Second Mortgage Options for Refinancing Adjustable Home Equity Credit Lines

A study conducted from October 10-12, 2006 by Harris Interactive ® by Countrywide Home Loans indicates that Americans don't fully comprehend or utilize their home equity as a financial tool. "There's a prevalent misperception about mortgages that may prevent many Americans from realizing their home's full financial potential," says Dan Hanson, managing director of Countrywide Home Loans. If you understand that your home equity can be leveraged for personal and financial goals, you are one step ahead of most Americans.

There are a lot of reasons to consider utilizing your equity and refinancing your home equity loans into a new first mortgage. Just because you already have an equity loan doesn't mean that you can't still use your home equity as a financial tool. If you are in debt with credit cards or have other revolving debt, debt consolidation may be an excellent way to make use of your equity. Your interest rates and payments are likely to be lower, especially if you cash out. If you can be responsible with your credit cards after consolidating, you will ultimately save money in interest.

If you have already taken out home equity loans or have a 100 % first mortgage you can still refinance. You can pay off your 2nd with a new 1st mortgage refinance or consider converting 80-20 home loans that you took out to avoid PMI. 100% percent mortgage financing is not an impossibility. If there is equity in your home, you can still cash out and a select group of mortgage lenders will allow you to refinance up to 110% and there is still no PMI. However, if you refinance for 90% or more, keep in mind that there will be a higher interest rate because the LTV exceeds 90%. You should also consider a home equity refinance if you have an adjustable rate loan with rising payments.

Consider all your second mortgage options carefully. The trick to realizing your home's full financial potential is to stay educated and make wise decision. Equity that is used for further investment or for saving money in interest may be a smart choice. Just be sure get all the information for each home equity loan quote, so you can and to work with a lender that you trust.