What are the disadvantages of refinancing when ones property is devalued by about $40,000?

by Jim Carson

Question by Lucy S: What are the disadvantages of refinancing when ones property is devalued by about ,000?
I would like to know if it is worth it to refinance a mortgage that has only about 12 years left, just to take advantage of a lower rate, so as to pay less monthly mortgage. I am between jobs and finding it difficult to pay. Also does refinancing put cash back in your hands? Please help!

Best answer:

Answer by KateG
Refinancing has costs for you to do, and while it may lower your payments, since your loan is so far into it, refinancing might actually set you back. You are now paying down equity, while in the early part of a loan, you are paying interest only. You need to figure out what the loan cost would be, what the monthly payments would be and your equity situation. And no, refinancing does not put cash in your hands. Refinancing is taking the value of the home and rewriting a loan, so essentially you are starting over. You are better off right now trying to work it out, using other cost cutting measures to save money elsewhere. Unless you are paying an excessively high mortgage rate, I wouldn’t do it.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/banking/homefinancing/p42715.asp

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