UPDATED: August 22, 2011 (Revisions are highlighted in yellow.)
Under applicable Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 183, Section 28C; 209 CMR 53.00; links are here and here, respectively), a lender may not make a home loan if that home loan pays off all or part of an existing home loan that was consummated within the prior sixty (60) -- month period; unless, the new home loan is in the "borrower's interest." A "home loan" is defined as essentially any consumer purpose loan repayment of which is secured by a 1- to 4-family owner-occupied dwelling.