🕒 How to Know If It’s the Right Time to Refinance
🚀 What Is an FHA Streamline Refinance and Who Qualifies?
Yes — and here’s when it still makes sense.
With mortgage rates having risen over the past few years, many homeowners are asking:
👉 “Why would I refinance now if my current rate is lower?”
It’s a fair question — but the answer might surprise you.
Because while rates do matter, they’re not the only reason to refinance.
Refinancing is about more than just your interest rate — it’s about total financial strategy.
Here’s when it might make sense to refinance, even if today’s rates are higher than your current one.
✅ 1. You Want to Consolidate Debt (And Save More Overall)
If you’re carrying high-interest debt — like credit cards or personal loans — your mortgage rate doesn’t need to be lower to save big.
Example:
Loan | Balance | Interest Rate | Monthly Payment |
---|---|---|---|
Mortgage | $300,000 | 3.75% | $1,389 |
Credit Cards | $35,000 | 22% | $875 |
Personal Loan | $15,000 | 12% | $335 |
Total: $2,599/mo
Refinancing everything into a single mortgage at 6.25% might increase your mortgage payment — but reduce your total monthly debt by $700+, and help you breathe again.
📘 This is especially smart if you’re stuck in the minimum payment cycle and can’t get ahead.
✅ 2. You Want to Remove Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MIP)
If you currently pay:
- FHA mortgage insurance (MIP), or
- PMI on a conventional loan
…and you’ve reached 20%+ equity, refinancing can eliminate those monthly premiums, even if your rate rises slightly.
✅ We often see homeowners save $150–$400/month just by removing mortgage insurance — regardless of the new rate.
✅ 3. You Want to Change Your Loan Term
Refinancing into a shorter loan term (even at a higher rate) may help you:
- Pay off your home faster
- Build equity quicker
- Save thousands in long-term interest
Or — if you need lower payments temporarily — extending your loan term might give you room to breathe financially.
This is about control over your monthly cash flow, not just chasing the lowest rate.
✅ 4. You Want to Refinance Out of FHA
If you’re in an FHA loan and paying lifetime mortgage insurance, refinancing into a conventional loan (even at a slightly higher rate) may still reduce your:
- Total monthly payment
- Long-term cost
- Time to reach full homeownership
📘 We’ll show you how it breaks down with your specific equity, credit score, and loan amount.
✅ 5. You’re Preparing for the Future
Sometimes refinancing now — even with a higher rate — can:
- Remove a borrower
- Lock in a fixed rate before rates go higher
- Position you to refi again later with better terms
- Get your equity out of the home while it’s still high
You’re not refinancing for the rate — you’re refinancing for the long game.
🧠 So, Should You Refi with a Higher Rate?
You should consider it if: ✅ Your overall monthly savings or debt relief is significant
✅ You’re removing PMI or MIP
✅ You want to switch loan types (ARM → fixed, FHA → conventional)
✅ You need more cash flow or stability
✅ You’re making a move for long-term strategy — not just rate chasing
🏢 Why PRMI?
At PRMI, we help you:
- Refinance with a clear financial purpose
- Compare all-in savings, not just rate quotes
- Remove mortgage insurance when possible
- Find creative ways to maximize monthly savings or reduce debt
We’re here to help you make the move that fits your big picture — not just the headlines.
👇 Think You Shouldn’t Refinance Because of Today’s Rates?
Let’s look beyond the numbers on paper — and focus on the numbers that actually improve your life.