Kyle, don't get me going on credit scores and the three rip off company's that make us grovel to them. I learned all about their BS back in '03 and made it a project then to learn everything about how they "operate" in a constant state of contradiction. Anyway, no our scores are fine...well over 700. Yes, our debt ratio is the
only negative but any first year economics student would understand why after hearing our story and looking at our receipts and accounts...it's all documented. Yeah, I am outside the box, so far it has worked for me, so I am staying there
Tony, yes we have been with them here in TN since I bought the land in '01. Never missed a payment, never been late. Matter of fact it's a direct draw right out of my account twice a month,
and we have always paid more on the principal every month.
But, then again I must be an idiot, because thousands of folks who bought McMansions, then oddly enough could not afford them[shocker] have had their principal amount reduced by their banks and their payments cut in half so they can continue to live the good life. Heaven forbid that a guy build his own house that he can afford...what a crazy idea. 
My son bought a little 2 bedroom starter during the boom and now need a bigger place but they owe 100,000 more than it's worth now!
Oh, and the only reason we wanted the re-fi was to get it done quicker. It's not that we can't afford to keep chipping a way at things and pay for them as money comes in. That is what we have done for over two years, so we will just - Charlie Mike(continue mission).........