When refinancing your home, there are many things that you need to consider. These variables, as a whole, can affect the interest rate that you pay, the length of time that your mortgage will be and how much money that you can save over the long run.The first to consider is the interest rate that you are looking to pay. By refinancing, you can lower your interest rate quite a bit, depending on the company you use and your current credit score. When you are trying to go for a lower interest rate, compare rates with several different banks and mortgage companies. Carefully read all paperwork that you are given and pick the most reputable one with the best rate. The lower the rate, the less interest that you will have to pay over the life of the mortgage.You should consider adjusting your budget so that you can pay more on the principal of your mortgage. If you can even pay slightly more than you were in the past, you can cut the years on your mortgage quite a bit. Refinancing with this strategy can be extremely helpful to your bank account. You can put more into the actual amount you owe than to the interest. Check with your mortgage broker on the best way to do this.When refinancing, you also want to be careful of what type of mortgage you choose to go under. Variable rate mortgages that lower your payment seem like a good idea at first, but can be a nightmare when the payments later rise. Going with a fixed rate mortgage keeps your payments constant and your interest rate where you set it to start with.Before you go in to discuss refinancing with your broker, get a copy of your credit report and check your credit score. Making bill payments on time, keeping credit card balances paid off and not having too many accounts open can raise your score. The higher your score, the easier your refinancing will be.By taking all of these factors into consideration before you go in to refinance your mortgage, you will be prepared and able to make the best decisions.