Credit score improvement, mortgage lengthening, avoiding cash-out refinances, and obtaining multiple refinance rate quotes are all possible outcomes.

You’ve decided to refinance your home to get the best mortgage rate in 50 years. Here are nine steps to break a new rate record.

1. Check for errors in your credit report.

Credit report errors are more common than you think.

2. Keep credit card balances under 25% of available credit.

Ask your credit card companies for more credit. Less frequent credit use lowers credit utilization ratios, which may result in a lower interest rate.

3. Don’t give up your credit.

In order to maintain your financial independence, you should use your credit cards for small purchases. Making monthly payments shows creditors that you are in control of your debt, which may help improve your credit score.

Finally, jumbo loans may require more paperwork.

Consistent loan limits are important because they are often easier to qualify for than jumbo loan limits. How much you can spend determines your financial well-being.

4. Avoid Zero-Percent.

Closing costs are common in loans. It may help you cover your closing costs.

5. Look for a loan with a shorter amortization.

A 30-year mortgage can be shortened to 20 or 15 years, resulting in a lower interest rate and monthly payment.

6. Limit cash withdrawals.

A cash-out refinance uses equity in your home to secure a new loan. It raises your loan-to-value ratio.

7. Find the best refinance rate.

Your loan advisor should discuss a mortgage rate lock, which protects you from rising interest rates during the loan processing (which can take weeks).

8. Consider how long you plan to stay in the area.

An ARM has a lower initial rate than a fixed-rate loan.

Discount points (paying in advance for a lower interest rate) may be included in unusually low advertised rates. Although discount points are primarily used to promote lenders, they can benefit borrowers.

Consider the monthly savings in relation to the time it will take to recoup the fees — and how long you plan to stay in your current home.