Mortgage modification and refinancing are both ways to save money on your mortgage, but they are two very different processes. While mortgage modification changes the terms of your mortgage agreement, refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new loan. Mortgage modification vs refinance - to decide which option is right for you, here’s a breakdown of the essential differences between them.

What is a loan modification?

A loan modification is a change made to the terms of an existing loan. Modifications are designed to make it easier for the borrower to repay the loan. It can be possible by extending the term of the loan or reducing the interest rate.  Loan modifications can be made by the lender or by a third party, such as a government agency.  How does the loan modification process work?
  • The modification process begins with the borrower contacting the lender to request a modification. 
  • The lender reviews the borrower's financial situation and decides whether to offer a modification. 
  • If the modification is approved, the borrower and lender will sign a new loan agreement that reflects the changes. 
Loan modifications can be beneficial for both borrowers and lenders, as they can help to avoid foreclosure and keep borrowers in their homes.

Pros and cons of loan modification

If you are having difficulty making your monthly mortgage payments, a loan modification may be a good option for you. Similarly, if you are "underwater" on your mortgage (owing more than your home is worth), a loan modification can help by reducing the amount you owe. However, each situation is unique, so it's important to understand the key pros and cons of a loan modification to understand if it is right for you.

Loan modification pros:

  • Reducing interest rate
  • Extending the length of the loan
  • Opportunity to change monthly payments
  • Increasing the chances of repaying the loan

Loan modification cons:

  • Negative impact on credit score
  • Cash-out refinance is impossible
  • Showing hardship required

What is mortgage refinancing?

A mortgage refinance allows borrowers to replace their current home loan with a new one. Unlike a loan modification, homeowners don’t have to demonstrate that they’re experiencing financial hardship or at risk of foreclosure. Borrowers can shop around for the best refinance rates and terms, and they don’t have to refinance with their current lender.  LBC Mortgage is a leading provider of competitive mortgage rates, and our experienced team can help you find the right loan for your needs. We offer a variety of refinance options, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. With interest rates this low, now is the perfect time to explore your refinancing options.  Contact LBC Mortgage today to learn more. How does a mortgage refinancing process work? In order to do a cash-out refinance, you will need to apply for a new loan, which can be done through your bank or a mortgage broker. The amount of equity that you have in your home will determine how much money you are able to borrow. A cash-out refinance can be a great way to access the equity in your home and use it for things like home improvements or debt consolidation. [su_spacer size="10"]

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Pros and cons of mortgage refinancing

If you've built up equity in your home and are in good financial shape overall, refinancing may be a good option for you. By refinancing, you could potentially get a lower mortgage rate, which could save you money over the life of your loan. However, it's important to keep in mind that refinancing comes with some costs, such as loan origination fees and closing costs.  So, here are the most essential refinancing pros and cons.

Mortgage refinancing pros:

  • You can get extra cash
  • You can shop around for the best terms
  • An opportunity to get lower interest rates

Mortgage refinancing cons:

  • Closing costs can be expensive
  • The process can take up to several weeks
  • It is harder to qualify

FAQs

Does a loan modification hurt your credit score?

A loan modification will have a negative impact on your credit score. This is because when you modify your loan, you are essentially changing the terms of your original agreement with the lender. It can be seen as a sign of financial instability, and it will likely result in a lower credit score. However, the good news is that the negative impact of a loan modification on your credit score will lessen over time. Additionally, if you successfully make all of your modified payments on time, your credit score will gradually improve. So while a loan modification may have a short-term impact on your credit score, it can ultimately help you improve your financial situation and get back on track.

How does refinancing and mortgage modification affect debt?

When people fall behind on their mortgage payments, they often look for ways to reduce their monthly expenses. One option is to refinance the loan, which may lower the interest rate or extend the repayment period. Another option is to modify the loan, which can involve changing the terms in order to make the payments more affordable. Both of these options can have a major impact on debt levels.  For example, refinancing may increase the total amount of debt if the borrower takes out a new loan with a higher principal balance. Modifying a loan may also result in an increase in debt if the borrower extends the repayment period.  In either case, it is important to carefully consider all the potential impacts before making a decision.

Sum up

A mortgage modification differs from refinancing in several key ways. Most importantly, it is done with your current lender while a refinance replaces your current loan with an entirely new one. A mortgage modification also usually entails changing the terms of your loan, such as the length of the repayment period or the interest rate, rather than getting a new loan with different terms.  Now that you understand the key differences between mortgage modification and refinancing, you can make an informed decision about what option is best for you. If you have any questions or want to explore your mortgage options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at LBC Mortgage. We would be happy to help you find the right solution for your situation.  And, if a cash-out refinance is something you’re interested in, we can help with that too! Give us a call today to get started.