One More Chance?

Fixed Rate mortgages are at their lowest level for 2011 as reported in the current Freddie Mac weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Many qualified buyers missed the opportunity last fall in October and November to refinance at record low rates. This may give homeowners one more chance to refinance and save money on their payments.

An important thing to keep in mind is that points paid in connection for refinancing a home are generally not considered prepaid interest and must be spread over the life of the mortgage. Some advisors suggest that you have the lender quote a "par value" loan to eliminate the points which will lower refinancing costs even though the mortgage rate will be slightly higher.

Additional income tax information is available in IRS Publication 936.