The lower your interest rate on your refinance mortgage, the more money you will save. But not all refinance loans are created equal. To get the lowest interest rates, follow these three tips when applying for you refinancing.

1. Refinance Your Entire Mortgage

Refinancing your entire mortgage will help you to qualify for the lowest rates. Having split mortgages or a home equity line of credit elevates your risk level and rates.

However, if you have a really good rate on one mortgage, then you may not want to combine those mortgages. Take the time to request quotes for both loan situations. Within minutes, you can get an answer from lenders and know which is your best option.

2. Dont Cash Out Your Equity

Cashing out part or all of your homes equity will also raise your refinance rates. So keep that equity in place while you apply for refinancing. It acts much like a down payment did for your original home loan. The larger your equity, the better your rates.

If you want to tap into your equity, consider applying for a separate loan after you refinance, like a home equity line of credit. That way you wont be paying a higher rate on your entire principal.

3. Lower Your Rate With Points

As with your first mortgage, you can lower your rates by buying points. This is a bit risky in that you have to keep your loan for seven years usually to recoup the cost. To make sure this is your best choice, compare lending offers. Calculate the cost of points and your potential savings.

In addition to these tips, comparison shopping will also help you get a lower interest rate. Each lender looks at refinancing applications differently, so with careful searching, you can get a better deal. Start by requesting a loan quote, then compare numbers, both interest and closing costs.

Just remember that the lowest interest rate will not always be the cheapest loan. Factor in the cost of fees to be sure you will come out on top, especially if you plan to sell or refinance in a couple of years.