With a conventional fixed-rate refinance, you may be able to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you have 20% or more equity in your home or a down payment of 20% or more. PMI protects the lender against any loss if you fail to pay your mortgage. At least 5% equity (or down payment) is required for most conventional refinance loans, but less equity means you may be required to pay PMI.
You may qualify for a conventional fixed-rate refinance loan if you have good credit and a low debt-to-income ratio (the amount of recurring loan and credit card debt you have relative to your monthly income). You’ll also need to meet the established guidelines for income and other personal information.
One alternative to the fixed-rate refinance is the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) refinance loan, that features lower monthly principal and interest payments during the introductory fixed-rate period. If you plan on moving after a few years, an ARM may be a better option to take advantage of those lower monthly payments.
30-year fixed-rate mortgages
The 30-year fixed-rate refinance loan has long been popular because of its fixed interest rate and lower monthly payments. But, since the interest payments are spread out over 30 years, you’ll pay more interest over the life of the loan than you would on a shorter-term mortgage.
15- and 20-year fixed-rate mortgages
With a shorter loan term and lower interest rate, a 15-year fixed-rate refinance or 20-year fixed-rate refinance can help you pay off your home faster and build equity more quickly, although your monthly payments will be higher than with a 30-year loan.