Use the equity you've establish
A cash-out refinance allows you to tap into the equity you have built up in your home. And, if you are currently paying for mortgage insurance and your loan-to-value has decreased, you may qualify for a loan without mortgage insurance.
Build equity faster
If you are in a position to make higher monthly payments due to an increase in salary or other good fortune, you may want to switch from a 30-year loan program to a 15- or 20-year loan structure. This enables you to build equity faster and save money on financing fees.
A pre-approval is a process where a lender reviews your income, employment, credit and assets. After reviewing the credit qualifications, the lender will issue a pre-approval letter mentioning how much home loan you might qualify for.