Cash-Out Mortgage Refinancing

Mortgage and Cash

Your house is a potentially large source of ready money if you are willing to sacrifice some of your equity in return for liquidity. Cash-out mortgage refinancing is one way to access this cash.

What is cash-out mortgage refinancing?

Cash-out refinancing involves refinancing your mortgage for more than you currently owe and pocketing the difference. If you have been paying down your mortgage for some time, then the principal on your mortgage is likely to be substantially lower than what it was when you first took out your mortgage. That build-up of equity will allow you to take out a loan that covers what you currently owe - and then some.

For example, say you owe $90,000 on a $180,000 house and want $30,000 to add a family room. You could refinance your mortgage for $120,000, and the bank will then hand over a check for the difference of $30,000.

You can take the difference and use it for home renovations, second-property purchases, tuition, debt repayment or anything else that needs a significant amount of cash. What is