http://www.fixedraterefinance.com/home-equity/loans/ If home equity loans were your only refinancing option, we'd be in some hot water. Thankfully home equity loans aren't the only option, but its good to have them. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 Assuming the risk... If you look at our information on the home equity loan you'll see the benefits of refinancing through equity: lower lender costs higher approvals rate potentially lower rates from your lower risk. But using home equity loans as a means to refinance your first mortgage does pose a certain amount of risk - and that certain amount turns out to be quite a bit more than the home owner first expects. The dangers of refinancing over home equity loans The battle between refinancing and home equity loans usually occurs as home owners are looking for cash-out refinances - a greater loan amount than their actual remaining balance (and they wonder why they're looking for bad credit home equity loans!). This makes sense because you avoid the costs of both home equity loansand refinancing, and if you can get a better deal on rates in the meantime well thats just great! But is it a better deal? You have to take into consideration the fact that your home equity does give you leverage, and that you may possibly find an even lower rate through home equity loans and refinancing as separate events. For example: lets say your home is valued at $100,000, you have $75,000 remaining on your mortgage and an equity of $25,000, and you are looking to both refinance into a better deal and get $10,000 in cash. Through an overall refinancing, the amount would come to $85,000 all at a single lower rate. But, when you refinance into a mortgage greater than 80% of your homes value you have to pay mortgage insurance, and calculate that into your expenses as well! Taking out both a refinance and home equity loans will mean you will have to pay two lending costs, but you will save bu avoiding the mortgage insurance and potentially on a low rate equity financing. There is never a guaranteed win-win situation when it comes to fixed rate home equity loans and mortgage refinancing- always be sure to analyze the entire situation for its financial merit. Also, be sure to analyze multiple situations to see where you can find the best deal, thee lowest rates and the most affordable means to access your home equity. Countrywide home equity loans provide millions of Americans with affordable, beneficial equity financing, but that does not necessarily mean Countrywide can offer the absolute best deal for you. Look into it, and dont stop looking until you feel sure you've found the best home equity loans. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT http://www.fixedraterefinance.com/home-equity/loans/best/ The best home equity loans are the ones you can find and the ones you can afford. Never limit yourself to the absolute best home equity loans. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.fixedraterefinance.com/home-equity/loans/bad-credit/ Bad credit home equity loans are a great opportunity for hard-pressed home owners. Just watch out for the limitations and restrictions attached to all bad credit home equity loans. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.fixedraterefinance.com/home-equity/loans/countrywide/ Countrywide home equity loans carry some rules and regulations that make them slightly difficult - but nothing to really worry about. Just understand your countrywide home equity loans before signing anything. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.fixedraterefinance.com/home-equity/loans/fixed-rate/ If fixed rate home equity loans were only only outlet for refinancing, you might be ok. Some fixed rate home equity loans are actually better at refinancing than a Fixed Rate Refinance! en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0