
The most common documents for a refinance to clear up a conditional approval include:
- Updated Paystubs
- Updated homeowners’ insurance declaration page
- Letter of Explanation on any disputed tradeline or accounts
- Other documents that may be required to support income requirements
- Updated bank statements
- Proof mortgage is current
- Pay Stubs. ...
- W-2s or 1099s. ...
- Tax Returns. ...
- Statement of Assets. ...
- Statement of Debts. ...
- Insurance. ...
- Additional Documents.
What paperwork do I need to refinance?
What documents do I need to refinance my mortgage?
- Proof of income. Lenders will examine your monthly income to see if you generate enough money to pay off your new home loan and any previous obligations, as well ...
- Insurance Information. The insurance records will reveal who owns the house legally and whether you’ve kept it insured. ...
- Credit Verification. ...
- Statements Of Debt. ...
- Statement Of Assets
What documents do you need to refinance a mortgage?
That means pulling together documents for things like:
- Your current mortgage
- Home equity loans
- Credit cards
- Auto loans
- Student loans
What to do before refinancing?
What to do before refinancing a mortgage
- Check your credit score. You should already know that you FICO score it will be a crucial element if you want to achieve a good agreement.
- Compare the best mortgage deals. ...
- Gather your documents. ...
- Deliver the papers to start the process. ...
How long to keep old refinance documents?
What Documents Should You Keep After Paying Off Your Mortgage?
- Typical Mortgage Documents. U.S. ...
- Documents to Keep and Why. Although it might be tempting to shred the documents once the loan is paid off, homeowners should hold onto both the deed of trust and ...
- Discarded Documents and Solutions. ...
- Mortgage Document Storage. ...

What documents need to be signed at a refinance closing?
The exact documents you sign will depend on what type of refinancing you get. Your lending specialist should walk you through the closing process....Refinance closing documents often include:Final version of the closing disclosure statement.Your mortgage or deed of trust.Promissory note.Your right to cancel.
Do you need bank statements to refinance?
Mortgage lenders require you to provide them with recent statements from any account with readily available funds, such as a checking or savings account. In fact, they'll likely ask for documentation for any and all accounts that hold monetary assets. Why is this?
What proof of income do I need to refinance my mortgage?
Your W-2 details the amount of money you earn each year including regular salary or wages, bonuses, and tips. You'll need to submit your most recent W-2 form when you apply for a refinanced mortgage loan. The lender will use this information to see how much money they're willing to lend to you in the first place.
What are the rules for refinancing?
Check Your Credit To meet standards set for refis by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, lenders expect you to have a FICO credit score of at least 660 to 680, a housing-debt-to-income ratio of no more than 28% and a total debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less.
Is it hard to get approved for a refinance?
You need a decent credit score: The minimum credit score to refinance typically ranges from 580 to 680, depending on your lender and loan program. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) can't be too high: If you've taken on a lot of credit card debt and other loans, your refinance may not be approved.
How many pay stubs do you need to refinance?
You and anyone else who will be a co-borrower on the loan (like a partner or spouse) will need to provide pay stubs from the past 2 or 3 months. If you're self-employed, you'll need copies of your last two federal income tax returns as well as profit-and-loss statements in order to verify your income.
When refinancing Do they check employment?
Mortgage lenders verify employment by contacting employers directly and requesting income information and related documentation. Most lenders only require verbal confirmation, but some will seek email or fax verification. Lenders can verify self-employment income by obtaining tax return transcripts from the IRS.
How many times is your credit pulled when refinancing?
While the number of credit checks for a mortgage can vary depending on the situation, most lenders will check your credit up to three times during the application process.
Can I refinance my home if I lost my job?
Yes, you can purchase a home or refinance if you're unemployed, though there are additional challenges. There are a few things you can do to improve your chances as well. Many lenders want to see proof of income to know that you're able to repay the loan.
What disqualifies you from refinancing?
The key is your debt-to-income ratio, the percentage of your monthly income that goes to credit cards, student loans, car payments and housing payments. If the ratio is higher than 38 percent, many lenders will disqualify you.
How long does a refinance take to close?
30 to 45 daysThe Bottom Line You can refinance your mortgage loan to take advantage of lower interest rates, change your term, consolidate debt or take cash out of your equity. Though there is no exact time limit on how long a refinance can take, most refinances close within 30 to 45 days of your application.
Does refinancing hurt 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.
1. Proof of income
Lenders will examine your monthly income to see if you generate enough money to pay off your new home loan and any previous obligations, as well as cover your living expenses. Your income documents demonstrate a trend in your earnings and prove how much you make.
2. Insurance Information
The insurance records will reveal who owns the house legally and whether you’ve kept it insured.
3. Credit Verification
Lenders look at your credit scores to see how well you’ve managed borrowed funds in the past. They’ll also review your credit records for things like current debt levels and negative credit events, among other things.
4. Statements Of Debt
Your debt-to-income ratio will be calculated by your lender using your current loan balances. This will assist the lender in determining if you can afford the monthly mortgage payment.
5. Statement Of Assets
Your lender will need to verify that you have sufficient funds to cover the new mortgage’s closing charges. You may also need up to a year’s worth of cash reserves in the bank in some situations. These are designed to assist you in covering mortgage payments in the event of a financial hardship.
How Long Should I Keep Mortgage Refinance Documents?
As a general guideline, save any contract paperwork pertaining to your home purchase and initial loan for the duration of the loan and sometimes, for much longer.
Refinance Documentation FAQs
It’s time to get down to business with mortgage refinancing after you’ve crunched the figures and confirmed your eligibility. It’s crucial to keep in mind that your lender will want you to provide financial and account information.
How to streamline the process of refinancing?
One way to streamline the process is to gather all the documents you need before you begin. Luckily, most of these documents will be the same as those required when you applied for your mortgage. If you’ve kept track of them, you’re in luck. If not, it will be helpful if you keep all of these documents in the same place after you’ve tracked them down — this will help you prepare for any future refinances as well!
How does refinancing save money?
Refinancing saves you money by: 1 Lowering your monthly payments 2 Shortening your mortgage term 3 Lowering your APR
How to prove your trustworthiness?
To prove your trustworthiness as a borrower, you’ll need to provide your credit score and recent credit reports. However, you’ll also need to provide some information about the debt that you hold — even though it shows up on your credit report.
What is proof of assets?
Proof of assets. Any investments that generate funds for you are considered assets. These include savings accounts, any stocks and bonds you own, real estate you own, retirement funds, and other sources of income. Essentially, your proof of assets is another aspect of your proof of income. 3.
Can you save money on a refinance?
It can seem like a headache, but overall, a mortgage refinance can save you thousands of dollars on your home.
Can refinancing be done online?
One convenience of the modern world is that most things can be done online — refinancing included!
Do you have to verify your education to get a loan?
Believe it or not, some lenders require that you verify your education. This means you might have to provide a copy of your diploma or transcripts to prove your educational history.
What do you need to bring to a closing?
As you head to your closing, be sure to bring your Closing Disclosure form, your funds needed to close (typically in the form of a cashier’s check), and a driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.
How long does it take to refinance a home?
After all, refinances typically take a month or two to complete, and delays in getting your lender the information they need from you can stretch that timeline even further. Having all your documentation ready can help the process go more smoothly.
What does a mortgage lender ask for?
Your lender might ask for verification of debts or other expenses you’re currently paying. In particular, they’ll want to verify the details of your current mortgage and may ask you to provide a recent mortgage statement.
How long do you need to submit W-2s to a mortgage lender?
Typically, lenders ask for 2 years’ worth of information.
How long do you have to provide pay stubs for a co-borrower?
You and anyone else who will be a co-borrower on the loan (like a partner or spouse) will need to provide pay stubs from the past 2 or 3 months.
Is it easy to get a mortgage?
Getting a mortgage can be a somewhat lengthy and headache-inducing process. Having your documentation on hand and ready to go ahead of time can make things easier on yourself and help your lender move as efficiently as possible.
Do you need documentation to refinance a mortgage?
Your lender needs certain documentation to be able to approve you for your refinance. This documentation may vary depending on the lender you’re working with, the type of loan you’re getting, and your personal financial situation.
How to use a refinance checklist?
How to use this refinance checklist. Step 1: Ask yourself questions. Step 2: Conduct research. Step 3: Collect the paperwork. Step 4: Shop around and ask questions. Step 5: Apply and make final preparations. Respond quickly to additional requests. Get started on your refinance.
What will a refinance accomplish?
What will a refinance accomplish? Maybe you want to pay off your mortgage debt quicker. Or you may want to lower your monthly payment. Perhaps you seek to tap into your home’s equity and pursue a cash-out refi to fund a home improvement project. Narrow down your goals.
How much of your mortgage is refinancing expenses?
Can I cover refinance expenses? The closing costs and fees associated with refinancing a mortgage can often equate to 3 to 6 percent of your outstanding balance.
Why is it important to be ready for a refinance?
Being ready can simplify the process and provide better peace of mind. Preparation is vital for a mortgage refinance. You have to figure out if it makes financial sense, learn the facts, and shop around. Getting your paperwork in order is crucial, too. Tackling these steps will save you time and worry.
Is refinancing easy?
Refinancing is not simple, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And the benefits can be surprising.
Can you find a solid refinance deal?
As long as you know what to expect and come prepared, you’re likely to find a solid refinance deal and save a bundle over the life of your loan.
Do you have to pay for an appraisal before underwriting a loan?
Prepare for the appraisal. “Before they can underwrite the loan, your lender will order an appraisal. You usually have to pay for this at the start of the process,” says Vincent Geraci, senior vice president and mortgage sales manager with Unity Bank.
What documents are needed to refinance a car?
There are several Documents Needed For Auto Refinancing. A variety of identity, residence, income, and vehicle-related documentation is required to refinance a loan.
What is an application for title?
Application for Title: This document is used to get a new title that establishes a security interest in the vehicle by the new lender.
Do you need to upload a copy of your FSR?
Not only will you be required to upload copies or pictures of these documents, but it’s handy to have them available when you talk to a RefiJet FSR because they provide the answers to some of the application questions, such as the vehicle VIN. In addition, if you have them handy, you can upload them while you are on the phone with the FSR, which helps your refinance move as quickly as possible.
What documents are used to document unearned income?
Tax returns and supplementing documents may be used to document all unearned income, including rental real estate
What happens when you refinance a mortgage?
When you refinance your mortgage, you get a whole team working together to complete your loan on time and as seamlessly as possible. Helping them help you isn't just nice. It's smart.
How does home value affect refinancing?
Your home value also affects your ability to refinance profitably. One of the factors mortgage lenders use to set your interest rate is the loan-to-value ratio, or LTV. It's your loan amount divided by the property value. The higher the property value, the lower the LTV.
How to fix a credit report?
Fix credit report errors. If you can prove that a line in your report is wrong, your lender can resolve it fast with the help of a rapid re-scoring company. Or you can contact the credit bureaus yourself, but it does take longer.
Where to find my loan balance?
Know your payment amount and loan balance. It should be on your credit report, or find it on your monthly statement or call your lender.
Do you need a stable source of income to refinance?
To refinance successfully, you'll need a stable source of income. If you're a wage earner with a good job history, lenders assume that your earnings will continue. If you're self-employed, approval is much easier if your income is increasing or stable.
Do you have to pay closing costs on a refinance?
Understand that you probably won't have to pay for your costs out-of-pocket. You may choose to add them to your refinance balance, if you have enough home equity. Or you can pay a slightly higher interest rate in exchange for your lender covering the closing costs. That's how lenders pull off so-called "no-cost" refinances.
How to refinance a home?
Homeowners usually refinance their home to: 1 Negotiate a loan with a lower monthly payment or interest rate 2 Change their loan type from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage 3 Get cash to make home repairs or renovations 4 Pay down high-interest credit card debt
What is the first step in refinancing?
The first step to refinancing is knowing if you’re eligible and prepared for the process. Read on to make sure you have all the tools in your toolbox before you get started.
What is the minimum FHA score?
Most FHA-insured lenders, however, set their own limits higher to include a minimum score of 600 – 620. You can also refinance through an FHA streamline refinance, which enables you to refinance an existing FHA loan to a lower rate more quickly. You can avoid a lot of extra paperwork and often an appraisal.
What does refinancing a mortgage mean?
Refinancing simply means that you replace your existing mortgage with another one that has a different rate and term. You pay off your current mortgage with the proceeds from a new loan.
What is the credit score of a refinance?
Your credit score has a direct impact on your ability to refinance. Your credit score is a number that ranges from 300 – 850 and is used to indicate your creditworthiness. Lenders look at your score to determine how likely you are to repay your debts.
How soon after buying a home can you refinance?
Generally, your name must be on the title of your home for a minimum of 6 months if you have a conventional mortgage, jumbo loan or VA loan and want to do a cash-out refinance.
How to move forward with a refinance?
To move ahead with a refinance, you need to have a current insurance policy on your home that has enough coverage to satisfy the lender’s requirements for the amount of your refinance. Contact your insurance provider to determine whether your coverage is sufficient.

Proof of Income
Credit Verification
- Lenders look at your credit scores to see how well you’ve managed borrowed funds in the past. They’ll also review your credit records for things like current debt levels and negative credit events, among other things. Your lender normally only requires your consent verbally to draw your credit, but you may need to provide extra paperwork to back up the credit check: 1. Late payments, coll…
Statements of Debt
- Your debt-to-income ratio will be calculated by your lender using your current loan balances. This will assist the lender in determining if you can afford the monthly mortgage payment. Check your online accounts or contact each lender for a copy of your most recent billing statements. These are the documents you’ll need to prove your financial obligations: 1. The most current mortgage …
Statement of Assets
- Your lender will need to verify that you have sufficient funds to cover the new mortgage’s closing charges. You may also need up to a year’s worth of cash reserves in the bank in some situations. These are designed to assist you in covering mortgage payments in the event of a financial hardship. Include recent monthly statements from any account fr...
How Long Should I Keep Mortgage Refinance Documents?
- As a general guideline, save any contract paperwork pertaining to your home purchase and initial loan for the duration of the loan and sometimes, for much longer. Because home loans might have tax ramifications, the IRS has recommendations for what documents you should maintain and how long you should keep it. For at least three years after the date of a return, you may be re…
Refinance Documentation FAQs
- It’s time to get down to business with mortgage refinancing after you’ve crunched the figures and confirmed your eligibility. It’s crucial to keep in mind that your lender will want you to provide financial and account information. Your credit report will show you how much money you owe, but your lender will also require this information. Account statements for your mortgage, any home …
The Bottom Line
- Refinancing your existing mortgage has a number of advantages, including the ability to borrow against the equity in your house, eliminate mortgage insurance, lower monthly payments, and shorten the length of your loan. Cain Mortgage is here to help you get started with your refinance by guiding you through each step. Contact the Cain Mortgage Teamtoday to get your Mortgage …
Proof of Income
Proof of Assets
Profit and Loss Statements
Proof of Debts and Credit Information
Social Security Card/ID
- You’ll need to prove your identity when you apply for a refinance, so be sure to have a copy of your original social security card on hand, in addition to a second form of ID — a driver’s license or a passport will do.
Educational History
Proof of Insurance
Appraisal Documentation
Ready to Apply?