Nowadays, refinancing one's mortgage is an extremely attractive option for homeowners with big loans to pay off. Simply put, mortgage refinancing means you'll take out a new loan to pay off your current mortgage, and this new loan actually has lower interest rates than your previous one, which therefore results in lower monthly payments. This fact alone is already a major selling point for many people.

Mortgage refinancing is also one way to shorten your mortgage's term, since you'll be able to make payments more quickly. It also allows you to cash in on your home equity, which should give a significant amount of money in your pocket and allow you to use it for other personal expenses such as home improvement projects.

But before you decide on refinancing, consider the following factors first.

· Check your credit score. The higher your credit rating, the better your chances of getting a lower interest rate on your loan payment. You should also watch how market interest rates are doing before jumping into mortgage refinancing.

· Will your potential refinancing lender allow you to pay off a significant amount of your mortgage? There are lenders who would only assist you with around 85% of your original loan.

· Figure out how many 'points' you're supposed to pay upfront, if any. One point, or your premium, is equivalent to 1% of your total loan amount.

· Consider the benefits of a fixed refinancing rate instead of going with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). ARMs are good only when current interest rates are down, but will give you a headache once rates skyrocket once again.

· Be warned: if you're only looking to refinance to avail of lower interest rates or to save more money, you should take a look at any fees and closing costs that come with taking out your new loan. Sometimes, the add-on charges will actually amount to more money than you'll be saving if you take out the loan. Even if this isn't the case with your lender, unless you can afford the fees, you'd better think twice about mortgage refinancing, or make sure you have enough money saved up to cover the costs.

If your lender does have a no-cost refinancing option available, which means that you won't be charged for any fees, don't lunge at the opportunity right away. No-cost refinancing means that your interest rates will be jacked up, so take a look at your current payments first as well as the amount you'll pay and save when you avail of a mortgage refinancing loan that comes with fees to see which set-up would greatly benefit you.

Refinancing your original home mortgage loan is a great way for you to slash your monthly bills, but it could only work if it really will save you more money in the long run. Even if you'll pay lower interest rates or bills for your loan every month, you should consider how the total amount of cash you'll be paying for mortgage refinancing will affect you.