Q: I am interested in refinancing. I have a $318,000, 7-year ARM at 5.25%, and have had the loan for about three years. My credit score is in the 700s. The current value of my home is approximately $350,000 to $360,000, and my loan isn't owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. What would be the most successful and least expensive way to get a new loan?
A: If you have at least a 10% equity stake in your property, and you appear to, you should be able to find a lender who will write your refinance. Of course, today's mortgage rates for a new 30-year FRM aren't that much below the rate on your ARM, so don't expect tremendous savings, but do expect to have to pay closing costs, usually 2% or so of the loan amount.
Credit life insurance is sold to homeowners as a means to pay off the mortgage in the event of the death of the homeowner.
Read MoreSome homeowners will pay this 3.8 percent tax when they sell their homes, but only if they meet certain conditions.
Read More