How long does it take for a refinance to go through?

Asked by: Dr. Francis Jacobson DDS  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 5/5 (17 votes)

A refinance typically takes 30 to 45 days to complete. However, no one will be able to tell you exactly how long yours will take. Appraisals, inspections and other services performed by third parties can delay the process.

Why does it take so long to close on a refinance?

It takes so long to refinance a mortgage today because demand is strong. Once you own your primary residence, you are considered neutral real estate. To make money in real estate, you need to invest in rental properties, REITs, or real estate crowdfunded projects.

How long does underwriting take for refinancing?

Underwriting can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, but the average is a week or two. Your lender will issue your approval once underwriting is complete.

What are the steps of refinancing?

How to refinance your mortgage
  1. Step 1: Set a clear financial goal. ...
  2. Step 2: Check your credit score and history. ...
  3. Step 3: Determine how much home equity you have. ...
  4. Step 4: Shop multiple mortgage lenders. ...
  5. Step 5: Get your paperwork in order. ...
  6. Step 6: Prepare for the appraisal. ...
  7. Step 7: Come to the closing with cash, if needed.

How long does a refinance closing Signing take?

You might be wondering, "How long does a refinance take to close?" On average, you're looking at 30 to 45 days, overall, but closing times can vary. However, once you sign your home refinance documents with the title company, it won't take too long to make your refinance official.

Refinancing 101: How long does it take to go through the refinancing process?

23 related questions found

What to bring to closing refinance?

Closings usually take place at a title company. For a refinance, it'll be you and any co-borrowers and a closing agent in attendance. You'll need to bring a state-issued photo ID and a cashier's check or wire transfer to pay for outstanding items or closing costs that aren't rolled into the loan.

Can a refinance be denied after closing?

Can a mortgage loan be denied after closing? Though it's rare, a mortgage can be denied after the borrower signs the closing papers. ... This may also happen during a refinance closing because borrowers have a three-day right of rescission.

Do appraisers come inside for a refinance?

A full appraisal will require a home visit. When it comes to a refinance appraisal, you have the option to attend the appraisal if you want. The appraiser will conduct a thorough inspection of the home's exterior and interior to judge the condition of the property and make note of its size and features.

Does refinancing hurt your credit?

Refinancing will hurt your credit score a bit initially, but might actually help in the long run. Refinancing can significantly lower your debt amount and/or your monthly payment, and lenders like to see both of those. Your score will typically dip a few points, but it can bounce back within a few months.

What happens to equity when you refinance?

The equity that you built up in your home over the years, whether through principal repayment or price appreciation, remains yours even if you refinance the home. ... Your equity position over time will vary with home prices in your market along with the loan balance on your mortgage or mortgages.

How do I know if my mortgage will be approved?

Here are some of the key factors that determine whether a lender will give you a mortgage.
  1. Your credit score. Your credit score is determined based on your past payment history and borrowing behavior. ...
  2. Your debt-to-income ratio. ...
  3. Your down payment. ...
  4. Your work history. ...
  5. The value and condition of the home.

Is underwriting the last step?

No, underwriting is not the final step in the mortgage process. You still have to attend closing to sign a bunch of paperwork, and then the loan has to be funded. ... The underwriter might request additional information, such as banking documents or letters of explanation (LOE).

How long does it take to get an appraisal back for a refinance?

The home appraisal process typically takes seven to 10 days. The time frame depends on the property, the complexity of the appraisal, and the appraiser's schedule (i.e., how busy they are). The appraiser may spend 30 minutes or up to several hours examining the home in person.

What can I do if my refinance is taking too long?

Here are a few ways you can make the refi process as smooth as possible:
  1. Get your paperwork in order. Don't let something simple like a missing document delay your refinance. ...
  2. Make sure the lender will honor your rate lock. ...
  3. Keep your credit score tight.

Is no news good news in underwriting?

When it comes to mortgage lending, no news isn't necessarily good news. Particularly in today's economic climate, many lenders are struggling to meet closing deadlines, but don't readily offer up that information. When they finally do, it's often late in the process, which can put borrowers in real jeopardy.

Who is the fastest mortgage lender?

LoanDepot is offering what may be the fastest quick-closing mortgage in the race. Their new product, mello smartloan, an end-to-end digital mortgage, offers qualified borrowers a home loan in as few as eight days, a feat that seems almost impossible to long-time players in the real estate industry.

Does refinancing lower your house payment?

Refinancing can lower your monthly payment, but it will often make the loan more expensive in the end if you're adding years to your mortgage. If you need to refinance to avoid losing your house, paying more, in the long run, might be worth it.

What is the minimum FICO score needed to refinance a mortgage?

Just like with your original mortgage, the higher your credit score, the better your rate. Most lenders require a credit score of 620 to refinance to a conventional loan.

Does refinancing affect taxes?

Refinance loans are treated like other mortgage loans when it comes to your taxes. You may be able to deduct certain costs, like mortgage interest, but only if you itemize your deductions. If you take the standard deduction (which most filers do), then your mortgage refinance won't affect your taxes one way or another.

What hurts a home appraisal?

Things that can hurt a home appraisal

A cluttered yard, bad paint job, overgrown grass and an overall neglected aesthetic may hurt your home appraisal. Broken appliances and outdated systems. By systems we mean plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical systems.

Does a messy house affect an appraisal?

If you are ready to have your home appraised, you should address any significant issues that may affect your home's value—such as damaged flooring, outdated appliances, and broken windows. A messy home should not affect an appraisal, but signs of neglect may influence how much lenders are willing to let you borrow.

Does yard affect appraisal?

Landscaping can also significantly impact property values. ... When valuing a home, the appraiser must look at the subject property's landscaping compared to other properties in the area. Landscaping accounts for 85 percent of what buyers first see when looking at a home.

What is the best day to close on a refinance?

The best day to close a home purchase, or a mortgage refinance, is on the last business day of the month, unless it falls on a Monday. Then you should close on the preceding Friday so you don't have to pay interest over a weekend.

Can you lose a house after closing?

Legally it's called “adverse possession” and affects properties that the owner doesn't occupy. If someone moves into an abandoned home and they live there for a few years, paying taxes and taking care of it, then they can actually end up owning that property.

Can a refinance be denied after appraisal?

If you are denied a mortgage refinance loan, you will receive what's called an adverse action letter from the lender informing you why your application was rejected. ... Low home appraisal: If the appraised value of your home is less than what you owe, you won't be able to refinance.