Just the thought of refinancing for some persons is sufficient to make them miss out on some of the most sought after and lowest mortgage rates in more than 40 years. Because of the downturn in businesses worldwide, experts claim interest rates are likely to remain low for the rest of 2009, perhaps offering a much-needed pick-me-up for the beaten down housing market. And that can only be good news for homeowners and prospective buyers who will surely save hundreds of dollars every thirty days.

The recent fall in mortgage rates happened just after the Federal Reserve announced plans to purchase greater than $1 trillion worth of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities from Freddie Mac and its related cousin company Fannie Mae, in an attempt to maintain mortgage rates at their lowest point in forty years and spark the weak housing industry.

The Mortgage Bankers Association claims that the mortgage market is being overtaken by refinance applications as a result. The association says that for the week ending March 20, nearly eighty-percent of mortgage applications nationally were for refinancing. The government is urging homeowners and buyers to think over their long-term financial goals and research different loan programs and options before deciding to refinance. Most feel that borrowers should get into a safe fixed rate mortgage since rates are really low.

Hopefully you have owned your home pre-millenium as many who bought post year 2000 may not have enough home equity built up. Although loan restrictions have increased, some may even qualify for a home equity loan or take some extra cash out at low rates for home improvement.

Keep in mind though that refinancing your home loan means you will begin your mortgage terms over again so be aware that you'll have 10 to 30 additional years of monthly payments. And always fully understand your loan rate, terms and conditions of each document you sign.

For those that cannot refinance due to their home value being "underwater" or "upside down", the Obama administration's new refinancing and loan modification programs may be able to assist those homeowners. The program is called "Making Home Affordable", should assist some trouble homeowners. It currently only helps people who have a loan owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Discover how you can refinance your home and save today.