Second Mortgages Second mortgages are loans that are obtained by home owners, in addition to a first or primary mortgage. A second mortgage can be very useful for certain individuals; however, it is not suitable for all people or all situations. Once an individual obtains a second mortgage, the loan can be used to cover a variety of different expenses, ranging from transportation to education. Refinance Second Mortgage When people choose to refinance second mortgage loans, it is important that they thoroughly analyze their financial situations, in order to determine if refinancing is a suitable option for him/her. There are many advantages to refinancing a second mortgage, however, an individual's credit must be in order and he/she must thoroughly understand all conditions associated with the loan. Second Mortgage vs. Home Equity Loan If an individual is considering a home equity loan or a second mortgage to help in obtaining access to necessary financial funds, he/she must understand some basic information about each process. When deciding between a second mortgage vs. home equity loan, an individual should note that each financial option is appropriate for different situations.