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Refinance, Please
CNBC.com | March 16, 2012 | 02:18 PM EDT

Commercial lenders and the Obama administration seem determined to draw in any borrowers who haven’t yet refinanced their home loan.

Even if you have a seemingly satisfactory loan, you may have received an invitation from your bank via an overnight delivery service to drop your mortgage in favor of what may be a better one. That may seem strange, but lenders profit on refinancings, and they don’t want to lose your business.

The Obama administration's intentions may be more obvious: Strapped state governments can receive tax money on new loans. Also, cheaper mortgages could stabilize shaky real estate markets, slowing foreclosures while boosting sales and prices. Consumers may spend the refinancing savings, boosting the overall economy. And, yes, happier homeowners may remember the new loan in the voting booth come November.

JPMorgan Chase,for example, has picked customers to offer a no-fee streamlined deal it declines to describe in detail, but CNBC has learned it involves the bank absorbing all closing costs to keep valued clients.

“We get to originate a new loan and the customer gets a lower rate,” explains spokesman Tom Kelly.

Citigroup has also been sending out refinance offers — via overnight delivery firms, no less — to certain customers.

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