A mortgage refinance is basically trading in your old home loan for a new one. You take out a new mortgage, with a new mortgage rate and terms, and use it to pay off your old one. Refinancing can allow you to get a lower mortgage rate, pay off your home loan faster, change from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate loan or borrow against your home equity through a cash-out refinance. You can refinance through any mortgage lender – you don't have to go through your current one. Qualification guidelines are similar to those of a home purchase mortgage.