Homeowners refinance their mortgages for an assortment of reasons. Some reasons center around strictly wanting to pay off their homes faster and at better interest rates, while others may fall along practical life events or emergencies. If you find yourself asking, “should I refinance my mortgage,” try checking off a few boxes to help come to a decision.
Here are a few reasons folks may refinance their fixed rate mortgage:
One of the more upfront reasons to refinance a mortgage is to make your monthly mortgage payments more affordable. Some may even seek to reduce their monthly payments by switching their mortgage interest type from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage, especially if the interest rates start to creep higher than anticipated.
You’ll want to consider your current loan term against the refinanced loan term to determine if adding extra years or higher principal payments is worth refinancing before jumping into a new mortgage. Sometimes, the monthly savings fall below the lifetime savings of the loan and may not be worth the extra refinance fees.
However, if you find refinancing your mortgage puts you in a great financial place, and you don’t have any large changes in income or expenses coming your way, it may be a perfect time to refinance.
Sometimes, you may find you want to refinance your mortgage for life events such as weddings, school tuition, large home improvements or other personal expenses. If you find yourself in an emergency, you may also want to consider refinancing.
Regardless of your life event, consult your current mortgage lender to ensure you can refinance without breaking any terms or conditions set forward by the original agreement. If you can refinance, be sure to keep your finances as close to budget as possible, so you don’t end up with more debt or financial hardships than is necessary.
After you’ve paid a decent amount into your mortgage loan, and have built some equity in your home, you can borrow more than your outstanding mortgage balance and receive the difference.
For example, if you’ve paid $50k into your current mortgage, with $150k outstanding, and want to refinance for a lower interest rate while getting more out of your home equity, applying for a new mortgage loan may be a great option. You could request $200k while using your home’s equity as a primary component for your new fixed rate loan.
Taking advantage of a “cash-out refinance” or “cash-out refi” gives you $50k to be placed back in your pocket for whatever projects or payments you want to use it for. Meanwhile, your new refinanced monthly payments may stay the same or lower, depending on the lender.
When refinancing your home, be sure to check in with your mortgage lenders. Some will offer you the options you’re searching for without having to switch to a new company that may not have your information on file or may request something deeper.
However, if you find a mortgage lender that checks all of your boxes, try contacting one of their loan officers to explore your options.
Hi! We are David and Evelyn - The Hickox Team!
With a shared passion for helping people find where you truly belong—whether it’s a dream home or a strategic commercial space—we’ve combined our experience, heart, and hustle to better serve you, as our client across the Chattahoochee Valley.
David brings sharp negotiation skills and market insight, and I bring creative strategy, relationship-driven service, and a love for both Residential and Commercial real estate. Together, we bring a perfect blend of strategy, service, and savvy, to elevate every step of your Real Estate journey.
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Meet David
"When I think of dedication and drive in Real Estate, I think of David Hickox. Not only is David my professional partner, he’s also my fiancé — which means I get a front-row seat to the determination and care he puts into every property detail and client interaction."
-Evelyn Forston
I’m David Hickox—a dedicated real estate advisor serving the Chattahoochee Valley with a focus on results, relationships, and real value. My approach is grounded in strategy, honesty, and a deep respect for the goals and dreams of every client I work with.
I bring sharp market insight, strong negotiation skills, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or expanding your portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful.
As co-lead of The Hickox Team with my fiancé Evelyn—an incredible Realtor and partner in every sense—we combine our strengths to deliver a real estate experience that’s both heart-led and results-driven. Together, we bring creativity, clarity, and commitment to the table every step of the way.
Outside of real estate, I enjoy staying active, watching the Braves and SEC football, working out, spending time with family and my sweet fiancé, Evelyn.
Let’s connect—I’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.
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Meet Evelyn
Hi, I’m Evelyn Forston —a people-oriented, house-obsessed, dog-loving soul!💛🏡🐾
I'm a Realtor, Advisor and Associate Broker serving both Residential and Commercial Real Estate clients across Georgia and Alabama. I believe Real Estate is more than closings and contracts—it’s about connection, service, and walking with people through some of life’s biggest milestones.
I don't just sell properties—I shepherd people through meaningful life transitions with my professional partner, who is also my fiancé- David Hickox.
Whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, assisting an investor with a new commercial venture, or supporting someone in a major life transition, I treat every client with care, strategy, and heart. My experience spans residential and commercial sales, multi-family, single-family, and property management—which means I can offer smart advice, creative solutions, and real results.
I grew up in the Chattahoochee Valley and proudly graduated from both Brookstone School and Columbus State University. I love this community deeply and it shows in how I live and serve. I’m a 2022 East Alabama Leadership graduate, a 2025 “star” for the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Columbus, a member of the East Alabama Board of Realtors, and I serve as the 2025 Entertainment Committee Chair for the Columbus Board of Realtors.
I live, work, and thrive in the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL area with my fiancé and real estate partner, David Hickox and my two pups, Cupcake and Aubs. We love helping people turn dreams into keys and investments into income.
Call me at 205-901-6756
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