Lenders like pristine credit reports. If you have a bunch of open credit card accounts that you never use (and who doesn't?), consider closing them. It will boost your credit score and make you a much more attractive borrower to a lender. Then, a month after you've closed your accounts, go over your credit report with a fine-tooth comb. It should read that the accounts were closed at your request. (You don't want lenders to think someone cut you off and that you're a bad credit risk.)
Pull your credit report from the bureaus and review it for any negative items (late pays, collections etc) and inaccurate detail. Try to dispute negative items and remove them from the report. If required pay off any unpaid debt. Otherwise, you won't get a low rate and may not even qualify. Of course there are lenders in the subprime market who may offer you a bad credit refinance loan, but it's better to avoid them as they'll possible charge higher rates and fees.
If you do not plan on staying in the house very long, refinancing may not be in your best interests.
If you have a mortgage, you should keep an eye on rates-especially if you have an adjustable rate mortgage. Getting locked in at a lower, fixed rate can save you hundreds, possibly even thousands, of dollars over the life of your loan.
It's better to follow the 2% Rule which suggests that you can enjoy the benefits of a home refinance if your mortgage refinance rate is 2% lower than that on your current loan. The interest savings will help you recoup the costs you've paid for the new loan provided you stay in the property for a certain period of time (break-even period). However, there are no-cost as well as low-cost refinance loans wherein the costs are included into the loan. But you can expect comparatively higher rates on such loans. Moreover, these loans are limited when the market is in a credit crunch.
