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Millions of homeowners could still save by refinancing

Sep 4, 2020
The hassle isn't the only thing stopping them.
A residential neighborhood in Las Vegas. Nearly 18 million people could refinance their mortgages at lower rates, a mortgage data firm estimates.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Could falling interest rates mean a pick-up in hiring by mortgage lenders?

Apr 3, 2019
It looks like refinancing is making a comeback in the housing market. Dropping interest rates have brought a spike in applications to refinance mortgage loans. According to a report from financial analysts Black Knight, about 5 million homeowners in the US could benefit, saving hundreds of dollars a month. But is it a boon for […]
Pedestrians pass by a sign advertising low refinance rates at a US Bank office in San Francisco, Calif.
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As home prices recover, banks resume offering HELOCs

Jun 2, 2014
HELOCs, a form of second mortgage, are waking up from hibernation. And they're hungry.

Is the interest rate risk worth it?

Feb 29, 2012
We have 7 years left to go to finish paying off our mortgage and we have a manageable amount of home equity borrowing. How wise or risky would it be to consolidate that, borrowing at a lower rate, if the new loan would be a home-equity loan? That's the advice we're hearing from our bank and the stated rate should be lower than the rates we have on our existing mortgage and home-equity borrowing. Is there a reason to think twice about this? Thanks! John, St. Paul, MN