PDA

View Full Version : Refinance or pay down principal


ricks5758
Jul 19, 2012, 06:59 AM
I own a home in Florida, but live and work in Tulsa. The remaining balance on the principal of a fifteen year mortgage is $38K, current monthly payment (all included) is $1134. My renter of 3 years is moving out, the market there is flooded with rentals and I will only get a renter in there at about $800. The majority of the payment (about $550, with $275 to interest and remaining to escrow) currently goes toward the principal. I can't claim the homestead credit because I have a house in Tulsa (selling it), I will have to make up the remaiming almost $400 on the monthly paymnet on the Florida house. Question, should I refi for 15 years again which would drop the total payment with escrow etc.. To total of about $800 the renter could now cover, or put about $10K I have available against the $38K remaning principal and not refi? I'm 55 and don't want the new 15 year mortgage hanging over my head, I plan to pay off the house as soon as financially possible and move back, but can't afford to leave this job until the Florida house is paid off. If I refi the payment will be more manageable but the front end will be laoded with interest instead of principal getting paid down as is now. Help