In today’s market, Florida ranks high among the states with the most equity-rich homeowners. Let’s explore how you might benefit by tapping into your home’s equity. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of cash-out refinancing, the amount of cash you can access, and the pros and cons associated with this financial move.
Florida’s Record-Breaking Growth
- The Lee County Property Appraiser’s office stated that the county’s 2023 property values have increased by $20.3 billion over last year.
- According to Redfin, Florida held 6 of the top 10 spots for “largest annual home-value gains in percentage terms” in 2022.
- The cities that have seen some of the highest increases of home value included Naples (up 26.9%), Fort Myers (up 26.7%), Lakeland (up 25.7%), (Port St. Lucie up 24.6%) and Bonita Springs and Estero both coming in at 21%.
- Gulfshore Business expects robust 4.5% growth for the Cape Coral-Fort Myers housing market in 2023.
What is a Cash-Out Refinance?
A cash-out refinance is a mortgage refinancing option that takes advantage of the equity you’ve built up in your home over time and gives you cash in exchange for taking on a larger mortgage. The excess amount is given to you in cash, which you can utilize as you see fit, whether for debt consolidation, home renovations, or other expenses.
How Much Cash Can You Receive?
The amount of cash you can access through a cash-out refinance depends on several factors, including:
- Home Equity: The more equity you have in your home, the more cash you can potentially access. Equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and the amount you owe on your mortgage.
- Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Lenders typically set LTV ratio limits for cash-out refinances. For instance, with an 80% LTV limit, you can refinance up to 80% of your home’s appraised value, with the remaining 20% as equity. The loan proceeds are first used to pay off your existing mortgage, including closing costs, and any remaining funds are paid to you.
- Cash-out refinance VA loans are available for up to 100% of the home’s value.
- FHA cash-out loans allow more lenient credit scores and flexible debt ratios.
- Credit Score: A higher credit score can result in more favorable loan terms, including a higher loan amount.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders consider your DTI ratio when approving a cash-out refinance. A lower DTI ratio (the percentage of your income dedicated to debt payments) can help you qualify for a larger loan.
- Interest Rates: Current interest rates impact the amount of cash you can access. Lower rates can result in a larger loan amount.
Pros of Cash-Out Refinancing:
- Access to Cash: The primary advantage of cash-out refinancing is the ability to access a significant sum of cash, which can be used for debt consolidation, home improvements, investments, or other pressing needs. Borrowers typically have the cash in hand three business days after closing.
- Paying off high interest rate credit cards can decrease your monthly debt, allowing you some breathing room and the ability to increase savings.
- It may be more beneficial to pay college tuition using your home’s equity instead of applying for high interest rate student loans.
- Possibly Lower Interest Rates: If interest rates or your credit has improved since your initial mortgage, you might qualify for a lower interest rate on your cash-out refinance, potentially reducing your overall borrowing costs.
- Tax Deductibility: In certain cases, the interest paid on a cash-out refinance may be tax-deductible, depending on how you use the funds. Consult a tax professional to understand your specific tax implications.
Cons of Cash-Out Refinancing:
- Increased Debt: By tapping into your home equity, you are effectively increasing your mortgage debt. This could extend the time it takes to pay off your home and increase your long-term interest costs. Depending on your interest rate and term you choose, your mortgage payment may be higher.
- Risk of Foreclosure: Failure to make timely payments on your cash-out refinance loan can put your home at risk of foreclosure, as your home serves as collateral for the loan. If your income decreases, such as facing retirement, or you have more expenses like unexpected medical bills, this may increase that risk.
- Reduced Home Equity: Using your home equity for other purposes diminishes the amount of equity you have left in your home, limiting your ability to leverage it in the future for other financial needs.
Due to rising home values in Florida, a cash-out refinance can be a valuable financial tool when used wisely. It provides homeowners access to cash based on their home equity.
How can Mortgage Warehouse help?
Before pursuing a cash-out refinance, carefully weigh the pros and cons, and consult with one of our Florida loan professionals here at Mortgage Warehouse. We can help you learn how much cash you can access through a cash-out refinance and determine if it’s the right move for your specific financial situation and goals. Contact Us Today!