The real estate market boomed in the 2000 and rate were low, but if you refinanced your home during this period everything has changed, the mortgage rates are much higher and as the new rates come into play the payments are much higher. If you were fortunate enough to lock in a low, fixed rate then good for you. If you have an adjustable rate mortgage that is scheduled to “adjust” in the coming months to a higher interest rate, you might want to switch to a fixed rate mortgage to ensure your financial peace-of-mind.

You can lower your monthly payment by qualifying for a better interest rate and/or choosing a mortgage with a longer term length. A just drop of half or three quarters of a percentage point can lower your monthly payment. By refinancing your mortgage it allows a homeowner to lower his or her monthly payments or it improves the loan terms.