It is feasible to go for a refinance when you have built up at least 10% equity in your home (For Fannie Mae owned mortgages, the value is 5%). It is also possible for you to choose the option if your equity is less than 5%, but you may have to pay a certain amount of cash in order to make up for the difference in equity.
Be specific about the loan you want. The more precise you are, the easier it will be for a loan officer or mortgage broker to find the best rate. For example, do you want a 15-year or 30-year mortgage? Do you need a "jumbo" mortgage (more than $333,700)? Are you willing to pay points to reduce the interest rate? The answers to these questions will depend on several factors, including when you plan to sell the house and how soon you want to retire your debt. Only you know the answers, but the sooner you know them, the better.
If you are planning to stay in your home for several years, then you can save money by paying points for lower interest rates. You pay up front fees to ensure you have lower interest payments over the course of your loan. Remember, this only works if you keep your mortgage for several months.
If you are refinancing from one ARM to another, check the initial rate and the fully-indexed rate. Also ask about the rate adjustments you might face over the term of the loan.
When you do a cash-out refinance you are leveraging the equity in your home in order to receive a lump sum of cash at closing. Many individuals and families use this type of loan if they want to remodel their home, or they have kids that are attending college soon. Veterans and other military personnel can now take advantage of a 100% cashout refinance thanks to the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
Americans for Fairness in Lending