If you're considering whether or not to refinance your mortgage loan, you may find that the decision that you make will influence your finances for years to come. Refinancing can be a powerful tool to save money and receive better interest rates and loan terms, but if you enter into a refinance loan without taking the time to consider the options and potential ramifications then you might end up spending more on the refinance than you would have on the original mortgage loan.

To help you in making this important decision you'll find below a listing of several factors that should be considered before making your final choice.

The information provided will hopefully assist you in making the decision that's right for you and your current situation.

Mortgage Payments and Equity

The first thing that you should take into consideration when thinking about refinancing a loan is the amount that you have thus far paid against your original mortgage. Any potential refinance lender will look at how long you've been making mortgage payments and how much equity you've managed to build up in your home.

Since you'll be borrowing the amount remaining on the original mortgage and once again using your home as collateral, the more of your original debt you've managed to repay then the more likely you are to receive a good offer for a refinance loan