begun dropping in anticipation of the Fed's actions and are down over a point from the post-pandemic highs — but are still higher than during the pandemic and in the years leading up to it. Buyers looking at loan offers in the 6% range are likely wondering if there's a chance rates could decline further in October, even though the Fed doesn't meet again until November. If you're considering staying on the sidelines in hopes that will occur, here's what experts say about your chances. Will mortgage rates drop in October without a Fed meeting? For would-be homeowners focused on the Fed, it's important to realize the central bank doesn't play as big a role in driving borrowing costs as some buyers might think. "The Fed funds rate is not directly tied to mortgage rates, so we don't need the Fed to announce another rate cut in October to see rates continue to decline," says Sarah Alvarez, vice president of mortgage banking at William Raveis Mortgage. The Fed sets the overnight rate at which banks borrow from each other. It doesn't impact mortgage rates directly. "Mortgage rates can and do move without a big decision by policymakers," says Ali Wolf, the chief economist for Zonda. "Mortgage rates move on a day-to-day basis based on economic data and investor sentiment." Wolf believes that since economic data is likely to come in muted, rates are likely to continue trending downward in October. Both inflation and employment numbers are key factors to watch. "If inflation continues to show signs of cooling we will likely see rates continue to decline," Alvarez says. While Alvarez warns election uncertainty and an escalation of global wars could potentially have a negative impact, there's also plenty of evidence suggesting economic trends will favor further cuts. "Prices have reached a point where Americans have stopped buying. Unemployment has also continued to increase," says Ralph DiBugnara, founder of Home Qualified. "The combination is bringing inflation down, and with that mortgage rates will continue to fall next month." October's rate cuts still may not be as substantial as borrowers hope, though, unless conditions worsen. "Right now, the economy is running pretty strong but if labor market conditions weaken considerably, that could lead to a more sizable drop in interest rates," says Lisa Sturtevant, PhD and chief economist at Bright MLS. Anticipation of future Fed action could cause rates to fall While some would-be homebuyers saw the long-awaited September rate cut as crucial to declining mortgage rates, the reality is that borrowing costs had already started to fall in anticipation of the Fed's actions — and this is a pattern likely to repeat. "The expected Fed rate cut this week has already been largely baked into mortgage rates, which have been falling since July," Sturtevant says. "An expectation of a rate cut by the Fed in November could actually cause mortgage rates to fall in October in anticipation." Alvarez agrees that when the Fed is hawkish about future rate cuts, this positively impacts the mortgage market. That's good news as the central bank signaled another half-point rate decrease is likely this year. With the Fed's intentions made clear, lenders can act sooner rather than later. "The Fed has changed their sentiment to one of reducing the borrowing rate," DiBugnara says. "The markets now understand that the Fed has no choice but to lower rates." Investors and banks will react accordingly. Buyers shouldn't wait for a rate cut to act While all available evidence suggests rate cuts are likely outcome in October, there are no guarantees — and there are some risks worth considering. "Many homebuyers have been waiting on the sidelines for rates to fall. If there is a surge in mortgage demand in October, mortgage rates could actually be pushed up a bit as lenders respond to that increased demand," Sturtevant warned. An increase in buyer demand could also put upward pressure on home prices, leaving would-be borrowers in the unfortunate position of facing a more competitive market and higher purchasing costs just as mortgage loans become more affordable. Since buyers can refinance a home loan if rates decline, but can't buy at today's prices if home costs surge, those who have been sitting on the sidelines may want to take advantage of opportunities available now. Today's rates aren't the most competitive in history, but they're down considerably from recent highs. Borrowers who are financially ready can get in at a reasonable cost before home prices rise and consider refinancing later if rates continue to decline. The bottom line While a Fed meeting won't happen in October, potential home-buyers could still see important changes in the mortgage and housing market — including a reduction in loan rates. Still, the downside risks of delaying a home purchase in anticipation of future rate cuts may outweigh the upside. Would-be borrowers should seriously consider taking action before a potential home price surge — especially with the Fed signaling rate cuts could continue into 2025. Future opportunities to refinance are likely to become more plentiful over time, but the home prices of today may be gone for good tomorrow.

By Ralph Dibugnara October 4, 2024 By Christy Bieber Edited By Angelica Leicht September 24, 2024 On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced a 50 basis point cut to the federal funds rate. For homebuyers faced with record-high mortgage rates in the post-pandemic era, this was welcome news. Many had been prepping for a rate cut in hopes mortgage rates would fall after the September Fed meeting. Those readying themselves for cheaper home loans were given reason for optimism about September's mortgage rate forecast when the Fed delivered a larger-than-anticipated rate cut. Still, the big question for most buyers is whether the Fed's moves will push current mortgage rates low enough so they can finally buy a home with affordable monthly payments. Mortgage costs had already begun dropping in anticipation of the Fed's actions and are down over a point from the post-pandemic highs — but are still higher than during the pandemic and in the years leading up to it. Buyers looking at loan offers in the 6% range are likely wondering if there's a chance rates could decline further in October, even though the Fed doesn't meet again until November. If you're considering staying on the sidelines in hopes that will occur, here's what experts say about your chances. Will mortgage rates drop in October without a Fed meeting? For would-be homeowners focused on the Fed, it's important to realize the central bank doesn't play as big a role in driving borrowing costs as some buyers might think. "The Fed funds rate is not directly tied to mortgage rates, so we don't need the Fed to announce another rate cut in October to see rates continue to decline," says Sarah Alvarez, vice president of mortgage banking at William Raveis Mortgage. The Fed sets the overnight rate at which banks borrow from each other. It doesn't impact mortgage rates directly. "Mortgage rates can and do move without a big decision by policymakers," says Ali Wolf, the chief economist for Zonda. "Mortgage rates move on a day-to-day basis based on economic data and investor sentiment." Wolf believes that since economic data is likely to come in muted, rates are likely to continue trending downward in October. Both inflation and employment numbers are key factors to watch. "If inflation continues to show signs of cooling we will likely see rates continue to decline," Alvarez says. While Alvarez warns election uncertainty and an escalation of global wars could potentially have a negative impact, there's also plenty of evidence suggesting economic trends will favor further cuts. "Prices have reached a point where Americans have stopped buying. Unemployment has also continued to increase," says Ralph DiBugnara, founder of Home Qualified. "The combination is bringing inflation down, and with that mortgage rates will continue to fall next month." October's rate cuts still may not be as substantial as borrowers hope, though, unless conditions worsen. "Right now, the economy is running pretty strong but if labor market conditions weaken considerably, that could lead to a more sizable drop in interest rates," says Lisa Sturtevant, PhD and chief economist at Bright MLS. Anticipation of future Fed action could cause rates to fall While some would-be homebuyers saw the long-awaited September rate cut as crucial to declining mortgage rates, the reality is that borrowing costs had already started to fall in anticipation of the Fed's actions — and this is a pattern likely to repeat. "The expected Fed rate cut this week has already been largely baked into mortgage rates, which have been falling since July," Sturtevant says. "An expectation of a rate cut by the Fed in November could actually cause mortgage rates to fall in October in anticipation." Alvarez agrees that when the Fed is hawkish about future rate cuts, this positively impacts the mortgage market. That's good news as the central bank signaled another half-point rate decrease is likely this year. With the Fed's intentions made clear, lenders can act sooner rather than later. "The Fed has changed their sentiment to one of reducing the borrowing rate," DiBugnara says. "The markets now understand that the Fed has no choice but to lower rates." Investors and banks will react accordingly. Buyers shouldn't wait for a rate cut to act While all available evidence suggests rate cuts are likely outcome in October, there are no guarantees — and there are some risks worth considering. "Many homebuyers have been waiting on the sidelines for rates to fall. If there is a surge in mortgage demand in October, mortgage rates could actually be pushed up a bit as lenders respond to that increased demand," Sturtevant warned. An increase in buyer demand could also put upward pressure on home prices, leaving would-be borrowers in the unfortunate position of facing a more competitive market and higher purchasing costs just as mortgage loans become more affordable. Since buyers can refinance a home loan if rates decline, but can't buy at today's prices if home costs surge, those who have been sitting on the sidelines may want to take advantage of opportunities available now. Today's rates aren't the most competitive in history, but they're down considerably from recent highs. Borrowers who are financially ready can get in at a reasonable cost before home prices rise and consider refinancing later if rates continue to decline. The bottom line While a Fed meeting won't happen in October, potential home-buyers could still see important changes in the mortgage and housing market — including a reduction in loan rates. Still, the downside risks of delaying a home purchase in anticipation of future rate cuts may outweigh the upside. Would-be borrowers should seriously consider taking action before a potential home price surge — especially with the Fed signaling rate cuts could continue into 2025. Future opportunities to refinance are likely to become more plentiful over time, but the home prices of today may be gone for good tomorrow.

By Ralph Dibugnara September 12, 2024 By Sandy John, Andrew Pentis, Katie Lowery, CNN Underscored Money If you have a 30-year home loan, refinancing to a 10-year mortgage allows you to pay off your loan decades earlier and score a lower interest rate. But these savings come at the expense of a considerably higher monthly payment, making it easy to outrun your budget. Here’s a look at today’s 10-year refinance rates: Current 10-year refinance rates You may not see 10-year refinance rates advertised widely, but many mortgage lenders offer conventional, decade-long terms, said Ralph DiBugnara, a veteran mortgage industry executive based in New York. “Ninety-five percent of the time, it’s the same rate as the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage,” which are “usually the most advantageous rates in the market,” DiBugnara said. Like other mortgage rates, 10-year refinance rates fluctuate based on factors such as the state of the economy and the overall credit market. The Federal Reserve has maintained the federal funds rate after an unprecedented rate-hike cycle with 11 increases between March 2022 and November 2023 to fight post-pandemic inflation. How 10-year refinance rates are trending After reaching their highest point in more than 20 years in late 2023, mortgage refinance rates have generally been trending downward. “If the economy starts to cool and the Fed signals a shift toward lowering rates, we might see a bit of a dip in refinance rates,” said Mike Roberts, a Utah-based mortgage broker. “That would be great news for homeowners looking to lock in a lower rate.” In mid-2024, Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group forecasted that 30- year mortgage rates will average 6.4% in 2025. Following that estimate, we may see (10- and) 15-year rates around 5.75% next year. (That’s because the 15-year rate has been 66 basis points lower on average than the 30-year rate over the past five years, according to our analysis.). 6 tips for scoring competitive 10-year refinance rates 1. Check your budget. The payments on a 10-year term will be much higher than you’re currently paying if you have a 30-year loan, and you’ll need to have documentation to verify that your income will cover the payments. Calculating your monthly dues — and double-checking affordability via your budget — is a wise first step. 2. Check your credit scores. You’ll likely need a 620 score to get a conventional loan, but a higher score can result in a lower interest rate. Pay all of your bills on time, make sure all your accounts are up to date and try to pay down debts before applying for a refinance. 3. Figure your loan-to-value ratio. For a refinance, you may need to have at least 20% equity in your home to get the best mortgage rates. So, if your home is worth $400,000, you’d need to have $80,000 in equity (.20 x $400,000 = $80,000). 4. Shop around. Compare interest rates, closing costs and other expenses, which the lender will list on a loan estimate document. By comparing the annual percentage rate, or APR, via preapprovals, you can compare all the refinance costs, not just the interest rate. 5. Consider discount points. Some lenders allow you to purchase mortgage discount points in exchange for a lower interest rate. One point typically costs 1% of the loan amount and may lower the interest rate by, say, 0.25 percentage points — but the actual discount amount varies by lender. 6. Choose a loan. Select the lender you want to work with and lock in your interest rate. Here are examples of reputable mortgage refinance lenders that offer some of the best 10-year refinance rates: How do refinance rates work? While the overall economy and the rates set by the Federal Reserve influence mortgage refinance rates, lenders also set rates based on the strength of your application. “It’s a combination of factors — the overall economic climate, the Fed’s policies, your credit score, your loan-to-value ratio and the demand for loans in the market,” said Roberts. “Typically, refinance rates are a bit lower than purchase rates, but the gap has been narrowing lately.” For example, if you have high credit scores, you’ll be offered a lower rate than someone with fair credit scores. You can also lower your interest rate by having more home equity before refinancing. The state where the property is located can also affect the rate you pay, as can the loan program you choose. Related >> How mortgage rates are determined Like new home loans, shopping around for the right refinance lender and choosing a shorter term loan can also result in a lower mortgage rate. Factors affecting individual 10-year refinance rates  Credit scores and history  Loan program  Rate type (fixed or adjustable)  Borrowing amount  Equity amount  Loan term length  Location Getting a lower mortgage rate will help to lower your monthly payment. Even a slightly lower mortgage rate can result in substantial savings over the 10- to 30-year loan period. Example: Say you refinance $300,000 on your mortgage. Here’s how changing the term of your home loan could affect your monthly payment and total costs. (The mortgage payments here cover principal and interest only.) Term Fixed interest rate Monthly payment Total repayment 10 years 6.500% $3,406 $408,794 15 years 6.500% $2,877 $470,438 20 years 6.875% $2,303 $552,946 30 years 7.125% $2,021 $727,755 Pros and cons of a 10-year fixed-rate refinance Pros Cons  Lower rates and higher overall savings (if you’re refinancing from a longer term)  Accrue equity at a faster clip  Increase your odds of a mortgage-free retirement  Less commonly available among lenders  Stricter eligibility requirements  Closing costs (2% to 6% of the loan amount)  Higher monthly cost (than longer loan terms)  Can get in a financial bind if income drops  Less payment flexibility Should you refinance your home loan to a 10-year term? Refinancing to a 10-year term can save you many thousands of dollars compared to a longer term loan. In exchange, you must commit a lot of money every month to paying off your mortgage. “If you can swing the higher monthly payment and you really want to be mortgage-free faster, it’s definitely worth considering,” said Roberts. “The interest savings can really add up over time.” Some homeowners prioritize a mortgage-free future, but before committing to a 10-year term, be sure your budget can handle the higher payment without being stretched too far. “The danger I see is, people take a 10-year fixed and then struggle with the higher payment — it’s about 70% [more expensive on average] than a 30-year fixed,” said Steve Hill, a California-based mortgage broker. “If you think your mortgage payment is expensive now, try almost doubling it. It’s not for everyone.” When it might be wise to refinance to a 10-year term When it might be unwise  You have a high, steady income  You’re preparing for retirement and will have a fixed income within 10 years  You want to be mortgage-free faster to focus on other financial priorities  Your income could change or is unpredictable  You need more room in your budget for other obligations, such as high-interest debt or investing goals  You have an ultra-low mortgage rate  You want flexibility to pay off your mortgage on time or ahead of schedule, as possible  Your current mortgage has a prepayment penalty How to apply for a 10-year mortgage refinance Applying for a 10-year mortgage refinance is a lot like applying for a mortgage with other terms, but some specific considerations are involved. Here are six steps to help you through the mortgage refinance process. 1. Do the math. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments with a 10-year mortgage refinance. If you’re not confident that you can afford 120 straight months of that payment, consider keeping a longer loan term and instead paying extra toward the principal each month. “That way, if an emergency strikes, you're not stuck [with] the higher payment,” said Hill. 2. Check your eligibility. Make sure your credit scores are the best they can be. You’ll also want to check your home equity. The more equity you have, the less risky you are to the lender, which could mean a better interest rate. Although it can be possible to refinance a mortgage with bad credit, you’ll pay higher rates, potentially negating any savings you’d see from refinancing. 3. Research lenders. Ten-year refinance loans aren’t as common as 15- and 30-year terms, so narrowing your list of prospects should be easy. Get preapproved with at least one bank, credit union and online lender each to compare rates — and choose the right mortgage lender. 4. Gather your documentation and apply. Each lender has unique requirements, but they’ll also require documentation to show proof of income, assets and debts. You’ll likely be asked to hand over recent pay stubs and bank statements, for example. 5. Get a home appraisal. Before the mortgage underwriting process can begin, your lender will need a new appraisal of your home to determine its current value. 6. Close on the loan. Your refinance loan will have a closing process and closing costs just like your original mortgage. Like with your original home loan, you’ll have a right of rescission, or a special grace period — until midnight of the third business day after the transaction — to cancel the loan contract. If you have doubts about your ability to afford the high payments of a 10-year term, this is your last chance to back out.

By Sandy John, Andrew Pentis, Katie Lowery, CNN Underscored Money If you have a 30-year home loan, refinancing to a 10-year mortgage allows you to pay off your loan decades earlier and score a lower interest rate. But these savings come at the expense of a considerably higher monthly payment, making it easy to outrun your budget. Here’s a look at today’s 10-year refinance rates: Current 10-year refinance rates You may not see 10-year refinance rates advertised widely, but many mortgage lenders offer conventional, decade-long terms, said Ralph DiBugnara, a veteran mortgage industry executive based in New York. “Ninety-five percent of the time, it’s the same rate as the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage,” which are “usually the most advantageous rates in the market,” DiBugnara said. Like other mortgage rates, 10-year refinance rates fluctuate based on factors such as the state of the economy and the overall credit market. The Federal Reserve has maintained the federal funds rate after an unprecedented rate-hike cycle with 11 increases between March 2022 and November 2023 to fight post-pandemic inflation. How 10-year refinance rates are trending After reaching their highest point in more than 20 years in late 2023, mortgage refinance rates have generally been trending downward. “If the economy starts to cool and the Fed signals a shift toward lowering rates, we might see a bit of a dip in refinance rates,” said Mike Roberts, a Utah-based mortgage broker. “That would be great news for homeowners looking to lock in a lower rate.” In mid-2024, Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group forecasted that 30- year mortgage rates will average 6.4% in 2025. Following that estimate, we may see (10- and) 15-year rates around 5.75% next year. (That’s because the 15-year rate has been 66 basis points lower on average than the 30-year rate over the past five years, according to our analysis.). 6 tips for scoring competitive 10-year refinance rates 1. Check your budget. The payments on a 10-year term will be much higher than you’re currently paying if you have a 30-year loan, and you’ll need to have documentation to verify that your income will cover the payments. Calculating your monthly dues — and double-checking affordability via your budget — is a wise first step. 2. Check your credit scores. You’ll likely need a 620 score to get a conventional loan, but a higher score can result in a lower interest rate. Pay all of your bills on time, make sure all your accounts are up to date and try to pay down debts before applying for a refinance. 3. Figure your loan-to-value ratio. For a refinance, you may need to have at least 20% equity in your home to get the best mortgage rates. So, if your home is worth $400,000, you’d need to have $80,000 in equity (.20 x $400,000 = $80,000). 4. Shop around. Compare interest rates, closing costs and other expenses, which the lender will list on a loan estimate document. By comparing the annual percentage rate, or APR, via preapprovals, you can compare all the refinance costs, not just the interest rate. 5. Consider discount points. Some lenders allow you to purchase mortgage discount points in exchange for a lower interest rate. One point typically costs 1% of the loan amount and may lower the interest rate by, say, 0.25 percentage points — but the actual discount amount varies by lender. 6. Choose a loan. Select the lender you want to work with and lock in your interest rate. Here are examples of reputable mortgage refinance lenders that offer some of the best 10-year refinance rates: How do refinance rates work? While the overall economy and the rates set by the Federal Reserve influence mortgage refinance rates, lenders also set rates based on the strength of your application. “It’s a combination of factors — the overall economic climate, the Fed’s policies, your credit score, your loan-to-value ratio and the demand for loans in the market,” said Roberts. “Typically, refinance rates are a bit lower than purchase rates, but the gap has been narrowing lately.” For example, if you have high credit scores, you’ll be offered a lower rate than someone with fair credit scores. You can also lower your interest rate by having more home equity before refinancing. The state where the property is located can also affect the rate you pay, as can the loan program you choose. Related >> How mortgage rates are determined Like new home loans, shopping around for the right refinance lender and choosing a shorter term loan can also result in a lower mortgage rate. Factors affecting individual 10-year refinance rates  Credit scores and history  Loan program  Rate type (fixed or adjustable)  Borrowing amount  Equity amount  Loan term length  Location Getting a lower mortgage rate will help to lower your monthly payment. Even a slightly lower mortgage rate can result in substantial savings over the 10- to 30-year loan period. Example: Say you refinance $300,000 on your mortgage. Here’s how changing the term of your home loan could affect your monthly payment and total costs. (The mortgage payments here cover principal and interest only.) Term Fixed interest rate Monthly payment Total repayment 10 years 6.500% $3,406 $408,794 15 years 6.500% $2,877 $470,438 20 years 6.875% $2,303 $552,946 30 years 7.125% $2,021 $727,755 Pros and cons of a 10-year fixed-rate refinance Pros Cons  Lower rates and higher overall savings (if you’re refinancing from a longer term)  Accrue equity at a faster clip  Increase your odds of a mortgage-free retirement  Less commonly available among lenders  Stricter eligibility requirements  Closing costs (2% to 6% of the loan amount)  Higher monthly cost (than longer loan terms)  Can get in a financial bind if income drops  Less payment flexibility Should you refinance your home loan to a 10-year term? Refinancing to a 10-year term can save you many thousands of dollars compared to a longer term loan. In exchange, you must commit a lot of money every month to paying off your mortgage. “If you can swing the higher monthly payment and you really want to be mortgage-free faster, it’s definitely worth considering,” said Roberts. “The interest savings can really add up over time.” Some homeowners prioritize a mortgage-free future, but before committing to a 10-year term, be sure your budget can handle the higher payment without being stretched too far. “The danger I see is, people take a 10-year fixed and then struggle with the higher payment — it’s about 70% [more expensive on average] than a 30-year fixed,” said Steve Hill, a California-based mortgage broker. “If you think your mortgage payment is expensive now, try almost doubling it. It’s not for everyone.” When it might be wise to refinance to a 10-year term When it might be unwise  You have a high, steady income  You’re preparing for retirement and will have a fixed income within 10 years  You want to be mortgage-free faster to focus on other financial priorities  Your income could change or is unpredictable  You need more room in your budget for other obligations, such as high-interest debt or investing goals  You have an ultra-low mortgage rate  You want flexibility to pay off your mortgage on time or ahead of schedule, as possible  Your current mortgage has a prepayment penalty How to apply for a 10-year mortgage refinance Applying for a 10-year mortgage refinance is a lot like applying for a mortgage with other terms, but some specific considerations are involved. Here are six steps to help you through the mortgage refinance process. 1. Do the math. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments with a 10-year mortgage refinance. If you’re not confident that you can afford 120 straight months of that payment, consider keeping a longer loan term and instead paying extra toward the principal each month. “That way, if an emergency strikes, you're not stuck [with] the higher payment,” said Hill. 2. Check your eligibility. Make sure your credit scores are the best they can be. You’ll also want to check your home equity. The more equity you have, the less risky you are to the lender, which could mean a better interest rate. Although it can be possible to refinance a mortgage with bad credit, you’ll pay higher rates, potentially negating any savings you’d see from refinancing. 3. Research lenders. Ten-year refinance loans aren’t as common as 15- and 30-year terms, so narrowing your list of prospects should be easy. Get preapproved with at least one bank, credit union and online lender each to compare rates — and choose the right mortgage lender. 4. Gather your documentation and apply. Each lender has unique requirements, but they’ll also require documentation to show proof of income, assets and debts. You’ll likely be asked to hand over recent pay stubs and bank statements, for example. 5. Get a home appraisal. Before the mortgage underwriting process can begin, your lender will need a new appraisal of your home to determine its current value. 6. Close on the loan. Your refinance loan will have a closing process and closing costs just like your original mortgage. Like with your original home loan, you’ll have a right of rescission, or a special grace period — until midnight of the third business day after the transaction — to cancel the loan contract. If you have doubts about your ability to afford the high payments of a 10-year term, this is your last chance to back out.