will a lender approve me for a small personal loan so I can pay down the balance and refinance?

Hi Joehall....that is not an easy answer as your credit score is actually just mediocre...good would be 680-720....etc...so you will be hit on the rate for sure and again, any new loans will only add to the debt ratio....I am curious as to why you did not do a HARP refi the last few years, that would have been the way to refi with the value as it is. That program ended but you may be eligible for a streamline refi with your current service provider, regardless of current value...you should at least look into that....not sure what else I can suggest...best of luck