Refinance Guide_Julie Stern

Your Guide to Smarter Home Financing Explore the benefits of refinancing and discover how it can help you achieve your financial goals.

Whether you’re aiming to lower your rate, access your equity, or consolidate debt, this guide will walk you through your options and help you make informed decisions.

Why Refinance?

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart way to strengthen your financial position and make your home loan work better for you. Whether your goal is to reduce your monthly payment, pay off your home sooner, or tap into your home’s equity, refinancing can help you take control of your financial future.

• • • • • • •

Lower your interest rate Remove mortgage insurance Add or remove borrower (marriage/divorce/estate planning) Adjustable rate to fixed rate Change to a loan type and term that better suits your needs Access the equity you’ve built up in your home Consolidate debt into one manageable payment

To Refinance or Not To Refinance?

Lower Interest Rate

Refinancing to a lower interest rate can significantly reduce your monthly payment and save you money over the life of your loan. Even a small rate decrease can lead to substantial long-term savings.

Access Home Equity

Your home’s equity is a valuable asset. Refinancing allows you to tap into your home’s equity for major expenses like home renovations, education costs, or debt consolidation.

Adjust Loan Term

Refinancing allows you to change the length of your loan. Changing your loan term (shortening or lengthening) can align your mortgage payments with your financial goals, such as paying off the loan faster or reducing immediate financial strain.

• Shorten your term -> Pay off your home faster and reduce the total interest paid.

• Extend your term -> Lower your monthly payment for improved cash flow.

Change Loan Type

When you refinance, you have the opportunity to change your loan program to one that better fits your current financial goals. Refinancing isn’t just about lowering your rate — it’s about finding the loan type that works best for you today.

• Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) to Fixed-Rate: Lock in a stable, predictable payment for the life of your loan.

• FHA to Conventional: Refinance out of an FHA loan to eliminate mortgage insurance (PMI) and potentially reduce your payment.

Consolidate Debt

Combine high-interest debts, like credit cards or personal loans, into your mortgage payment.

This can simplify your finances and potentially lower your overall monthly expenses.

Rate and Term Refinance A rate and term refinance allows you to change your interest rate, loan term, or both. This can reduce your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, or improve overall financial stability. It may also be possible to remove private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you have 20% equity.

Financial Stability

If your income has increased or you have additional funds available to you, shortening the term can help you pay off your mortgage faster and by doing so, help you save on interest.

Reducing the years required for you to pay off your mortgage (for example, 30 years to 15) can sound very attractive, but you need to remember that the reduction comes at the cost of a higher monthly payment!

Long-Term Savings

If you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, shortening the term can lead to significant savings on total interest payments over the life of the loan.

Building Equity

Shortening the term accelerates equity buildup, giving you more financial security and flexibility for future endeavors or emergencies.

Retirement Planning

For those nearing retirement, paying off the mortgage sooner can reduce financial obligations and improve cash flow.

Cash-Out Refinance A cash-out refinance allows you to borrow against your home’s equity by replacing your existing mortgage with a larger loan. The difference between the two loans is paid out in cash.

Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance: • • •

Access cash for home improvements, investments, or major expenses Consolidate higher-interest debts into one low-rate mortgage payment Potential tax advantages when using the funds for home improvements (consult a tax advisor)

What You Can Do with Your Home’s Equity: • • • •

Renovate or upgrade your home Pay off high-interest debts Fund educational expenses Invest in other properties

Do You Have an FHA Loan?

FHA Streamline Refinance: • • •

A simplified process with fewer requirements and minimal paperwork Often no appraisal is needed Potentially lower your rate and monthly payment

FHA Rate and Term: • •

Refinance into a lower interest rate or adjust your loan term Can reduce your monthly payment or shorten the loan duration

FHA Cash-Out: • •

Access your home’s equity as cash Use funds for any financial needs

Julie Stern

Loan Consultant | NMLS# 1601159

314.609.1799 Julie.Stern@NAFinc.com NAF.com/JulieStern

Do You Have a VA Loan?

VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan): • • •

A streamlined refinance process exclusive to VA borrowers Lower interest rates with minimal paperwork Often no appraisal or income verification required

VA Cash-Out Refinance: • • •

Use your home equity to access cash Consolidate debt or finance home improvements Available to eligible VA borrowers with a new appraisal

Don’t Want to Refinance?

What About a Home Equity Line of Credit?

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, allows you to borrow against the equity you’ve built in your home. It works much like a credit card — offering a revolving line of credit that you can draw from as needed, up to a set limit. You only pay interest on the amount you use, and funds can be accessed for almost any purpose, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, education expenses, or emergency needs.

A HELOC typically has two phases: a draw period, when you can borrow and repay funds as needed, and a repayment period, when withdrawals stop and you begin paying back the remaining balance. Because it’s secured by your home, a HELOC often offers lower interest rates than unsecured loans or credit cards.

Why Consider a HELOC?

A Home Equity Line of Credit offers flexibility and financial control by giving you access to funds when you need them — without having to refinance your existing mortgage. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to: • Access Cash When Needed: Borrow only what you need, when you need it, up to your approved limit.

• Finance Home Improvements: Make updates or renovations that can increase your home’s value.

• Consolidate Higher-Interest Debt: Pay off credit cards or personal loans with one convenient, lower-rate line of credit.

• Cover Major Expenses: Use funds for tuition, medical bills, or other large costs that arise unexpectedly.

• Maintain Flexibility: Repay and re-borrow funds during the draw period, giving you ongoing access to your home’s equity.

A HELOC can be a smart, flexible way to tap into your home’s value — while keeping your current mortgage and rate in place.

The Break-Even Point The break-even point in mortgage refinance planning refers to the time it takes for the savings from refinancing or shortening the mortgage term to offset the costs associated with the new loan. This includes factors like closing costs, points, and any other fees.

For example, if refinancing costs you $3,000 in fees but saves you $100 per month in mortgage payments, your break-even point would be roughly 30 months ($3,000 divided by $100). After 30 months, you start realizing the net savings from the refinance.

Determining the break-even point helps assess whether the benefits of a new mortgage, such as lower interest rates or faster repayment, outweigh the upfront costs over time. It’s crucial to consider how long you plan to stay in the home and whether you can recoup the initial expenses before making a decision.

Reach out so we can calculate your break-even point and evaluate if refinancing your mortgage is the best option for you.

Why Refinance with New American Funding?

Select Your Term - As few as 8 Years and up to 30 Years Choose a loan term that fits your financial goals.

Possibility of an Appraisal Waiver

Save time and money if an appraisal waiver is available.

Dedicated Loan Professionals

Work with a knowledgeable team committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Streamlined Process

Experience a quick, efficient refinance with digital tools that simplify documentation and approvals.

Trusted Reputation

Partner with one of the nation’s top mortgage lenders known for reliability, transparency, and customer care.

We Service 93% of Our Loans

Enjoy personalized customer service with a lender that manages your loan for its entire term.

Contact Me Today for More Information and an Equity Assessment Report!

Get personalized refinancing solutions and discover how much equity you could access.

Let’s make your home’s value work for you!

Julie Stern

Loan Consultant | NMLS# 1601159

314.609.1799 Julie.Stern@NAFinc.com NAF.com/JulieStern

NMLS ID #6606. 2025 © New American Funding, LLC. www.naf.com. Corporate Office Phone (800) 450-2010. 11/2025