A second mortgage allowed you to get the house that you wanted or to have extra cash for some project – but that was a few years ago. You have built up some equity in the house and are now wondering if it would be a good time to refinance your second mortgage. Here are some things you need to know in order to help you make that decision intelligently.
Refinancing your second mortgage can be a good deal if the interest rates are better than what you already have. Otherwise, not only would you be increasing your payments, but you would also be adding the cost of refinancing to it, too.
If the current interest rates are lower than what you are paying now, by at least a full percent, then it could be a good move to refinance. Or, if you have built up a sizable equity since you took out a second mortgage, then now could be a good time.
Refinancing a second mortgage means that there are two ways for you to go. One way is to get a second mortgage for all of the equity built up in your house – a home equity loan. A second way, which could be less costly, is a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
A third option may also be available –...