Everything You Need to Know About Refinancing Your Funeral Home Loan
Are you thinking of refinancing your funeral home loan? This can be a smart move, but it’s important to understand the pros and cons, how it works, and how to qualify. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision. We’ll also explain the different types of refinancing options available to you and how they work. So whether you’re just starting out in the funeral industry or have been in business for years, read on for everything you need to know about refinancing your funeral home loan.
What is funeral home loan refinancing?
Refinancing your funeral home loan simply means taking out a new loan to replace your existing one. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as getting a lower interest rate, extending the term of the loan, or tapping into equity. When you refinance, you’ll have to go through the application process and closing costs all over again. But if done correctly, refinancing can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Reasons to refinance your funeral home loan
There are several reasons why owners choose to refinance their funeral home loans.
- Lower interest rate: One of the most common reasons to refinance is to get a lower interest rate. If market conditions have changed or you’ve improved your credit score, you may be able to qualify for a lower rate. This can save you a significant amount of money over the life of the loan.
- Extend the term: Another reason to refinance is to extend the term of the loan. This can give you lower monthly payments, which can be helpful if you’re cash-strapped. Just keep in mind that you’ll end up paying more interest over the life of the loan.
- Tap into equity: If your funeral home has increased in value, you may be able to refinance and tap into that equity. This can be used for a variety of purposes, such as making improvements to the funeral home or paying off other debts.
Disadvantages of refinancing
There are also some disadvantages to refinancing that you should be aware of.
- Closing costs: One downside is that you’ll have to pay closing costs again, which can add up. These include things like appraisal fees, loan origination fees, and title insurance.
- Risk of foreclosure: If you’re not able to make the payments on your new loan, you could lose your funeral home to foreclosure. This is a serious risk that you should be aware of before refinancing.
- Time-consuming: Refinancing can also be time-consuming, as you’ll have to go through the entire application process all over again.
Types of refinancing options
There are two main types of refinancing options available to funeral home owners: cash-out and rate-and-term.
- Cash-out: With a cash-out refinance, you’ll take out a new loan for more than the amount of your existing loan. The difference will be paid to you in cash, which can be used for any purpose.
- Rate-and-term: With a rate-and-term refinance, you’ll take out a new loan for the same amount as your existing loan. This can be used to get a lower interest rate or extend the term of the loan.
How to qualify for a funeral home loan refinance
In order to qualify for a refinance loan, you’ll need to go through the same application process as you did when you originally applied for your loan. This will include:
- Credit check: Lenders will pull your credit report to see if you’re a good candidate for a loan.
- Income verification: Lenders will also verify your income to make sure you can afford the monthly payments.
- Asset verification: You’ll need to provide proof of assets, such as bank statements and investment accounts.
- Appraisal: An appraisal will be done to determine the value of your funeral home.
Will refinancing affect your credit?
Refinancing your funeral home loan will result in a hard inquiry on your personal credit report. This can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. However, if you get a lower interest rate and save money over the life of the loan, the impact on your credit score will be minimal.
Mistakes to avoid when refinancing your funeral home?
There are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid when refinancing your funeral home loan.
- Don’t refinance just to get a lower monthly payment. This may seem like a good idea at first, but you’ll end up paying more interest over the life of the loan.
- Avoid cash-out refinancing unless you have a specific purpose for the money. This is because you’ll be taking on more debt, which can be difficult to repay.
- Be sure to shop around and compare rates before refinancing. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
- Avoid refinancing if your credit score has improved since you originally applied for your loan. This is because you may be able to get a better interest rate and terms by reapplying for your loan.
- Be sure to read the fine print before refinancing. This will help you avoid any hidden fees or charges that could end up costing you more money in the long run.
What are some common terms in funeral home lending:
- APR: Annual Percentage Rate. This is the interest rate you’ll pay on your loan, plus any fees that are charged.
- Origination fee: This is a fee charged by the lender for processing your loan. It’s typically a percentage of the total loan amount.
- Mortgage insurance: If you’re not able to put down 20% of the loan amount, you’ll likely be required to pay mortgage insurance. This is an additional monthly fee that’s added to your payment.
- Points: Points are a one-time fee charged by the lender at closing. Each point is equal to one percent of the loan amount.
- Prepayment penalty: Some lenders charge a penalty if you pay off your loan early. This is typically a percentage of the remaining balance.
- Term: The term is the length of time you have to repay your loan. Mortgage terms typically range from 15 to 30 years.
- Balloon payment: Some loans require a balloon payment, which is a lump sum payment that’s due at the end of the loan term.
- Closing costs: These are the fees associated with closing on your loan, such as appraisal and title fees.
What to look for in a lender?
When you’re shopping for a lender, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
- Be sure to shop around and compare rates. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
- Look for a lender who has experience working with funeral homes. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they understand the unique needs of your business.
- Be sure to read the fine print and ask questions. This will help you avoid any hidden fees or charges that could end up costing you more money in the long run.
- Make sure the lender offers a variety of loan options. This will give you flexibility in how you structure your loan.
- Be sure to check the lender’s reviews. This will give you an idea of the level of customer service they provide.
It's time to make a decision
Now that you know everything there is to know about refinancing your funeral home loan, it’s time to make a decision. If you think refinancing is right for you, be sure to to contact Matt Manske and the experienced team at BSF. We’re your solution to financing, refinancing and loan solution to growing your funeral business.