Last Updated on November 19, 2020
This page provides detailed information on how debt consolidation loan refinancing works. Here you will learn what refinancing is, how refinancing works, types of refinancing, the benefits of refinancing, complete debt consolidation loan refinancing process for beginners, and all other important debt consolidation loan refinancing information that you might need. Keep for updates.
Table of Contents
What Is Refinancing?
Refinancing involves the process of reviewing and replacing the terms of an existing credit agreement, usually with respect to a loan or mortgage.
When a business or individual decides to refinance a credit obligation, they are effectively seeking to make favorable changes to their interest rate, payment schedule, and / or other terms set out in their contract. If approved, the borrower gets a new contract that replaces the original agreement.
Borrowers often choose to refinance when the terms of interest rates change significantly, causing potential savings on debt repayments under the new arrangement.
How Refinancing Works?
Consumers typically seek to refinance certain debts in order to obtain more favorable borrowing terms, often in response to changing economic conditions. The common goals of refinancing are to lower its fixed interest rate to reduce payments over the life of the loan, change the term of the loan, or move from a fixed rate mortgage to an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) or vice versa.
Borrowers can also refinance because their credit profile has improved, due to changes in their long-term financial plans, or to pay off existing debts by consolidating them into one loan at a low cost.
The most common motivation for refinancing is the interest rate environment. As interest rates are cyclical, many consumers choose to refinance when rates fall. National monetary policy, the economic cycle, and market competition can be key factors that raise or lower interest rates for consumers and businesses.
These factors can influence interest rates across all types of credit products, including both non-revolving loans and revolving credit cards. In a rising-rate environment, debtors with variable-interest-rate products end up paying more in interest; the reverse is true in a falling-rate environment.
In order to refinance, a borrower must approach either their existing lender or a new one with the request and complete a new loan application. Refinancing subsequently involves re-evaluating an individual’s or a business’ credit terms and financial situation. Consumer loans typically considered for refinancing include mortgage loans, car loans, and student loans.
Businesses may also seek to refinance mortgage loans on commercial properties. Many business investors will evaluate their corporate balance sheets for business loans issued by creditors that could benefit from lower market rates or an improved credit profile.
Types of Refinancing
There exist several types of refinancing options. The type of loan that a borrower decides to get depends on the needs of the borrower. Some of these refinancing options include:
1. Rate-and-term refinancing
The most common type of refinancing. Rate-and-term refinancing occurs when the original loan is paid and replaced with a new loan agreement that requires lower interest payments.
2. Cash-out refinancing
Cash-out refinancing are common when the underlying asset used as collateral has increased in value. A transaction involves the withdrawal of value or equity in an asset in exchange for a higher loan amount and often a higher interest rate. In other words, when an asset increases in value on paper, you can access that value through a loan rather than selling it. This option increases the total loan amount but gives the borrower immediate access to funds while retaining ownership of the asset.
3. Cash-in refinancing
A cash-in refinance allows the borrower to pay down some portion of the loan for a lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratio or smaller loan payments.
4. Consolidation refinancing
In some cases, a consolidation loan may be an effective way to refinance. A consolidation refinancing can be used when an investor obtains a single loan at a rate that is lower than their current average interest rate across several credit products. This type of refinancing requires the consumer or business to apply for a new loan at a lower rate and then pay off existing debt with the new loan, leaving their total outstanding principal with substantially lower interest rate payments.
Understanding Debt Consolidation Loan Refinancing
If you are wondering if you can refinance a debt consolidation loan, the answer to this question is a big yes. It is still a loan, like a mortgage or a personal loan. While it is possible to refinance any debt consolidation loan, you should first do some thorough research about your finances and the potential options in the market. Only when you decide on a strategy should you complete refinancing applications.
How is Refinancing Different from a Debt Consolidation Loan?
Some people get confused because they think these two things are the same. The truth is, refinancing and consolidating have similarities, but their difference is also quite distinct.
Both will allow you to turn your old debt into a new loan. You can use an unsecured loan or a secured loan for both of these options. The reasons for refinancing and consolidating are also the same. Usually borrowers want to change or improve something about their debt situation. The new loan usually has this improvement. It may be a lower interest rate. It can also be a longer or shorter term. You can also try to remove some of the fees and charges that you once had in your old debts.
The main difference between refinancing loan and consolidating loan debt is actually simple. When consolidating, you must have multiple debts. One reason to consolidate is to simplify your overall payments. With refinancing, this need is not always factual. While refinancing can involve multiple debts, it is not a necessity. It is possible to refinance even if you only have one loan.
The truth is, these two can be used interchangeably. You can consolidate a refinanced loan and you can also refinance a debt consolidation loan. As we said, the question is not really whether it is possible to do it. The real question that you should be asking yourself is whether it should be done at all.
What are the signs that you should refinance a debt consolidation loan?
These are signs that you need to refinance your loan. Of course, you should always analyze your financial situation and your other expenses to see if you should refinance or not. Take your time and consider all the options before making a final decision.
- If you have an improved credit report: If you borrowed a debt consolidation loan with a less than excellent credit score, then it is likely that you are not getting the best terms. Assuming that you paid this loan correctly and added no further debt, you should have a better credit score after two months. If your score jumps much higher, you can expect to get a better offer from the lender if you try to apply for a new loan. Since you have less balance now, it will be easier for you to get a new loan.
- If the current interest rates are low: The Federal Reserve announces if the interest rate increases or decreases. Whatever they do, you can expect that banks and other financial institutions will follow. If the rates are lower, that means the interest rate on new loans will be lower too. You can take advantage of this by applying for a new loan. If you have a fixed interest rate, that rate probably followed the market index when you initially applied for the loan. In case the index is lower now, the new loan will naturally follow that. You can also take this chance to change your interest rate from a variable into a fixed rate. This will take some research and analysis on your part. If analysts think that the market rates will go up, you may want to change your variable rate into a fixed rate.
- If you want to change your payment terms: There are many changes that you can do to your payment terms. You can choose to shorten the terms so you can get out of debt faster. A shorter term means you have to pay more each month. If you just got a salary increase, you can use the extra money in your budget to pay off your debts. In case the opposite happened, wherein your salary was compromised, you will need a lower monthly payment. Refinancing will help you get this lower payments. Of course, you have to remember that a lower payment means you have to stretch your terms. That will make you pay more on the loan as a whole.
Debt Consolidation Loan Refinancing Process: How to Refinance Your Debt Consolidation Loans
The debt consolidation loan refinancing process varies by lender. However, it is largely similar to the standard loan application process. Follow these steps to refinance your debt consolidation loan wisely:
1. Analyze Current Loan
The first thing that you have to do is to look at the debt consolidation loan that you currently have. Why do you want to change it? What exactly are the areas in this loan that you want to change? Is the interest rate too high? Are you having a hard time meeting all the payments? These are important questions and considerations that you need to look into. When you understand your debt consolidation loan, you will know what kind of refinancing you need to improve your debt situation.
2. Look at Your Credit Report
The second step involves your credit report. Refinancing involves a new loan. Naturally, it will look at your credit score to gauge your creditworthiness. If you have a high credit score, you are a low-risk borrower. That means you can be given a low-interest rate on your loan. If you have a low credit score, that is an indication that you are a high-risk borrower. You will be given a higher interest rate. That will make your loan more expensive. If you can postpone refinancing, it is advised that you work on your credit score first.
3. Check If You Can Consolidate More Debts
There may be debts that you have that can also be consolidated when you refinance. This is a great time for you to simplify your overall debt payments. Review all your bills and statements to check if this is possible. There may be debts that have high interest rates. Take advantage of the low rates that you will get from refinancing.
4. Research Lenders
Based on your credit score, you should look at the lenders that can offer you the best rate and terms. You can do your research on well researched debt consolidation reviews. There are lenders who can offer the best rates despite a low credit score. Or they can give you better terms if you have a high credit score. Make sure that you understand the types of loans that are available to you so you can make a smart choice about refinancing. Pay attention to the rates and the fees. Look into their customer service reputation as well.
5. Choose the Right Loan that Meets your Needs
When you have the offer from the lenders you applied to, study them carefully and make a thorough comparison. Go beyond the interest rate when you are studying the offers you got. Sometimes, low-interest rates are offered by companies that charge high fees and charges or have a bad customer service reputation. Balance all these out before you make a choice.
If you’re looking to refinance a debt consolidation loan, it’s important to do your research: will you get a lower interest rate? A lower monthly payment? Better terms? Once you’ve compared the pros and cons and shopped with several lenders, you can determine if refinancing makes sense.
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