Question on Mortgage renewal, and credit card application.

Refinancing will require a lawyer and will be at a higher rate than if you did a renewal with your current lender or switch to a new lender keeping amount at $300. A credit card application will be a hard hit on your score and it will drop your score initially. Your scores are high enough that it should not affect your application. One option is to wait until you have renewed your mortgage or wait for a couple of months before using it.

Answers:
(1) Whether refinancing to a larger amount will give you a better rate compared to your current mortgage of 300k will depend on several factors such as current interest rates, the value of your property, your debt-to-income ratio, and your credit score (which is good in your case). Generally, lenders may offer better rates for higher loan amounts, but it's not always the case.

(2) Applying for a new credit card may have an impact on your credit score, as it could result in a hard inquiry on your credit report. A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score, but the effect is usually minimal and short-lived. If you have good credit and aren't applying for too many new credit accounts at once, the impact on your credit score should be small. However, it's always best to avoid making any major changes to your credit profile before applying for a mortgage, as it could affect your ability to qualify for the best rates and terms.

Answers:
(1) Whether refinancing to a larger amount will give you a better rate compared to your current mortgage of 300k will depend on several factors such as current interest rates, the value of your property, your debt-to-income ratio, and your credit score (which is good in your case). Generally, lenders may offer better rates for higher loan amounts, but it's not always the case.

(2) Applying for a new credit card may have an impact on your credit score, as it could result in a hard inquiry on your credit report. A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score, but the effect is usually minimal and short-lived. If you have good credit and aren't applying for too many new credit accounts at once, the impact on your credit score should be small. However, it's always best to avoid making any major changes to your credit profile before applying for a mortgage, as it could affect your ability to qualify for the best rates and terms.