Refinancing, is it an option? (interest rate, property, equity, Kentucky)

[Gap1080]

Ive owned a home in SoCal where i lived for nearly 4 years. Recently i got a new job in Kentucky (temporary possibly permanent). I have been in Ky for 9 months living with a Friend so i pay no rent. All of the utilities at the home in CA are still in my name, and i would really like to take advantage of the current low interest rates and refi my CA home. I owe less than the value and the home and its at 5.5% on an FHA <$130,000 remaining. Is it possible for me to refi the home where i am currently working in KY? Would this be considered a second/investment property to a mortgage co at this point? And what ramifications would there if this is true?

Thanks for the help

[farmermac]

Are you renting it out? Or just keeping up on bills and its still considered your primary residence

[Gap1080]

Not renting just keeping as is until further notice. But I'm not sure if it counts as my primary res (technically that is) based on some IRS criteria. Im somewhat vague on this part aswell.

[MN Mortgage Broker]

It may depend on where you are currently considered a resident.

[Gap1080]

Ya im not technicaly sure on where im considered a resident either. I still have a CA drivers licence. but i think that Primary residency is based soley on where you spend the majority of you living time. So if no one knows how would i be able to find out?

[Pfhtex]

They will look at your job and likely decline the CA property as a Primary Residence due to lack of feasibility of a reasonable commute, nor are you likely spending 51% of your time at the CA property. So, it's a Second Home. An appraiser will come and appraise it, who will be allowed entrance by your buddy who just swung by to wait for the appraiser to allow interior access.

Rates are neck and neck for primaries and second homes with your equity position.