Believe it or not, there was a time when homeowners refinanced for reasons other than to get a lower mortgage rate. Remember the days when home equity was rising and people needed cash for upcoming life events? Somewhere in the whirlwind of the Home Affordable Refinance Program and interest rates in the range of 3 percent, many originators forgot the most basic reason why people refinance: to get into a better financial position.
It’s time to relearn the art of refinancing, if for no reason other than to hedge against trailing-off purchase business as home prices rise and inventory shrinks. Consider the following five refinance strategies that will help you capitalize on upcoming social and economic trends. If you formulate your plan now, you can keep your refis alive for years to come.