The mortgage refinance process in 6 steps: Timeline to close

How to refinance your mortgage

Considering refinancing your mortgage? You may want to refinance for a variety of reasons, including owning your home sooner, tapping into equity, or lowering your monthly payment.

But just how does refinancing your home work? Luckily, the refinance process is relatively simple. It’s easy to explore your options and apply for a new home loan.

With a clear understanding of the refinance process, you’ll be better equipped to get approved and find the best deal. Here’s how to get started.

In this article (Skip to...)

• How refinancing works
• Set refinance goals
• Get quotes
• Compare rates
• Submit documents
• Underwriting
• Closing day
• Refinance FAQ

How does mortgage refinancing work?

Mortgage refinancing replaces your current loan with a new one, typically with terms that better suit your needs. You’ll apply for a new mortgage, and if approved, you’ll pay off your existing mortgage with the new loan. Your refinance should benefit you in some way — perhaps you’ll pay less interest, lower your mortgage payment, or own your home sooner.

Here are the six steps in the refinance process.

1. Set clear financial goals. Are you refinancing from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate loan? Do you have other goals? In any event, have a clear picture of what you hope to achieve with a refinance
2. Get multiple rate quotes. Request quotes from at least three lenders within a two-week period. This reduces the impact on your credit score
3. Compare rates and fees. Studies have shown that those who request at least three quotes save an average of $300 a year on their mortgage payments
4. Submit the paperwork. Gather your loan documents and complete your application
5. Schedule a home appraisal. Most lenders require a refinance appraisal to establish your home’s current market value
6. Close the refinance loan. You’ll need to pay refinance closing costs. Although, you may be able to roll those costs into the loan to avoid paying them upfront

The refinance process in six steps

Let’s look at each stage of the refinance process in a little more detail.

1. Set your refinance goals

The first step in the refinance process is to set a clear goal. Figure out what benefits you want from a mortgage refinance and what type of loan will help you get there.

There are a number of reasons homeowners choose to refinance. For example:

• Are you trying to save money immediately by lowering your monthly payment?
• Are you looking to save money long-term by taking your 30-year loan down to 15 years?
• Do you want to remove private mortgage insurance (PMI) or FHA mortgage insurance?
• Do you want to cash out your home equity?

Taking out a new home loan can help you achieve any of these goals. But you have to choose the right refinance strategy for what you hope to accomplish. There are three main types of refinance loans:

• Rate and term: Lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or perhaps both. You can reduce your monthly mortgage payment and save on interest over the life of the loan
• Cash-out refi: Tap into your home’s equity and use the cash for home improvements, debt consolidation, emergency funds, or any other purpose
• Rate conversion: Convert your adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage to avoid any future increases in your rate or mortgage payment

You also have to choose which loan product you’ll use: conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, or USDA. Many homeowners stick with the same type of loan they currently have. But switching to a different loan type could have added benefits.

Your loan officer can help you understand your refinance options and choose the best loan for your financial situation.

2. Get refinance rates from several lenders

Now that you’ve decided it makes sense to consider refinancing, it’s time to get your mortgage quotes. You’ll want to apply for preapproval with a few different lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your new loan.

Refinance rates can vary significantly from lender to lender. And a lower interest rate can mean big savings — especially over the long haul.

But remember that there’s more to it than just the lowest rate. Refinance closing costs are typically a few thousand dollars — just like when you bought your home. The higher your upfront fees, the more they eat into your savings. So look for the lowest closing costs as well as the lowest interest rate.

Also, keep in mind that different loan programs have different refinance rates. For example, VA rates, conventional rates, and FHA loan rates can vary a lot. Rates can change from day to day, too, so it helps to get your refinance quotes on the same day.

3. Compare rates and fees

To ensure you’re getting the best possible deal, you should obtain multiple quotes from different lenders. But how do you even know if a lender is offering the best deal?

Compare Loan Estimates

The Loan Estimate (LE) is a standard three-page document provided by lenders. This form provides you with important information, including the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, and total costs for your new loan.

The LE also provides additional important information that can be helpful when shopping and comparing refinance quotes. For instance, on the second page, you’ll be able to see and compare loan origination fees. These vary substantially from lender to lender, so shopping for the lowest origination fee can save you a lot of money upfront.

Once you’ve compared your LEs side by side, you’ll have a much fuller understanding of which lender is truly offering the best deal on your new mortgage.

Understand interest vs. principal repayment

Another great tool for mortgage borrowers is located on page three. In the Comparisons section, you can see and compare how much you’ll have paid in five years as well as how much of those payments will have gone towards principal versus interest. You’ll also find your APR (annual percentage rate) which reflects the “true” cost of the loan when upfront fees are factored in.

Look for prepayment penalties

Finally, don’t forget to look at whether or not there are any prepayment penalties associated with your loan. Most mortgages today don’t have prepayment penalties, but check just to be sure.

4. Submit your documents

Now that you’ve chosen your lender and the type of refinance loan that best suits your needs, it’s time to complete your loan application and submit financial documents. This is an important part of the process and can impact the amount of time it takes to get your loan closed.

The time to close your loan is significant for a number of reasons. Mainly — your rate lock. Not closing before your rate lock expires can result in costly extension fees or a higher interest rate.

Turning in all your documents on time helps ensure your loan will close in a timely manner. The required documents to refinance typically include:

• Paystubs covering 30 days
• Bank statements from the last two months
• W-2s and/or 1099s for past two years
• Tax returns for the past two years
• Asset statements covering the most recent 60 days
• Proof of homeowners insurance

Other documents may be required depending on the type of loan for which you’re applying and the details surrounding your loan profile. For example, someone who is self-employed will need to provide more documentation than someone who is a W-2 wage earner. Someone who’s retired and receiving Social Security or a pension will have other requirements, as well.

Additional documents may be necessary depending on your situation and the type of loan for which you are applying. Your lender will provide you with a complete list of the documents needed.

5. Appraisal and underwriting

The next step in the refinance process is going through a home appraisal and underwriting. Your lender will order a new home appraisal to verify your current home value. The underwriter will review your documents and offer conditional and/or final approval for your new loan.

Underwriting turn times can vary widely. Some lenders can underwrite a refinance loan in days, while others may take a few weeks. The time underwriting takes depends on a lender’s current volume, the complexity of your application, and the availability of appraisers. An appraisal alone can often take one to two weeks.

As the borrower, this part of the refinance process is mostly a waiting game. But you can often shorten the approval time by providing all your documents right away and responding to additional requests as quickly as possible.

6. Closing day

Closing on your refinance is the final step in the process. Well, almost.

When refinancing, you will encounter the “Right of Rescission.” This is a mandatory three-day waiting period before your loan will fund. It gives homeowners a small window in which they can cancel their refinance loan if they change their minds.

Provided you go ahead with your loan, you’ll have a closing day and sign the final papers, just like on your first mortgage. To ensure your closing day is as smooth as possible, consider the following steps:

• Stay in close contact with your lender in the days leading up to the closing. This can help make certain all necessary documents and financial arrangements for the mortgage are in place
• Be particularly careful not to apply for additional credit or use credit cards more than usual
• Underwriters typically check your credit report again just before settlement. Make certain to keep your credit profile as close as possible to how it was when you applied for your loan

These days, lenders are required to issue a Closing Disclosure (CD) within three days of closing. The interest rate, terms, and closing costs on your CD should closely mirror the ones on your Loan Estimate. Mortgage borrowers should compare the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure for any errors. You’ll want to review these documents carefully with your lender.

Benefits of mortgage refinancing

It’s important to understand your financial goals when refinancing. Here are a few scenarios where it makes sense to consider refinancing your home.

• Cancel mortgage insurance: Most conventional loan holders can drop private mortgage insurance (PMI) when they reach 20% home equity. But FHA borrowers aren’t so lucky. They’ll pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) until the loan is paid or refinanced into a different loan type
• Own your home sooner: Homeowners who refinance their 30-year loan into a 15-year loan will own their homes outright much sooner. And, if you’re able to do so with a lower interest rate, then the savings could be significant
• Reduce your mortgage payment: If you’re fortunate enough to score a lower rate with a new home loan, then you stand to reduce your monthly cash requirements
• Tap home equity: Cash-out refinances are a popular method for accessing your home’s equity. You can use the lump sum for just about any purpose, including purchasing investment properties, home improvement, or debt consolidation

Drawbacks of mortgage refinancing

Refinancing a mortgage loan doesn’t always make financial sense. Some homeowners may end up paying more money in fees and interest. Here are a few reasons refinancing might not make sense for you.

• You’ll pay closing costs again: Underwriting a mortgage loan isn’t cheap. Similar to your home purchase, expect to pay 2% to 6% of your loan amount in closing costs
• Borrowing costs can increase: Your new mortgage may result in paying even more in interest. For example, if you refinance your 30-year loan into a new 30-year loan, you’ll likely pay more interest than if you hadn’t extended your loan repayment term
• Your interest rate could increase: If rates in general have risen since you took out your original home loan, you may not be able to refinance into a lower rate. It usually doesn’t make sense to refinance if your interest rate will go up

Keep in mind that a refinance isn’t the only option. If you want to tap home equity, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) could help you cash out without refinancing your existing mortgage. Work with your loan officer closely to determine which loan type is best for your unique situation.

Refinance process FAQ

Should you refinance?

Thanks to significant home value appreciation, millions of homeowners have ample incentive to refinance. However, refinancing isn’t the right move for everyone. You need to make sure a new loan will truly benefit you — whether via a lower interest rate, cash-back, or some other perk.

Check your loan options with a lender. If you can save money in the long run, a refinance is likely the right move.