Poor Credit? How to Refinance Your Home Anyway

Refinancing your home can lessen the burden of high mortgage payments, release cash for valuable home improvement projects, or be used to alleviate debt. For the borrower with poor credit, a simple refinance can be problematic. Mortgage lenders are understandably hesitant to give mortgages to people with bad credit. Because of this, there are now specified lenders and brokers that work with those with bad credit. Refinancing with poor credit is now possible, but it may require a bit of legwork.

Step 1

Determine amount of equity in the home. When refinancing, the lower the borrower’s score, the lender likes to see more equity is built up in the home, which may require you to make 20-25 percent payment to build equity in the home and assure the lender that you are less likely to default on the loan.

Step 2

Start with your current mortgage lender. You already have a relationship with your existing lender, so the lender may be willing to work with you in order to keep your business. This is also a great place to get your first rate quote. From here, you can compare other loan offers until you make your selection. Do not be discouraged if the existing lender is unwilling to work with you. Keep looking for lenders that are willing to work with you.

Step 3

Visit online mortgage brokers (see resources). Here you can get compare mortgage rates and find brokers in your area. Visit the offices or email the local mortgage brokers that work with those with poor credit.

Step 4

Choose the lender. Compare the interest rates and types of loans and determine which will fit your situation the best. For example, if you will not remain in the home long, an adjustable rate mortgage will allow you to start with lower payments. But keep in mind that you need to stay put long enough to recoup any fees that were paid for the refinance itself.

Step 5

Apply for the refinance mortgage loan. If you are refinancing through a different lender than your original mortgage loan, you will probably have to provide all of the documentation you provided for the original loan. Although your current lender may not provide the best offer, the lender has all of your information on file, so the time and resources necessary for processing your application will be reduced.

Step 6

Complete the loan. Completion of a refinance loan is simpler than the closing on a home purchase because there are not any other people to deal with. You home will most likely require a new appraisal. Check your private mortgage insurance at this point. If your loan-to-value ratio is less than 80 percent, you will no longer be required to pay this. After the appraisal is complete, your signature will be required on many pages and your refinance loan will be complete.

Warnings

* Your credit score will impact your refinance rate. The interest rate on your refinance loan will be higher if your score is lower than 740. Even small improvements to your score can make a difference in the rate.

* A bad credit refinance can also carry higher closing fees.