AFFORDABLE HOUSING SHORTAGE

Does a low score mean limited options? (iStock)

Record-low interest rates are dominating the news cycle and homeowners, in particular, are jumping to refinance. Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association puts current refinance activity at 98% higher this year than last year, even amid a global pandemic.

Those with low credit shouldn’t skip rate shopping either as there are still options available in today’s low-rate environment — even for those with the thinnest credit profiles.

Mortgage rates vary by lender. Many non-traditional lenders take other factors into consideration outside of credit score, like earning potential and steady work history. While some of these lenders do advertise their qualification criteria, many borrowers may not happen upon them unless they actively shop for refinance rates and offers.

These days, borrowers can quickly explore their mortgage refinance options by visiting Credible, which allows loan seekers to compare both rates and lenders in one place.

1. Look at FHA loans

FHA loans aren’t just for first-time buyers with small down payments. The benefit to doing an FHA refinance is that this option, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, does consider borrowers with sub-600 credit scores who hold less than 20% equity in the home. In fact, only those with less than 20% are eligible for an FHA refinance.

There’s even better news for those with existing FHA loans. With the newer FHA Streamline Refinance product, borrowers can refinance without an appraisal and with lower out-of-pocket costs, saving both time and money.

HOW TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE

2. Explore VA loans (if you qualify)

Veterans receive many benefits for their service to our country, and one of those is access to mortgage loans backed by the government via the Veterans Administration (VA). Not only are these loans offered at some of the lowest interest rates available, but they also benefit current and past service members regardless of their credit.

Those with current VA loans can also consider refinancing through the VA with the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan program. The IRRRL program is similar to the FHA Streamline Refinance product in that it does not require hefty out-of-pocket closing costs or an appraisal.

If you’re interested in finding the lowest interest rates around, however, you should consider using a multi-lender marketplace like Credible. Credible allows you to compare rates and lenders to ensure you find the best deal.

HOW TO GET THE LOWEST MORTGAGE REFINANCE RATES

3. Opt for cash-out refinance

A cash-out refinance may make the most sense for those with low credit due to a large amount of high-interest debt. Leveraging a cash-out refinance turns home equity into a liquid asset, which borrowers can then use to pay off outstanding debts. Additionally, refinancing to a lower interest rate will save money on the repayment. With current credit card interest rates above 17%, and cash-out refinance rates at 3.194% APR for a 30-year fixed option, this refinance option makes financial sense for those battling to get out from under their debt.

You can visit Credible to get pre-qualified for such a loan and to shop around for loan options among different mortgage lenders. By providing some basic information, you can find out if approval for a loan is likely and can see what rate you’d pay so you can determine if a mortgage refinance loan is affordable.

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE?

What are today’s mortgage rates?

It’s important when shopping for a mortgage refinance to keep an eye on interest rate changes week to week as even a small increase adds up to thousands saved on interest. Again, Credible is a great place to shop. You can compare rates and complete the entire mortgage refinance application process online. Find your rate today.

HOW REFINANCING YOUR MORTGAGE CAN PUT MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET

As of the time of writing, (the week November 19th) the current interest rates are:

• 30-year fixed-rate refinance average: 2.75%.

In the month prior (Week of October 19th), the average 30-year fixed-rate refinance was much higher at 3.16%.

To illustrate the difference, let’s look at the numbers. A consumer refinances a $300,000 loan at 3.2% in October pays over $167,000 in lifetime interest. Another consumer who waits a month and refinances $300,000 at a slightly lower rate of 2.8% percent will pay just $143,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

The bottom line

Don’t let a bad credit score keep you away from the significant savings to be had with today’s low interest rates. While lower credit may not qualify you for the best rates available, depending on when you refinanced and your credit score at the time, refinancing now could still be a big financial win.

To start, investigate refinance options by shopping with multiple lenders to see potential rates, and then input those figures into a mortgage refinance calculator to visualize savings.

Finding the best mortgage refinance rates takes time. You’ll need to compare rates from multiple lenders. Credible allows you to compare multiple lenders to ensure you meet your personal finance goals. Find out how much you could save on your loan amount by refinancing now.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST MORTGAGE RATES AND FASTEST CLOSINGS

While you’re financing a vehicle, you must maintain full coverage auto insurance – it’s not required by your state, but by your lender. If you don’t have a loan, you still need to meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements to legally drive your car on the road. Here’s what you need to know about full coverage insurance, and your choice in the matter.

Auto Loans and Full Coverage Car Insurance

Financing a vehicle means you borrow money from a lender, and then you pay them back in installments. Until you completely pay off the auto loan, the lender has ownership rights to the car. They’re listed on the vehicle’s title as a “lienholder,” and it gives them rights to repossess it if you stop paying or break the loan contract.

One of the requirements of an auto loan contract is that you have full coverage car insurance until you pay off the vehicle. Since the car is technically the lender’s, they can, and do, require that the vehicle is covered to the fullest extent.

If you cancel your full coverage auto insurance while you’re financing, you’re breaking terms of your loan contract. The insurance company generally contacts your lienholder right away and lets them know that the insurance coverage has lapsed.

Your lender can then put what’s called “force-placed” coverage, and add the cost of it to your monthly loan payment. It’s typically more expensive than if you were to choose the insurance for yourself, since the lender isn’t going to shop for the cheapest rates out there – you’re the one footing the bill – because they just want the car covered.

If you refuse to pay for the force-placed coverage, or you can’t afford it, then the lender hires a recovery company to repossess your vehicle. Your other option is to reinstate your previous full coverage that you canceled, or find another insurance plan that meets your lender’s requirements. Contact your lender to see what their insurance requirements are and what you need to do to remove force-placed coverage.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

If you’re not financing, then you can simply opt for personal liability and property damage (PLPD) coverage if you choose. This is usually the most basic level of insurance coverage offered by insurance companies, and it’s required to carry this coverage to drive your car on the road in nearly every state.

Full coverage is defined as a combination of comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance.

• Comprehensive – Can cover damage from “perils” such as fire, theft, vandalism, or other single accidents not involving another driver, and carries a deductible.
• Collision – Covers your vehicle in the event of an accident with another driver, regardless of who’s at fault, and carries a deductible.
• Liability – Covers bodily injury and property damage if you’re in an accident and you’re at fault. This is the most basic level coverage that’s required in nearly every state.

The consequences of not carrying any sort of auto insurance on your car are usually hefty fines, and possibly other serious long-lasting repercussions. Not having auto insurance could lead to a misdemeanor or even a suspension of your license depending on your home state.

Check with your state’s minimum car insurance requirements so you can be sure that your insurance plan is up to snuff.

Car Insurance Too Expensive? Consider a Different Car!

The price of your auto insurance is also dependent on what vehicle you’re driving. Newer cars are usually more expensive to insure because they have more bells and whistles that are costly to insure and fix.

Used vehicles are typically less expensive, but it also depends on the make and model. Some cars are more desirable than others, which can make some vehicles a higher risk for theft. Your credit score can even be a factor in your auto insurance costs in many states.

If your car is too expensive to insure, then consider getting another vehicle. Sometimes, though, getting into an auto loan can be hard if your credit score isn’t the best. Instead of searching all over town for dealerships that can work with your credit, let us help at Auto Credit Express.

We’ve produced a nationwide network of dealers that are teamed up with bad credit car lenders, so let us look for a dealership for you in your local area. Fill out our free auto loan request form to begin the search for your next vehicle.