Are there different types of refinance loans, or are they the same loans that you would get when you buy a house?

Many programs available which as you stated are basically the same as when you purchased..There are differences in refi guidelines vs. purchase. Having a current FHA can make your refi much easier and less paper intensive. You would want to compare conventional with an FHA streamline. Conventional may end up better if you are able to "drop" mortgage insurance otherwise FHA could be the way to go....best is to contact me for a no obligation mortgage analysis to provide you with the best choice..1.877-369-4319...dpaladin@umaxmortgage.com

FHA allows you two options, Streamline with and with out an Appraisal. The benefit with a No Appraisal is if the value has dropped in your area that may work, as they go off the last Appraised value date or the Date in the FHA system, but typically that is just the last Appraised value. In that case, we can't roll any closing costs into the loan at all. So we can neither have you pay for costs out of pocket or finance that in the rate. I suggest calling me to look at either the No Cost Rate or the Cost Rate, and if there is a benefit to refinancing. 602-430-2639 I am licensed in CA.