There was an interesting article on CNBC about the current boom in residential refinancing.  It appears that the refinancings being done this time are not about how much money you can take out of your home; it’s more about putting additional cash in to lower your outstanding principal balance, or shortening the term of the loan.  Here’s a link to the article:  http://www.cnbc.com/id/49360773.  I hope you find it interesting as well.