When one refinances their mortgage on a house, the homeowner is more or less partaking in a trade, of sorts. Imagine "Mortgage Refinancing" as an act of trading to attain a lower monthly interest rate; the process is one that involves taking an old first mortgage and trading it for a new first mortgage. As a financial outcome, one will have a new mortgage, at a lower, fixed and secured monthly interest rate. And as of late and due current circumstances, going through such a process of refinancing one's mortgage is highly suggested.

The Year of The Refi

Currently, in 2008, it seems through financial forecasts and projections this year will be one full of refinancing, especially on homes and their corresponding mortgages. But, why such mortgage refinancing expectations? The answer is simple. With recent - as of late January - drops in interest rates, spurred by the Fed's 0.75-point cut last week, the majority of homeowners are seriously considering mortgage refinancing as to secure now readily available lower rates.

Also, an added push to further spur mortgage refinancing comes from the surplus of homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages – or ARMs - soon to hit their reset dates, which in effect, will raise rates considerably and drastically so. And hence, once this happens, applications for refinancing will come in faster than can be handled. Outstandingly, refinance applications have currently risen ten-fold since late Fall, which speaks for itself.

If one is interested in adding their own request to such an increased application amount, be cautious and consider a few things before jumping into and committing to a refinancing of one's mortgage. Specifically, consider one's ARM situation.

An ARM & A Leg

To avoid paying an arm and a leg on increased rates once one's ARM is reset, be sure to know ahead of time of one's reset date. Be mindful here instead of getting caught off guard with a surprise notification that one's ARM has been reset. Do this by knowing which type of ARM you have and how long their adjustment periods are. Firstly, it might help to become a bit more familiar with ARM knowhow and overall terminology.

ARM Reset Knowledge

ARMs go through what are called adjustments, or, in other words and as previously mentioned, resets. Typically, ARMs must go through at least one of these "adjustment" resets. The two common kinds are 3/1 and 5/1 ARMs, each having separate and different resets. In the case of a 3/1 ARM, the reset - after an introductory rate lasting three years – is reset the very first time on the 37th month, where upon doing so raise rates accordingly. Then the reset is in place every 12 months afterward. And in the case of the 5/1 ARM, the initial introductory rate will last five years with a first actual reset occurring on the following 61st month.

For specifics on ARM reset dates it would be wise to consult one's loan contract copy. This is first and foremost. It would be suggested to pay special attention to the first few pages where a section or sections will outline details as to when rates change and how rates are determined overall.