How long does it take to Refinance? - Mortgage Choice (2024)

The process to refinance works in a similar way as applying for your original loan and therefore refinancing on average can generally take 4-8 weeks in total. Of course, the process can vary based on your individual situation and some lenders may even be able to offer a “FASTRefi®”.1

If eligible, a fast refi can speed up the time it takes to refinance your home loan. A fast refi works by using title insurance2 to allow lenders to payout your loan account without waiting for your existing lender to process the discharge. While this reduces the time it takes to refinance your loan, your lender is still obligated to make reasonable inquiries about your requirements and reasons for refinancing your existing home loan as well as determine and verify your financial situation in the process. It is of course important to understand that not all lenders are able to offer a fast refi and you may not be eligible.

To find out more about fast refinance options, it is best to speak with your local Mortgage Choice broker, who can go through your situation and help you get the right deal.

Speak to your broker to find out more about refinancing today!

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The Refinancing Process

The first step involved in the refinancing process is to review your current mortgage and financial situation and understand if refinancing is right for you. There are many reasons why someone may want to refinance and to determine whether it is the right decision. At Mortgage Choice, your broker can help you with a Home Loan Health Check to review your situation and ensure you’re receiving the best deal.

Once you’ve decided that refinancing is the right choice for you, the next step of the process is to find the right home loan for you. You can search through thousands of different home loans across our lender panel here or speak to a Mortgage Choice Broker who can go through your situation, compare the loans available and find the loan that’s right for you.

Now that you’ve decided on the home loan and lender that you would like to refinance to, the refinance application will work similarly to your original loan application. Your broker can do all the legwork for you to assist your refinance application. During the process your property may need to be revalued by the new lender.

Finally, once you’ve received approval for your new mortgage, you will get your settlement date where your new lender will pay off your existing loan and you will receive your new home loan product.

Refinancing guide

If you’re thinking about refinancing, this guide can help you learn more about the refinancing process, benefits and options available.


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How to know if you should refinance?

There are many different reasons someone may want to refinance their home loan.These reasons can include securing a better interest rate, receiving additional or better loan features, consolidating other debt or even accessing home equity.

However, before deciding whether you should refinance or not, you should consider the potential costs involved that can include exit costs from leaving your existing lender as well as borrowing costs charged by your new lender.

Of course, every situation is different when it comes to the benefits and costs of refinancing, therefore it helps to review your situation and get expert advice. You can use our online tool below to review your home loan and understand whether refinancing is right for you!

How long does it take to Refinance? - Mortgage Choice (2)

Review your home loan today to ensure it's the right one for you!

Refinance

1https://www.msanational.com.au/FASTRefi.htm
2
Fees may apply for Title Insurance

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How long does it take to Refinance?  - Mortgage Choice (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to Refinance? - Mortgage Choice? ›

Refinancing typically takes between 30 and 60 days. Government-backed Streamline Refinance loans, which often don't require an appraisal, may close faster.

How long does it take to get approved for refinance? ›

You can refinance your mortgage loan to get a lower interest rate, change your term, consolidate debt or take cash out of your equity. There's no exact time limit on how long a refinance can take. However, most refinances close within 30 to 45 days of applying for the refinance loan.

How long is the waiting period for refinancing? ›

You must wait at least 210 days from closing on the original loan and must have made at least six payments. FHA rate-and-term refinance: Non-FHA borrowers can refinance a current mortgage to an FHA loan. The FHA does not require a waiting period, though some lenders may impose one.

How long does it take an underwriter to approve a refinance? ›

A refinance loan is the only type of mortgage that can be underwritten in less than 21 days. The reason underwriting can take this long is because your loan officer will need to verify your income, assets and debts.

How long does it take to get an answer from a lender? ›

From application to approval and closing, getting a mortgage can take anywhere from 30 days to 60 days. However, some home purchases can take longer, depending on factors unique to the purchase transaction and the home loan processing time.

Why is my refinancing taking so long? ›

Lenders will likely comb through your credit report more than once during the process and will have questions about any new credit. This can slow things down. Incomplete paperwork. Sending incomplete paperwork will require back and forth communication and may cause delays in the refinance process.

Do I need an appraisal to refinance? ›

You'll typically need a home appraisal to refinance your mortgage, both to confirm your home's value and to set your new loan amount. If your refinance appraisal comes in too low, though, you may not be able to refinance unless you use a streamline (no-appraisal) refinance program.

What are the stages of refinancing? ›

How does refinancing work?
  • The lender will do a credit check.
  • You'll turn in any required financial documentation.
  • You'll pay for a home appraisal.
  • The loan will go through the mortgage underwriting process.
  • The process will be completed in an average of 30 to 45 days.
Mar 25, 2024

Can I refinance my mortgage immediately? ›

Many homeowners have the option to refinance into a lower-rate loan immediately, with no waiting period. Others may only need to wait as little as six months. This means there's a strong possibility that you're eligible for a mortgage refinance at today's favorable rates.

What are the cons of refinancing? ›

Cons Of Refinancing
  • The Savings Might Not Be Worth The Effort.
  • Your Monthly Payment Could Increase.
  • You Could Reduce The Equity In Your Home.

Is underwriting the last step? ›

Final Underwriting And Clear To Close: At Least 3 Days

Once the underwriter has determined that your loan is fit for approval, you'll be cleared to close. At this point, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure.

How long does it take the underwriter to make a decision? ›

Each situation is different, but underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Missing signatures or documents, and issues with the appraisal or title insurance are some of the things that can hold up the process.

How long does it take for a lender to make a decision? ›

Usually, approving a mortgage takes two to six weeks, but this may vary. The timeline depends on several factors, including your circ*mstances, the lender's availability and the findings from your property's valuation.

How do you know when your mortgage loan is approved? ›

How do you know when your mortgage loan is approved? Typically, your loan officer will call or email you once your loan is approved. Sometimes, your loan processor will pass along the good news.

How long does it take to close after underwriting? ›

Working through each step is part of the reason why it can take 30 – 45 days on average to move from underwriting to closing.

Is it hard to qualify for a refinance? ›

Your credit score gauges how likely you are to repay a loan and is usually measured on a scale from 300 to 850. To be approved for a conventional mortgage, you typically need a minimum 620 credit score. If your score is below the mid-600s, however, you may have a harder time qualifying for a refinance.

Can you refinance immediately? ›

Many homeowners have the option to refinance into a lower-rate loan immediately, with no waiting period. Others may only need to wait as little as six months. This means there's a strong possibility that you're eligible for a mortgage refinance at today's favorable rates.

How quickly after buying a house can you refinance? ›

Many lenders will require at least a year of payments before refinancing your home. Some refuse to refinance in any situation within 120 to 180 days of issuing the loan. The more money you put into your home, the easier it will be to refinance, regardless of when you do it.

How fast is a refinance? ›

You can refinance your home loan as soon and as often as you'd like. That said, if you want to refinance with the same lender, you're likely required to wait 6 months. From the moment you submit your new loan application, you can expect the refinance process to be over in around 30 to 45 days.

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