Refinance Checklist

Quick Tips for Getting Started on Your Refinance
Copyright © Joseph Valenzuela


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When you refinance your existing mortgage, you are essentially paying off the existing mortgage debt and replacing it with a new loan. Many of the same costs are involved in refinancing a loan as are in first-time financing.

To start with, the lender will need personal information to verify employment for you and your co-borrower (if there is one). They will also need information regarding all of your debts and assets, including your existing mortgage.

In order to expedite the paperwork process, gather the following items together to take with you:

• W2's from the last two years (for borrower and co-borrower, if you filed separately).
• If you are self-employed, bring signed copies of your last two year's tax returns, as well as any schedules that were filed, and a profit/loss statement or balance sheet for the current year.
• Homeowner's insurance company name and number.
• The original lender’s contact information.
• Most recent bank statements.
• Most recent statements from 401ks, IRAs, mutual funds and securities accounts.
• A copy of the current payment coupon for your existing loan, along with the outstanding mortgage balance.


What costs are involved?

Some of the fees and closing costs involved in a refinance have the option of being waived.

Here is a brief rundown on fees you could expect with a refinance loan:

• Application Fee – A fee charged by the lender to process the loan application.
• Appraisal Fee – This determines the current value of your home.
• Credit Report – The fee the lender charges to pull your credit report.
• Title Search and Title Insurance – You may be able to get your current title company to reissue a new policy and save money in this area.
• Survey – The lender may order a property survey to document the current status of the land your property is on.
• Loan Origination Fee – A fee the borrower pays the lender to underwrite the loan. Usually expressed in the form of points.
• Discount Points – One point is equal to one percent of the loan amount. You may want to pay discount points to secure a lower interest rate.
• Miscellaneous Fees – VA and FHA loans may have fees associated with them. Private mortgage Insurance (PMI), document preparation fees, notary fees and tax service fees may also fall under this category.
• Prepayment Penalty – If your existing loan carries a prepayment penalty clause, you will have to pay a percentage of the outstanding loan amount for paying the loan off early.

Just as with your original loan, your lender is required to provide you with a Truth-in-Lending Statement outlining the fees associated with your new loan.


About the Author: As a Mortgage Professional, I promise to be your partner in the mortgage process.

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