Refinancing can save you thousands of dollars on your overall mortgage if the mortgage interest rates drop. Many homeowners do not consider refinancing, since it can be somewhat of a hassle, but with the right mortgage contract, a new mortgage can be extremely beneficial. On the other hand, refinancing is not for everyone. Use the following tips to determine if you should undergo this process and how to get the best agreement if you do.

Tip #1: Calculate the closing costs before refinancing.

Contrary to popular believe, you should not refinance every time the mortgage rate drops slightly. In fact, doing this is actually going to cost you more money than you save. Follow the market trends and refinance when you believe that mortgage rates to be at a low. Why? Two words: closing costs.

Remember when you originally purchased your home and had to pay your mortgage lender for things like document preparation, underwriting, and so forth? You’ll have to pay most of these costs again when you refinance your mortgage. You might save a little money, but if you have to add the closing costs to your mortgage, that gain will be eaten up by the additional payments and interest. The closing costs are completely your responsibility this time around, unlike when you first purchased the home and might have shared them with the property’s seller.

The bottom line is that you need to pull out a calculator before you jump to refinance. First, calculate how much you will save through the lower interest rate; then compare it to the money you will spend to refinance. Not every option to refinance should be taken.

Tip #2: Consider changing other parts of the mortgage agreement.

Although people most commonly refinance to get a lower interest rate, you can refinance for other reasons as well. For example, you can refinance to change the term left on your low, spreading out your payments over more months and, in turn, lowering your monthly payment. You can change any part of your mortgage contract through negotiation with your lender, so do not just think that you only should refinance if the interest rates drop.

Of course, your mortgage lender does not have to change any part of the contract. Just because refinancing is possible does not mean that you will qualify. Clean up your credit before you approach your mortgage lender about a possible refinance, and always make sure that you are up to date on your monthly mortgage payments.

Tip #3: Read the fine print of your original mortgage agreement carefully.

Some mortgage contracts have clauses that take about refinancing. Hopefully, when you signed the original mortgage agreement, you read it carefully! However, be aware that you could be facing extra fees if there is such a clause in place. For example, your mortgage agreement might say that you have to pay a fee if you refinancing within a year of purchasing the home or if the interest rate drops below a certain level. Make sure you calculate any fees or penalties when you determine whether or not you should refinance.

Tip #4: Read your new mortgage contract very carefully.

When you refinance, you can change any part of your mortgage contract. So can your mortgage lender. While it is pretty unethical to change a contract without your knowledge, trying to "sneak in" extra clauses or take some out without telling you, it happens every single day under the guise that it the "company policy changed" since you last worked with the company. Before you signed anything, make sure you read it thoroughly. In addition, bring your originally mortgage contract and compare the two. They shouldn’t be exactly the same, but question parts that have changed that don’t relate to the real reason you’re refinancing.

Keep in mind that you may have to compromise and agree to some changes in order to refinance. Company policies really do change. Just make sure that your contract doesn’t change too much.

Tip #5: Stay with the same lender – in most cases.

When you refinance, you don’t have stay with the same lender. In fact, in some cases, changing lenders could save you even more money. Be careful, though. There may be penalties associated with changing mortgage lenders or other hidden costs. Remember, it isn’t just about money either. You don’t want to switch to a mortgage lender who doesn’t have good customer service, for example. Most of the time, it makes sense to stay with the same lender, but the best option depends on your specific mortgage situation.