Thinking About Refinancing? Here Are Some Handy Tips and Tricks to Know First
If you’ve been wondering whether refinancing your home loan is worth it, you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners know refinancing can help — but aren’t quite sure how the process works, what’s involved, or whether it’s the right move for them.
The good news is refinancing doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the right approach (and the right support), it can be a straightforward way to save money, improve cash flow, or make sure your mortgage still suits your life today.
Here are some practical tips and tricks to help you approach refinancing with confidence.
Start by Looking at What You’ve Already Got
Before jumping into new loan options, it’s worth taking a step back and looking at your current home loan. What’s your interest rate? Do you have an offset account? Are there fees you’re paying that no longer make sense?
Many people haven’t reviewed their loan in years — and are often surprised to find it’s no longer competitive. A simple review can quickly highlight whether refinancing is worth exploring.
It’s also a good time to think about the bigger picture. Refinancing can sometimes affect tax or long-term planning decisions, which is why insights from
The Accountants
can be helpful when considering your overall financial strategy.
Don’t Get Too Hung Up on the Interest Rate
Yes, a lower rate is usually the headline benefit — but it’s not the only thing that matters.
Loan features, flexibility, fees, and structure all play a role in how useful a refinance really is. Sometimes a loan that’s slightly higher in rate but better structured can deliver more value in the long run.
The goal isn’t just a cheaper loan — it’s a better one.
A Bit of Preparation Goes a Long Way
Refinancing is essentially applying for a new loan, so lenders will look at your finances again. That means your income, expenses, debts, and credit behaviour all matter.
Simple things like reducing credit card limits, clearing buy now pay later balances, or tidying up personal loans before applying can make the process smoother and improve your options.
Your Property Value Matters More Than You Might Think
As part of refinancing, your property will usually be revalued. Changes in value can affect your loan-to-value ratio, the interest rate you’re offered, and whether lenders mortgage insurance applies.
Knowing roughly where your property sits in the current market helps set realistic expectations and avoids surprises later in the process.
Refinancing Can Be About More Than Saving Money
Lower repayments are great — but refinancing can also be about improving cash flow, consolidating debts, or restructuring your loan to better suit how you manage money now.
For some people, refinancing provides breathing room. For others, it helps support future goals. Either way, being clear on why you’re refinancing helps ensure it’s done for the right reasons.
When equity or restructuring is involved, it’s important that refinancing decisions align with broader financial considerations. Educational resources from
The Accountants
can provide useful context here.
Let Someone Else Handle the Heavy Lifting
Refinancing involves a few moving parts — applications, valuations, approvals, discharging your old loan, and settlement.
While much of this happens behind the scenes, having someone manage it for you keeps things moving and takes the pressure off. You stay informed without needing to chase paperwork or timelines.
Once You Refinance, Make the Most of It
Refinancing doesn’t end at settlement. Knowing how to use features like offset accounts properly or adjusting repayments can help you get ongoing value from your new loan.
A refinance done well should keep working for you long after it’s completed.
Thinking About Refinancing? Book Time With Chase
Refinancing doesn’t have to be overwhelming — but it does need to be done properly.
Chase Douglas has extensive experience in mortgage lending and works closely with homeowners to make refinancing clear, straightforward, and stress-free.
From reviewing your current loan to managing the application and settlement, Chase explains what’s happening in plain English and helps you decide whether refinancing truly makes sense for you.
If you’re even slightly curious about whether refinancing could benefit you, the easiest next step is to have a conversation.
👉 Book a refinance review with Chase Douglas and get personalised guidance on your options — no pressure, just clarity.
With the right advice and a clear process, refinancing can feel like a smart move forward, not a hassle.
