Refinancing? 5 common mistakes to avoid.

With interest rates on the move, many people are shopping around for home loans.  

If you’re considering refinancing, it’s a good idea to be aware of a few pitfalls when doing your research. Here are six mistakes to avoid. 

Mistake #1: Only looking at the interest rate 

Sure, getting a more competitive interest rate is appealing, but there are other factors to consider when comparing loans. For example, you may benefit from features such as an offset account or redraw facility, even if the interest rate is not necessarily the lowest one available. 

An offset account is a bank account that’s linked to your home loan. Any money in this account is offset against the money owing on your home loan. This reduces the amount of interest you pay – which can add up to a lot of savings over time. 

With a redraw facility, you can make extra repayments on your home loan, but still access the funds later if needed. This allows you to reduce your interest – so it’s another great option to consider. 

Aside from these kinds of features, you may want to think about what else is important to you in a lender. Maybe it’s customer service. Bottom line is the interest rate is not the be all and end all. 

Mistake #2: Not considering the comparison rate 

You may have noticed lenders often list an interest rate, as well as a comparison rate. 

The comparison rate factors in the interest rate, as well as any fees and charges relating to a home loan. This is the one you want to be looking at when shopping around for a mortgage. 

The comparison rate gives you a clearer idea of the true cost of a loan and enables you to compare different options. 

Mistake #3: Forgetting about the fees 

Don’t forget to budget for any costs involved in switching lenders. There may be mortgage discharge fees, mortgage registration fees, new application fees and Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (if you owe more than 80% of the property’s value). 

If you are currently on a fixed home loan, there may also be break fees. Ask your lender for clarification. 

Mistake #4: Being bedazzled by cashback offers 

With so much competition for business, many lenders are offering refinance cashback offers to lure you in. 

While we all love a cash injection, it’s important to look at the big picture and whether a home loan is appropriate for you now and in the future. Does the home loan have the features you need? And is it suitable for your financial situation and goals? 

Mistake #5: Trying to go it alone 

So, you do a little Google wizardry, you find some obscure home loan provider with a rock-bottom rate and you think ‘boom – this is the home loan for me!’ Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. 

Changing home loans is an important financial decision, which is why you need professional mortgage advice. We are across all the latest borrowing requirements and changes in the market and can guide you about which home loan is appropriate for your specific needs. 

To chat about refinancing in 2023, get in touch today. Call the team on 1300 780 440.