<prompt> Human: Bought a 136k house in the slump in 2011 which is now worth around 200k. It needs 30k worth of work AC and sidingwindow repair and repainting I am looking at consolidating a little debt and taking out 40k. I owe 98k on it right now which I pay 3.875 for 15 years. I am looking to refi into a 30 year loan and continue paying the same 15 year payment I make now to pay it off a little earlier but still leave myself some room in the budget in case something catastrophic happens. However the lowest rate I can find on a 30 year cash out refinance right now is 4.75. Should I go ahead and accept this or look at other options like opening a heloc and paying a variable rate over about 10 years and keeping my current loan. Im just really having a hard time giving up the good rate and going to a 30 year loan. What do you guys think? Thanks  <response>: What rates can you get a HELOC at? Im guessing thats your best bet. Not only is the 30 year rate higher, but it will cost you a fair bit in transaction costs to get the refi. Do you know how much? It could be several thousand. HELOCs dont have such high origination fees. 