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The current refinancing boom can work to your advantage with your home mortgage. Lower interest rates mean lower mortgage payments, allowing for some extra cash in your budget. While falling interest rates make refinancing your home attractive, you could get yourself into deeper debt without knowing it. You must choose between competing lenders, a slew of additional paperwork and negotiated fees. Before you refinance, here are five things to remember when refinancing your home:

1. Check Your Credit Score
Get your current score from each of the three main credit bureaus, since the information varies. Start the process for correcting any errors right away and have it amended before you refinance your home. Of course, the higher the score, the more likely you are to qualify for lower interest loans. Armed with your credit report, the lender’s office will help you determine the type of loan for which you qualify and what fees you can expect. If your credit is in trouble, your interest rates will be higher and you may not qualify for refinancing at all.

2. Do the Math
In order for refinancing to benefit, it will either give you lower interest rate and more attractive loan terms or cash from your home’s equity. Although some quick cash sounds great, determine what option will be the best for you in the long run. Choosing rate and term refinancing pays off the existing loan with money from the new loan, giving way to lower interest rates and provides less time on the loan. Cashing out is helpful if your home has increased in value.

3. Personal Attention
Depending on your needs, you can choose between a local bank and credit union to refinance or elect to go with internet lenders that you never see. A local mortgage bank or credit union offer some personalized service and a simplified process, but they may only offer limited programs that don’t always offer the best fit. A mortgage broker matches your refinancing needs to the loan with the best price, saving you time and money. Brokers aren’t as regulated as banks, and they may rely upon potential commissions rather than your needs.

4. Research
Due diligence will pay off in understanding the varied types of loans and lenders available to you. Research your broker’s credentials, ask for recommendations from people that have gone through the process successfully and consult the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the lender you choose.

5. Shop Around
Some dishonest lenders will quote fantastic rates to reel you in and then add fees later. Your lender is required to provide a good faith estimate (GFE) of fees that you are responsible for at closing, usually 3-5% of the sale price. Shop around for GFEs from several lenders to compare and negotiate.

This was a guest post by GoBankingRates.com, a site that provides daily updates on the latest CD rates, finance information and more.