Talked to broker guy yesterday. He's got some issues, but the transaction could not have been smoother last time. I frankly don't want to bother unless I know it will go smooth and customer service is A+.

Anyway, he was really pushing 0-cost loans with "no skin in the game." Which is completely useless and one-sided. Sure, let's refi to save 0.375%. Then we can just do it again later! (Obviously more in it for him than me. I am sure the average person jumps when they hear *no cost.*). I might be sold if my interest rate wasn't already rock bottom. That is the problem.

To be fair, we also talked 15-year mortgages. So, he is not totally insane. I told him 4% please, or no thanks. He said he could not get that rate with no points, but maybe soon. I am to submit an application so I can lock at a moment's notice.

Rates were same today at my CU. I REALLY should have applied yesterday. I applied this morning, but doesn't look like can lock in the rate today. I am hoping for tomorrow???

Whoever can lock me at 4% first, wins. At worst, I fill out a lot of paperwork and no one wins. (The paperwork hasn't been bad at all). The only thing I worry is if they will be picky about our cash balance, since I do want to pay cash for closing costs. I have just heard the stories, but I think our situation is pretty plain vanilla. Have plenty of equity, a steady salary from a long-term job, and no other investments outside of retirement. No debts - so not much to look at. In 1999 when they were pickier and we were just college grads, they wanted us to have $10k in the bank. I don't know what they will say, this time. If things are so strict, you would think they want more. Will see...

I checked my creditkarma report after I was approved by the CU for their best rate. I was just curious if the last credit card closure was showing up. It Was! I am not sure if it would make any difference, but I eeked out getting all of those cards closed before I applied for this refinance.

One thing I had had forgotten or not thought of... I am not concerned at all with *length of open credit history" (seeing as I have never been turned down for any line of credit or loan). BUT, I got myself in a situation where my oldest open line of credit is our mortgage. By a mile. So it just occurred to me that a refinance may not be good for the credit score. That said, it will certainly be an experiment. Credit Karma tells me that my length of open credit history equals an *F* score. FICO tells me my score is 800. So, I am not sure what difference it could possibly make. F is an F, and if they want to lower my score by 50 points, what difference would that make anyway? Who cares? 750, 800, same difference. (With an F in that category, I don't particularly expect it to make much difference). But maybe I will be able to tell you all for sure!

Thankfully, paying your bills on time seems to account for about 99% of your FICO score. & not over-leveraging. From my experience. That's what should matter the most.

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I ran to Michael's about 11:50 today. There was hardly anywhere to park, and the line behind me was about 10 people when I left. Phew - it helped to beat the crowd a wee bit.

Scored frames at 50% off. IF dh and I never agree where to hang these prints, I have gifts to give for a long time. Either way, is good. I will post a picture of the framed prints later. They are gorgeous!