In some cases, the move to a higher rate mortgage could make sense. More than a third of new applications in the current, struggling mortgage market are refinances. As rates continue to rise, most would think that refinancing just doesn't add up. But under the right circumstances, refinancing to a higher rate may be a good move.
One scenario for refinancing higher is if a person has an old mortgage and little left to pay off, but high interest credit bills or home renovations that are a necessity. In this case, the home's equity could be refinanced, bills could be consolidated, and monthly overhead would be cut even with a higher rate. The other reason it makes sense to refinance at a higher rate is if you have a financial emergency and a "cash-out" refinance is the only way to get the money you need.