Craig Johnson

Lock in a low interest rate today before the inevitable climb.

Getting the ball rolling on a mortgage refinance takes money in the form of closing costs, so how long does the ball have to roll before the savings kick in?

The paperwork you need and where to get the documents for a faster and more informed refinance.

Combine a shorter term with one of today's low refi rates and you get a double dose of savings.

Due to the soaring popularity of refinancing, the process can drag, but here are ways to accelerate it.

Continued: By focusing on lowering their payment, some refi customers lose sight of these other effects of a mortgage refinance.

Sometimes fees and penalties mean that you barely break even with a refi, so you definitely want the numbers on your side before getting started.

The first step in your refinance journey is deciding what you hope to achieve.