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Falling interest rates are often the prelude to home owners rushing to avail of a refinance mortgage loan. Most of the time, there is not much thought given to the merits or financial implications of that idea. It is a very attractive option, much the same as an open flame is attractive to a moth.

At first glance, a refinance mortgage loan does not seem to be minatory at all. But being burned by one is not something most people would count as a pleasant experience. In fact, rates are just a small part of the bigger equation. Some people take out a refinance mortgage loan every time rates go down, even by just a little. A common scenario is a refinance mortgage loan once every year for about five years running. That is clearly disadvantageous. Every refinance mortgage loan means adding more principal to the end of the loan as well as extending its duration.

But What Is A Refinance?

Purchase-money loans are the original loans secured by buyers to buy a house. On the other hand, a refinance loan is a new loan utilized by the borrower to pay off the original loan. Obviously, for borrowers with multiple refinance loans, the current loan pays off the last refinance loan. The refinance loan is usually prioritized but a home equity loan can also be refinanced.

What's Your Flava?

If you are currently paying a fixed-rate mortgage, it is still possible for you take out a different mortgage loan when you get a refinance loan. Before you switch from a fixed-rate mortgage, you must be sure that you understand all of the terms of the new refinance mortgage loan. Let's take a look at some common mortgage loan types.

Interest-only mortgages are loans that are backed by real estate. They contain an option to make interest payments. They are often portrayed as risky and disadvantageous to the borrower. This is often not the case at all.

Another mortgage product is called the Option Adjustable Rate Mortgage. It is perhaps the most complex loan program in real estate mortgage financing. Without proper management, it could cost a home owner his or her entire equity. For the knowledgeable borrower, it could be the optimal solution. Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages contain negative amortization. This is a key concept that is often misunderstood. That is why Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages are generally disdained.

FHA loans are gaining again in popularity. The Federal Housing Administration does not give out loans. Instead, it insures them. This insurance eliminates or alleviates the risk lenders face when buyers only pay a small percentage. Borrowers with less than perfect credit histories might want to consider them. They may qualify even if they have had financial problems in the past. Also, the rates are competitive and the terms are very straightforward. Today's FHA loans also require fewer repairs on the home. They are available to everyone. However, first time and low to moderate income buyers are their most frequent users.