If refinancing is not a possibility due to ever-toughening credit guidelines or you are self employed and are unable to qualify for the full income check mortgage, then it may make sense to look into the possibility of recasting your mortgage loan with your lender. In affect, you will be re-amortizing your loan by paying a lump sum of money up front and therefore lowering your payment. According to this New York Times article, more homeowners are looking at this option. Read more