How refinancing affects your credit score plus tips to improving your credit score

Author: External Author | | Categories: Mortgage Refinancing

Interest rates have taken a nosedive in 2020, one that’s been worth thousands of dollars a year to homeowners.

Mortgage rates are lower than ever before, so some Canadians may be wondering whether it’s worth refinancing to lower their monthly payments.

To nab the lowest rate you can, you’ll need to keep a strong credit score — which actually becomes even more challenging after you refinance.

That’s because a refi can easily cause your credit to drop. Here are three reasons why, plus some solutions to soften the blow.

1. It results in multiple ‘hard’ inquiries

Every time you apply for a new loan, your lender will request your credit history from one of the major credit bureaus, Equifax or TransUnion.

This is called a “hard inquiry,” and it will lower your credit score by several points each time, while typically staying on your report for 24 months.

Most people like to shop around for rates and compare quotes to get the best deal.

Checking rates is fine, but the trouble comes when you apply for multiple mortgages.

How to solve this

Most credit scoring models treat all loan inquiries within a 30- to 45-day period as a single credit pull. So, submit all applications within that time period to lessen the hit to your score.

But some lenders might use older scoring models, so consider keeping your inquiries to a 14-day limit.

The money you save refinancing should outweigh any dip to your score. With lower monthly payments, your credit score should improve over time as you maintain a strong payment history (worth 35% of your score) and use your savings to help reduce your overall debt (which is responsible for 30%).

2. You close an old account (namely, your existing mortgage)

When you refinance, you close the book on your previous mortgage.
When you refinance your home loan, you’ll be closing one account to open a new one (especially if you’re switching lenders).

Your credit score factors in the age of your oldest account, and the average age across all accounts. That means closing a long-standing credit account could lower your score. New debts — even if you’re still making payments toward the same house — aren’t as valuable to your credit score.

How to solve this

As you pay down the new loan, your credit scores should creep back up — especially if your monthly payments are lower. Otherwise, you’ll need to be patient and wait for your other credit accounts to age, so the impact of a refinance on your score will lessen. Make sure to keep monitoring your score regularly using a free online service.

In the meantime, do use the savings from your new mortgage loan to service other debt. You’ll not only reduce the amounts you owe but you’ll also lower the percentage of your credit that you’re using, which is known as your credit utilization. Bringing that down works wonders for your score.

3. You miss payments during your refinance

Some mortgage holders miss a payment when they’re changing loans.
Some borrowers get in trouble by skipping a payment on their original mortgage when they (incorrectly) assume that refinance loan has gone through, Equifax says.

Because payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score, missed or late payments can sink your score.

They can even stay on your credit report for as long as seven years.

How to solve this

Don’t stop making payments toward your old mortgage until you’re sure that your refinance has closed.

Stay in steady communication with your lenders and don’t assume the process will be done by a certain date.

Other ways to lift your credit score

You won’t be able to take advantage of rock-bottom mortgage rates with a lower-than-average credit score. Here are four more ways to bolster your score:

  • Let the experts monitor your score. You can check your score and even get help monitoring it — for free. If you sign up with Borrowell, for example, you’ll get a peek at your credit score along with access to free credit monitoring.

  • Consolidate your debt. Struggling with monthly payments? Nothing can drop your credit score quicker than late payments. A debt consolidation loan allows you to take out a new low-interest loan and use it to pay off all your high-interest debt. With a free online service like Loans Canada, you can get the best lending options to consolidate your debt.

  • Dispute errors on your reports. Get free copies of your credit reports and comb through them line by line to see whether there’s any outdated or incorrect information. That could include loans you’ve already paid off or debt that’s not even yours.

  • Add to your credit mix. Lenders like to see a healthy blend of credit, such as mortgages, car loans and credit cards. A secured credit card can help you build your credit history, especially when you can’t get approved for the real thing. These cards are low-limit and require a deposit; if you compare offers, you can find one with attractive terms, like no annual fee and a minimum deposit amount that works for you.

 

Sleep Easy Financial has access to 90+ mortgage lenders including the big banks. We beat the banks’ mortgages and our services are at no cost to you as we get paid by the lenders. Whether it’s for your next home purchase, mortgage renewal or refinance, our licensed mortgage professionals are committed to getting you your lowest rate so you save as much money as possible. We help you at every stage of the journey and are with you for the life of your mortgage. Be mortgage savvy and let us shop your next mortgage for you. Contact us or schedule your complimentary consultation today.

Sleep Easy Financial mortgage and home financing services are available across Mississauga, Brampton, Cooksville, Malton, Etobicoke, Scarborough, East York, North York, Toronto, Hamilton, Milton, Markham, Woodbridge, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Kitchener, Richmond Hill, Whitby, Oshawa, Guelph, and the surrounding areas. Visit our website at www.sleepeasyfinancial.ca to learn more.

 

Original Article Source Credits:   Financial Post , https://financialpost.com/

Article Written By:  Ethan Rotberg

Original Article Posted on:   February 1, 2021 

Link to Original Article:  https://financialpost.com/moneywise/how-refinancing-affects-your-credit-score-3

 

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