The Pros and Cons of Refinancing a Mortgage in Canada

Pros of refinancing a mortgage in Canada:

• Lower monthly payments: One of the biggest advantages of refinancing a mortgage is that it can help you lower your monthly payments. By refinancing to a lower interest rate, you can reduce the amount you pay each month, freeing up more of your income for other expenses.
• Pay off your loan faster: Another benefit of refinancing is that it can help you pay off your mortgage faster. By refinancing to a shorter term loan, you can reduce the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan, which can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
• Access to equity: If you have built up a significant amount of equity in your home, refinancing can give you access to this money. You can use the equity to pay off high-interest debt, make home improvements, or invest in other opportunities.
• Consolidate debt: Refinancing can also be a good way to consolidate multiple debts into one monthly payment. By rolling your other debts into your mortgage, you can simplify your monthly budget and potentially save money on interest.

Cons of refinancing a mortgage in Canada:

• Closing costs: One of the downsides of refinancing is that it’s not always free to refinance. You may have to pay closing costs, which can include and appraisal,  legal fees, and other expenses. Sometimes lenders have free refinance promotions running that cover the cost of the refinance however depending on your situation this may not be a possibility.
• Penalties: Depending on the terms of your current mortgage, you may have to pay a penalty if you decide to refinance. This penalty is typically based on the interest rate on your current mortgage, and it can be quite steep. Be sure to carefully review the terms of your mortgage before deciding to refinance.
• Loss of benefits: Finally, it's important to consider whether refinancing will cause you to lose any benefits from your current mortgage. For example, if you have a mortgage with a unique prepayment privilege or a special rate, you may lose these benefits if you decide to refinance.

Overall, the pros and cons of refinancing a mortgage in Canada depend on your individual situation. If you're confident that refinancing will save you money in the long run, and paying the closing costs and potential penalties makes sense, it can be a smart financial decision. If you want to discuss your individual goals and options let us know. Get a free no obligation consultation today to learn what’s possible.