As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners shift their focus to family, festivities, travel, and gift-giving. But there’s one more item worth adding to your pre-holiday checklist—your mortgage.
A quick mortgage checkup before the holidays can put you in a stronger financial position heading into the new year, potentially reduce your monthly costs, and help you leverage opportunities you may not even realize you have.
In my role as Chief Growth Officer at Future Home Loans, I speak with families every day about their home-financing goals, and one thing remains constant: a well-timed mortgage review can make all the difference.
🎄 Why a Holiday Mortgage Checkup Matters
1. Rates & Products Change — Your Loan Should Keep Up
Rates fluctuate throughout the year. Even if you locked in what felt like a good rate years ago, today’s financial landscape may offer better options—especially with evolving loan programs and lender incentives.
2. Your Life Has Changed
Maybe you’ve:
-
Increased your income
-
Reduced other debts
-
Improved your credit score
-
Added a family member
-
Changed jobs
These life shifts can affect what mortgage products you qualify for and how much you can save.
3. Freeing Up Cash Before the Holidays Helps
With holiday spending around the corner, lowering your monthly payment—or tapping into home equity for strategic purposes—can provide extra breathing room.
4. Protect Yourself Against “Set It and Forget It” Syndrome
Mortgages shouldn’t be stagnant. Just like annual insurance reviews or open enrollment, a mortgage checkup ensures your biggest asset is optimized.
🧰 What’s Included in a Mortgage Checkup?
When you request a mortgage review at Future Home Loans, we look at:
-
Current rate vs. market rate
-
Remaining term and whether adjusting it could save money
-
PMI removal eligibility
-
Credit improvement opportunities
-
Refinance scenarios and break-even timelines
-
Equity position (and what you can do with it)
-
Loan types you may now qualify for
-
Potential holiday or end-of-year programs and incentives
This isn’t about selling you something—it’s about making sure your mortgage fits your life today, not the day you closed.
🔔 Top Opportunities Homeowners Often Miss
✔ Removing PMI Early
Many homeowners wait for their lender to drop PMI automatically—but you may qualify to remove it sooner.
✔ Shortening Your Term
Switching from a 30-year to a 20- or 15-year term can save tens of thousands in interest.
✔ Leveraging Equity Wisely
Home equity can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, or even building an investment property portfolio.
✔ Consolidating High-Interest Debt
With holiday spending season here, rolling expensive debt into a lower-rate mortgage may help simplify finances.
🧑💼 Q&A With Andrea Dolan, CGO at Future Home Loans
Q: When is the best time of year to get a mortgage checkup?
A: Anytime—but before the holidays is ideal. Families often reassess goals near year’s end, and updated financials combined with seasonal lender programs can create strong opportunities.
Q: Will reviewing my mortgage hurt my credit?
A: No. A checkup is not a full application. We can evaluate options using soft-pull tools or preliminary documents without impacting your score.
Q: What if I just refinanced recently?
A: Even then, it’s smart to review. You may qualify for PMI removal, discover tax or escrow adjustments, or confirm you’re still on the best available product. A checkup doesn’t obligate you to make changes.
Q: What documents do I need?
A: Usually just your current mortgage statement and an idea of your goals. The checkup is simple—we do the heavy lifting for you.
Q: Could a refinance really help with holiday spending?
A: Potentially. Reducing your monthly payment or consolidating debt can free up cash flow. That said, every scenario is personalized. We prioritize long-term financial health over quick fixes.
🎁 Final Thoughts: Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Clarity
Your mortgage is one of your largest financial tools. Taking 10–15 minutes for a quick checkup can help you save money, prepare for upcoming expenses, and start the new year with confidence.
At Future Home Loans, we’re here to simplify the process and empower you with information—not pressure. If you’d like to run the numbers, explore your options, or simply ask a few questions, I’m always here to help.
Warm holiday wishes,
Andrea Dolan
Chief Growth Officer, Future Home Loans