LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — We could all benefit from keeping some cash in our pockets as we work to rebound from the pandemic. Right now is a great time for homeowners to pad those savings.
13 Action News Anchor Tricia Kean talks to an expert about how some Las Vegas area residents are saving thousands.
SAVING IS KEY
"We're able to make the house our own. Remodel the entire interior," said homeowner Brian Palko.
He and his wife Shelli love their Henderson home. Having invested so much into the house, they recently decided to refinance.
"Anywhere we can save money, especially on a long-term loan, such as the mortgage, that was key for me," said Brian.
SAVE $90,000
The couple was able to lower their interest rate by one whole point, lowering their monthly mortgage payment by $300.
"Or if you want to look at the term of the loan, the life of the loan, we'll save $90,000," said Shelli. "That is significant."
'LOWEST IN HISTORY'
They're not alone.
Americans refinanced nearly 2 million home loans from January through April, according to real estate data company CoreLogic. That's more than double compared to the same time last year.
Homeowners are taking advantage of low rates.
"Interest rates are low," said Mortgage Planning Specialist Matt Hennessy of Axia Home Loans.
"It's not that it's the lowest I've seen," he clarified, "It's the lowest in history."
AVG. RATE DROPPING 1%
Hennessy says refinancing has jumped from just 5% to about 50% of his business. And Las Vegas valley homeowners have the potential to save big money, just like Brian and Shelli.
"I'd say the average client is dropping their interest rates 1% or more," Hennessy said.
"Over the life of the loan, by dropping from a 4% to a 3% interest rate, [that] could be 10, 20, $50,000 in interest," he calculated.
MIGHT GO BACK UP
Cash-out refinancing is also popular right now.
That's when homeowners withdraw equity from their home's value, typically to pay down other debt.
But Hennessy says rates could change, so you need to act now.
"Just as much as it's gone down, it might go back up," said Hennessy.
CONTACT YOUR LENDER
Brian and Shelli agree.
They've seen the benefits and say others need to take advantage.
"Reach out to your lender," said Shelli.
"If you don't ask, you don't get," Brian said. "Ask questions. There's no fee in asking a question."
