Mortgage: The Basics of Home Refinance

by Jackie Davis 04/13/2025

Many homeowners have experienced a moment when they have wished for a lower mortgage payment. With a mortgage refinance, you could effectively lower your monthly payments. Not sure where to begin with refinancing or whether it's right for you? We've got you covered with some tips and considerations.

What is Refinancing?

When you refinance a mortgage, you're essentially taking out a new home loan and assuming its terms. The money from this loan is used to pay off your existing mortgage. A refinance loan with a lower interest rate than your original loan can eventually save you a significant amount of money. Meanwhile, depending on how much equity you have in the home and how much of your original mortgage was paid off, you can significantly lower your monthly payment as well.

Is Refinancing Right For You?

The best way to know for sure is to consult with a loan specialist, who will crunch the numbers based on your current loan, your home's estimated value, current interest rates and other factors. If the amount of money you'd save by refinancing outweighs any closing costs or other fees you would incur by closing on the new loan, it's probably worth refinancing.

How to Move Forward With Refinancing

If you're thinking about refinancing, it's a good idea to consult with a few reputable mortgage lenders to see what loans and interest rates you can qualify for. From there, you will need to fill out a formal loan application. Some lenders may also require an appraisal on your home; if this is the case, be prepared to pay for the appraisal out of your own pocket.

Once the loan is approved, you will go through a similar closing process as you did when you first bought the home. From there, you can begin enjoying lower monthly mortgage payments and a lower interest rate on your loan. Some homeowners will continue to pay their previous mortgage amount in order to pay off their loans early.

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport