What Are the Warning Signs of a Bad Refinance Deal?

Watch for excessive fees (>3% of loan), prepayment penalties, balloon payments, unusually high rates, and pressure to close quickly without comparing options.

• What to know: Avoid the costly errors that trip up Houston landlords during the refinance process.
• Houston context: Many Houston investors leave money on the table by not shopping enough lenders or failing to negotiate fees.
• Action step: Before signing, verify every number: rate, APR, total closing costs, monthly payment, prepayment penalties, and break-even timeline.

Bottom Line

Most refinance mistakes are avoidable with proper preparation. Do your homework, compare offers, and don't let urgency override careful analysis.