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Buying a house is an exciting milestone, but it can also be stressful — especially if you’re self-employed and have to jump through extra hoops to secure a loan. Self-employed borrowers may have even more difficulty when applying for a jumbo loan for a more expensive house.

Below, we’ll walk through jumbo loans for the self-employed: types of loans available, typical requirements, and what the lending process is like.

What Are Jumbo Loans for the Self-Employed?

Each year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets a maximum limit on the dollar amount of mortgages that government-sponsored Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will purchase. Loans within those limits are called conforming loans.

But what if you want a more expensive house and need a larger mortgage? That’s where jumbo loans come in. Jumbo loans, also called non-conforming loans, pose a higher risk to the lender and thus come with stricter requirements for borrowers.

Self-employed individuals can get conforming mortgages just like any other borrowers, though they may be asked for additional documents to prove their income. (The same is true when it comes to personal loans for the self-employed.) But what about jumbo loans for self-employed individuals? Are those possible?

Many lenders allow self-employed individuals to apply for and secure a non-qualified mortgage, also called a non-QM loan. Lenders enable borrowers to qualify for a non-qualified mortgage using alternative methods, particularly for income verification. Some examples of non-QM loans include 1099-only loans, bank statement loans, and investor cash flow loans.

1099-Only Loan

A 1099-only loan is just what it sounds like. Self-employed individuals typically receive 1099s, not W-2s, at tax time. Though lenders usually review an applicant’s W-2s, a self-employed individual may be able to apply for a jumbo loan by showing 1099s from previous years. Loan requirements will vary by lender.

Why not just look at previous tax returns? All 1099 income appears on your tax return, after all. However, self-employed workers write off business expenses to lower their taxable income and reduce their overall tax burden. An individual who brings in good money but has a lot of write-offs may have a harder time qualifying based on their tax return, which shows adjusted gross income, but could qualify based on their 1099.

Bank Statement Loan

Another route that self-employed individuals can take to get a jumbo mortgage loan is through bank statements alone. Again, requirements will vary by lender, but lenders offering bank statement mortgages will often approve self-employed individuals for jumbo loans with just recent bank statements (personal or business) demonstrating income, rather than with traditional tax documents.

Investor Cash Flow Loan

Self-employed individuals who want to diversify by purchasing an investment property may be able to get a jumbo loan with no income verification at all. Instead, with an investor cash flow loan, borrowers can get a loan by using the anticipated cash flow from the rental property.


💡 Quick Tip: One answer to rising house prices is a jumbo loan. Apply for a jumbo loan online with SoFi, and you could finance up to $2.5 million with as little as 10% down. Get preapproved and you’ll be prepared to compete in a hot market.

Challenges Faced by Self-Employed Borrowers

These non-QM loan options for self-employed borrowers address typical challenges that self-employed borrowers face when applying for a mortgage, particularly a jumbo mortgage. For instance, self-employed borrowers:

•   Can’t produce W-2s to verify their income or employment.

•   May have a lot of write-offs on their tax return that make it look like they earn less.

•   May otherwise need to provide a lot of complicated business documents for underwriting.

Recommended: Benefits of Being an Entrepreneur

Jumbo Loan Underwriting Guidelines

Jumbo loans may allow you to buy a more expensive home, but you’ll have to meet a lot of strict requirements, self-employed or not. Below are the core underwriting guidelines that lenders use when considering jumbo loan applications:

•   Credit score: Credit score requirements for jumbo loans will vary by lender, but expect to need a higher credit score than you’d need for a more traditional loan. A credit score of 700 or above should do the trick, although some lenders will have more lenient standards, while some may have tighter restrictions for a second home or investment property.

•   Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders may have varying income requirements for jumbo loans, but they’ll also look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. If you have significant monthly debt obligations compared to your monthly income, you may not qualify for a jumbo loan.

•   Cash reserves: For certain loans and certain applicants, lenders may require you to have mortgage reserves — liquid assets (money in a bank account or certificate of deposit, stocks and bonds, or vested retirement funds, for instance) set aside to cover a certain number of months’ worth of housing costs. The money you’ll spend on your down payment and closing costs is not considered part of your cash reserves. For a jumbo loan, it’s possible you’ll need to have six to 12 months’ worth of reserves.

Tips for Increasing Chances of Approval

As a self-employed borrower, it’s crucial that you work on your credit score, reduce your monthly debts, and have strong evidence of solid monthly income before trying to qualify for a mortgage, particularly a jumbo loan. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of approval:

•   Work on your credit score first: Having a high credit score is one of the major requirements for approval. If you’re right beneath the 700 threshold, it may be worth it to wait a few months if you’re actively working on maintaining a good credit score.

•   Pay off outstanding debts: An easy way to decrease your DTI (and thus increase your chances of approval) is to pay off debts before buying a house. Stop accruing new credit card debt, and work on paying off existing debts before applying. If you’re able to knock out your credit card debt or pay off your car before applying for a jumbo loan, you may have a better shot.

•   Collect all the documentation you can: Having documentation of your income and employment is key. As a self-employed individual, it might be worth it to work with an accountant to compile all the paperwork.

Understanding the Jumbo Loan Process

The jumbo loan process is similar to the standard conforming loan process, but it may take longer. Here are the general steps for getting a jumbo loan:

1.    Make sure you’re qualified: Review your credit score, DTI, and cash reserves to make sure you’re likely to get approved for a jumbo loan. Gather all the necessary documents.

2.    Find a lender: Not every lender offers jumbo loans to self-employed borrowers. Do some research to find out which lenders will offer you the best chances. Loan terms and interest rates will vary depending on the lender, the current market, and your finances. Get preapproved for a loan.

3.    Make an offer on a home: Once you have funding approved, find a house you love and put in an offer.

4.    Get an appraisal: As with a conforming mortgage, the lender will require a home appraisal to ensure the home is worth what you’re borrowing.

5.    Close on the home: Because jumbo loans are larger, expect to need a larger down payment. Closing costs will also be higher. Because jumbo loans pose more risk to lenders, the timeline between the offer and closing may take longer than for a traditional home loan.

💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

Pros and Cons of Jumbo Loans for Self-Employed Individuals

Jumbo loans are possible for self-employed individuals, but there are also some drawbacks to consider. Self-employed borrowers should keep the tough requirements in mind when considering purchasing a home above the FHFA conforming loan limits, but if they really want that more expensive home, it could be worth the effort.

Here are the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

•   Higher loan limits: Self-employed individuals who make enough money to justify buying a house priced above conforming loan limits can get jumbo loans to finance their dream home.

•   Flexible underwriting: By using non-QM loans, self-employed borrowers can use documentation like 1099s or bank statements instead of W-2s and tax returns to demonstrate their income and employment.

Cons

•   Higher interest rates: Jumbo loans may have higher interest rates because they pose a greater risk to the lender.

•   Stricter qualification criteria: Anyone applying for a jumbo loan should be prepared for stricter qualification criteria, but self-employed borrowers may have even more hurdles to clear. Lenders might want to see multiple years’ worth of income — and the income, credit score, and DTI thresholds may be higher than for a conforming loan.

Recommended: What to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage Lender

The Takeaway

Self-employed individuals may have a tougher time getting approved for a jumbo loan, but it’s not impossible. Having a strong credit score and low DTI are important, but having the proper documentation to demonstrate stable income is also crucial.

When you’re ready to take the next step, consider what SoFi Home Loans have to offer. Jumbo loans are offered with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 10%.

FAQ

How many years of tax returns do I need to provide for a jumbo loan?

Typical borrowers will need to provide at least two years of tax returns to get a jumbo loan. Self-employed individuals, however, may need to provide additional documentation to get approved for funding.

Can I use 1099 income to qualify for a jumbo loan?

Some lenders allow you to use 1099 income to qualify for a jumbo loan. Self-employed individuals who don’t receive any W-2 income may want to consider lenders that offer 1099-only loans.

What is a 1-year self-employed mortgage and how does it work?

Lenders typically want to see at least two years of stable income. Borrowers who have been self-employed for just one year, however, may be able to get a mortgage from specific lenders.This mortgage can be more challenging to get: Lenders will need borrowers to demonstrate the stability of their income, the financial strength of their business, and a promising business outlook. Usually, the self-employed borrower needs to have been in the industry longer than a year, even if they’ve only been self-employed in said industry for a year.

Are there any special requirements for 1099 home loans?

Each lender will have its own requirements for a 1099 home loan, like minimum credit score, maximum DTI, and loan limits. Check a lender’s requirements before applying.

What is the minimum credit score required for a jumbo loan?

Credit score requirements for jumbo loans vary by lender, but typically, you’ll need at least a 700 score to qualify. Before applying, ask potential lenders what their minimum credit score requirements are. Some lenders may approve loans for borrowers with scores below 700, but interest rates may be higher.

How much of a down payment do I need for a jumbo loan?

Down payment requirements for jumbo loans vary by lenders. Many lenders require that you put at least 20% down for a jumbo loan, but in some cases, lenders may approve jumbo loans with as little as 5% down.

Photo credit: iStock/SeventyFour

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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When the idea of buying a home comes up, many people imagine a sweet house with a white picket fence: the classic American dream. But in truth, purchasing a home can mean buying an apartment, especially if you are a city dweller, or it might even include buying an apartment complex, where you can both live and earn some rental income.

Apartment living can be perfect for those who love urban life, singles, small families, and empty-nesters. However, it’s not only in cities that you will find apartments: There are beach condos, suburban and rural buildings that house more than one family, and other options available. Wherever it may be located, owning a complex can be a way to enjoy the apartment lifestyle and make money. Typically, an apartment complex is defined as a residential property with five or more units.

Here, you’ll learn the full story on real estate options that may be available when you’re considering the purchase of an apartment complex.

Condo vs Co-Op

If you are considering becoming an owner and resident of an apartment complex, you will likely encounter the terms “condo” and “co-op.” Both a condominium and a housing cooperative involve multi-unit buildings, but there are key differences between a condo and a co-op. It can be important to understand these points upfront.

Ownership

When you buy what is known as a condo, you own the unit. The exterior of the units and land are usually considered common areas, owned collectively.

If you buy into a co-op, you don’t own your apartment. You purchase shares or an interest in the entire building. So, you don’t “buy” a co-op apartment; you become a shareholder in the corporation that owns the co-op.

You’ll usually sign a contract or a lease agreement that allows you to live in one of the co-op units.

Oversight

Both condos and co-ops answer to an oversight body. For condos, it’s a homeowners association. For co-ops, it’s the residents who own shares in a nonprofit corporation that owns the building.

When it comes to buying and selling, the co-op association can influence the deal. Most require a prospective buyer to be approved by the co-op board.

💡 Quick Tip: Mortgage loans are available with flexible term options and down payments as low as 3%.*

Costs

Here are some of the key differences for residents of co-ops and condos:

•   Co-ops tend to cost less per square foot and often have lower closing costs. But some lenders aren’t keen on co-ops or require higher down payments. And some co-op documents outright prohibit financing.

•   Co-op monthly fees tend to be higher than condo fees. A co-op shareholder’s fee could include payments for the building’s mortgage and property taxes, security, amenities, and utilities.

•   Condo owners pay property taxes on their unit, which may provide them with a tax deduction.

•   With a co-op, the monthly dues for maintenance include the property taxes associated with the units, technically owned by the corporation, which receives one property tax bill. Each resident’s portion of that bill is tax-deductible.

House vs Apartment

If you are pondering whether to buy an apartment complex or a house, consider some of these key lifestyle differences.

•   Unlike a co-op apartment or a condo, houses stand alone, and some folks prefer that breathing room. Hey, communal living isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

•   Along with the home, the owner owns the land that the home sits on, as well as any detached structures on their property like a garage or pool house.

•   Similar to a condo, homes may require HOA fees that cover costs relating to security, maintenance, and access to any amenities in the neighborhood.

•   A house typically will cost more than a condo or co-op apartment, but it usually appreciates faster than a condo. However, in hot housing markets, an apartment or an apartment complex could prove to be an excellent investment.

•   With a house, there’s that yard to mow. Then again, you can have your own garden. With an apartment complex, you may or may not have common outdoor space, whether a courtyard or a roof garden. If it is part of the property, as the owner, you will be responsible for its maintenance.

💡 Quick Tip: One answer to rising house prices is a jumbo loan. Apply for a jumbo loan online with SoFi, and you could finance up to $2.5 million with as little as 10% down. Get preapproved and you’ll be prepared to compete in a hot market.

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

While buyers can search for an apartment complex on their own, professional help is often a smart move.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned one, listing your top priorities can help an agent narrow down the options. Examples of things that could be important to you:

•   Proximity to work or school

•   Local crime rates

•   Parking, traffic, and transportation

•   Cost of living

•   Nearby amenities (gym, grocery store, shops, etc.)

When choosing a real estate agent to work with, it can be smart to speak to a few and ask them key questions to determine if they’ll be a good fit.

Think of it as a job interview and review their qualifications, learn more about their area of expertise, and find out how much it’s going to cost to work with them. Some questions worth asking are:

•   How many clients do you currently work with?

•   How many apartment units/complexes have you helped clients buy?

•   Do you have references?

•   What is your availability to show apartment buildings?

•   How quickly do you typically respond to emails and phone calls?

•   What are your fees? Do you have a network of professionals who can help with other aspects of buying and owning an apartment complex?

Recommended: Buying a Multifamily Property With No Money Down

Renting vs Buying an Apartment

Renting is not always cheaper than buying, but at the same time, any type of homeownership comes with added costs that renters don’t have to incur.

Before deciding whether to buy or rent, it’s best to ask yourself some important questions. And then you might want to check out a rent vs. buy calculator.

There are many calculators available, but they can only provide a loose idea of what may be a better deal long term, so that’s worth keeping in mind. Each calculator will have a different methodology.

Obviously, buying an apartment complex brings a different set of financial obligations and expenses to the table. Consider those vs. potential rental income carefully.

Next, take a closer look at the responsibilities that come with buying an apartment complex vs. just a single apartment.

Why Buy an Apartment Complex?

While the practicality and value of buying an apartment complex will depend on each person’s needs, goals, and financial situation, there are a few ways to tell if buying a multifamily building is a good opportunity.

•   Income. You can earn rental income as an owner of an apartment complex. If you live in one unit and rent out the others, you will have a form of passive income coming your way.

•   Wealth building. When you buy an apartment complex, you may well be building your wealth long-term as your equity in the property grows and its value potentially increases over time.

•   Tax incentives. You may benefit from mortgage interest, depreciation, and other deductions come tax time.

•   Supplemental income. You may be able to earn additional funds via providing laundry machines, parking spots, and the like.

However, you must also consider these obligations:

•   Time and energy. You will likely have to invest a significant amount of time in shopping for and purchasing an apartment complex. Not only are you considering whether there’s a unit you yourself would like to live in, but you must also think about the real estate investment you will be making.

For instance, is the building structurally in good shape? What kind of capital improvements may be required in the future? And if you do become an owner, you will either need to find and hire a management company or be on-call for tenant issues and repairs 24/7 yourself.

•   Funding. Buying one apartment can be pricey enough. Buying a multifamily building? More so. You will need to spend time getting your financing in order, and also recognize that you lose the liquidity of, say, cash in the bank or investments when you purchase real estate.

•   Ongoing expenses. You must have an operating budget and be ready to finance the maintenance issues that are bound to occur. Also, as residents move out, you will need to expend time, energy, and resources to re-rent units. And what if an apartment sits empty for a while? Can you handle that in terms of cash flow?

•   Liability. If an accident or crime were to occur at the property, you could be liable. It’s important to understand, prepare for, and protect yourself in the event of such incidents.

Steps to Buy an Apartment Complex

Soon-to-be apartment buyers will want to understand that getting their finances in order and securing a mortgage loan are some of the final steps toward the goal.

1. Do Your Research

Before you go shopping or apply for a loan, it’s important to understand the responsibilities of owning an apartment complex and to know the four different types of buildings, from Class A (best condition and amenities) to Class D (likely older and in need of repair).

You will probably want to learn more about the housing market and cost of living in areas you are considering. You want to feel comfortable that the area you are investing and living in is stable or on the upswing to protect your business interests and enhance your daily life.

2. Develop Your Budget

Purchasing an apartment complex can involve a six-figure down payment and a positive financial standing. You will also need to have worked through the cash flow implications of owning a multifamily building, including a budget for maintenance and reserves for unexpected expenses.

3. Get Preapproved for Your Loan

Finding the right financing may require a different path than getting preapproved for the purchase of a single-family home. You will need to find a lender who serves borrowers for multifamily properties. It’s likely you will need to have detailed financials prepared for this investment as well.

Don’t be surprised if you need up to 30% as a down payment, and recognize that your financial projections may count more toward your mortgage approval than your credit history.

Recommended: How to Afford a Down Payment, Step by Step

Pros and Cons of Buying an Apartment

If you are thinking of buying an apartment complex and living in one of the units, consider the upsides and downsides.

First, the pros of buying an apartment complex:

•   Income. As an owner/tenant, you should be bringing in a stream of passive income which can build your personal wealth. This can be enhanced by offering additional amenities to tenants, such as laundry facilities or onsite parking.

•   Wealth growth. You will likely build equity in your property, and the value of your building may increase over time.

•   Tax deductions. As the owner of an apartment complex, you may be able to claim deductions and depreciation on your taxes.

•   Convenience. In terms of your own residence, apartment life appeals to many who want an urban lifestyle or the ease of maintaining a smaller footprint.

On the other hand, consider these potential negatives:

•   Expense. Buying a multifamily property will likely require a hefty down payment and an ongoing investment of funds to operate and maintain the building. You may have to cover loss on income also if, say, a tenant moves out and it takes several months to re-rent the unit.

•   Time and energy. Maintaining your property, its financials, and tenant needs 24/7 is a major commitment. It’s not a simple side hustle in most cases!

•   Liability. If someone were to be injured on your property or a crime were to occur, you might be liable.

•   Lack of flexibility. As a resident of an apartment, you may lack the opportunity to customize your home as you could with a single-family house. You probably can’t add another bathroom or expand the kitchen much, for instance.

Tips on How to Buy an Apartment Complex

If you think buying an apartment complex is right for you, follow these tips to help make your ownership dreams come true:

•   Do your due diligence. Scrutinize not just the structure and its mechanicals but also its financial records. You may want to review copies of leases and tax returns and have an appraisal done.

•   Consider your financing carefully. You might get financing from the seller, a commercial bank, or a private lender. You may want to look into what are known as non-recourse loans which, if you were to default, would not allow the borrower to seize your personal property. These loans are typically costlier than recourse loans but can be a smart move for some borrowers.

•   Get the right support. You’ll likely want to be advised by a real estate attorney with experience in this realm, and you may want to interview and hire a property management company to help you handle the sometimes constant demands of owning an apartment complex.

The Takeaway

Are you ready to buy an apartment complex and possibly live in it? If so, it’s wise to be aware of the differences between a condo and co-op building, the financing and expenses involved, and how it may impact your cash flow, tax returns, and net worth. When securing financing, not all lenders will offer funding for multifamily properties, so it’s wise to shop around. If, however, you are simply shopping for an apartment in a building that someone else owns, you’ll likely have a more streamlined path (and many lenders to consider) as you pursue homeownership.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

Is it profitable to buy an apartment complex?

Many factors determine whether it is profitable to buy an apartment complex. You will have to consider the cost of the property and its financing, maintenance expenses, the local housing market, occupancy rates, and many other variables. As with any business venture, it may or may not be profitable.

What questions should you ask when buying an apartment building?

When buying an apartment building, it is important to understand the condition of the building and improvements that will need to be made in the future, current and past occupancy rates and rents (ask to see leases), and the tax returns of the current owner (to know what the cash flow is likely to be like). It’s also wise to personally inspect each unit and request an appraisal.

How can you make money when investing in apartments?

It is definitely possible to make money when investing in apartments, but it’s not a given. You will need to have the means to afford the purchase, manage cash flow successfully, understand the rental market in your area, and keep up with maintenance and other liabilities while turning a profit. Working with an experienced, highly recommended real estate attorney and management company may contribute to your success.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Mortgage rates have risen considerably recently, from an average of 2.96% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan at the end of 2021 to around 6% to 7% at the midpoint of 2023. But despite it being more expensive to borrow money for a home, refinancing is still an attractive option for many homeowners. It allows you to replace your current mortgage with a new, potentially more advantageous one.

Perhaps you decided that you’d like to change your loan term, or you received a windfall you’d like to put toward lowering your mortgage ASAP. Another possibility is that you’ve built up equity and would like to tap it in a cash-out refinance.

Whatever your situation may be, here’s what you need to know about refinancing a home mortgage loan, from whether it’s right for you to what steps are involved to how much it will cost.

What Is Mortgage Refinancing?

Mortgage refinancing occurs when you replace one home loan with a new one. You might do so for such reasons as:

•  To get a different loan term (say, 15 years instead of 30, or vice versa)

•  To get a better interest rate

•  To tap your home equity

•  To make a switch between a fixed- and adjustable-rate loan

•  To get rid of mortgage insurance on an FHA loan.

You need to go through the loan application process, underwriting, and closing again and pay the related costs. The new loan will pay off the old one. Then, going forward, you pay the new lender every month instead of your previous one.

Mortgage Refinancing Costs

Refinancing will generally cost from 2% to 5% of your loan’s principal value in closing costs. That’s a significant range, so it can be wise to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Since you’re essentially applying for a new loan, you will likely need a chunk of cash at the ready if you choose to refinance. For this reason, it’s important to consider those refinancing costs compared to the potential savings. A good rule of thumb is to be certain you can recoup the cost of the refinance in two to three years — which means you shouldn’t have immediate plans to move.

There are helpful online calculators for determining approximate costs for a mortgage refinance. Of course, this will only be an estimate, and each lender will be different. As you do your research, lenders can provide final closing cost information alongside a quote for your new mortgage rate.

When you refinance, you also have to consider closing costs. Some lenders may not have origination fees, but instead charge the borrower a higher interest rate.

If you have a history of managing credit well and a strong financial position, there are some mortgage refinancing lenders that will probably reward you by offering a better rate than they would charge those with lesser credentials.

Recommended: Home Affordability Calculator

How Long Does a Mortgage Refinance Take?

The process can take anywhere from 30 to 45 days or longer to complete. Factors that impact timing include the complexity of the loan, your ability to submit materials in a timely fashion, and the efficiency of the lender and/or broker.

If you want the process to move quickly, you may want to look for mortgage lenders who offer more streamlined service and a better customer experience. This may mean working with an online lender versus, say, a brick-and-mortar bank.

How to Refinance a Home Mortgage Loan

When you refinance a home mortgage, you are essentially repeating the same process as when you originally bought your property. This time, however, instead of the loan going to the homeowner you are buying a house from, funds will first go to the financial institution that holds your current mortgage. Once that loan is paid off, your newly refinanced loan kicks in. You start making payments to the new lender.

Because you are replacing one mortgage with another, you can expect the steps to be similar as they were when you got your original loan, from shopping around for the best loan for your situation to providing the necessary documentation to closing.

Steps in the Mortgage Refinancing Process

Here’s a closer look at the process:

1.   Determine your goal. The first (and arguably most important) step is to determine what you want to get out of your mortgage loan refinance. There are several mortgage refinance types, but “rate and term” and “cash-out” are the two most common.

Just as the name implies, a “rate and term” refinance updates the interest rate, the term (or duration) of the loan, or both. You can also switch between an adjustable- vs. a fixed-rate loan.

It is important to understand that not every refinance will save you money on interest. For example, if you extend the loan term from 15 to 30 years, you may lower your monthly payment, but you could end up paying more money in interest over the course of your loan.

Once you determine your goal, your primary focus will be determining whether the fees are worth what you’ll gain.

With a cash-out refinance, you are using increased equity in your home to take out additional money on your mortgage.

This is usually done to fund common home repairs or pay off other, higher-interest debt. While this kind of loan can be an excellent tool if you use it wisely, as with all loans, it’s rarely advisable to take out more than you absolutely need.

2.   Check your credit score and credit history for errors. Your credit score is an important factor in determining whether you get a better rate. Make sure you take time to clear up anything that’s been reported erroneously on your credit report. You might also want to remedy, say, an unpaid bill that was forwarded to a collection agency. These are factors that can lower your score.

3.   Research your home’s approximate value. Check comparable sale prices — not just listing prices — in your neighborhood to get an idea of what your house is worth. If the value of your home has gone up significantly and improves your loan-to-value ratio (LTV), this will be helpful in securing the best refinancing rate.

4.   Compare refinance rates online. It’s wise to shop around and see what at least a few lenders offer. Don’t forget to ask about all costs involved. Most financial institutions should be able to give you an estimate, but the accuracy can depend on how well you know your credit score and LTV ratio.

5.   Get your paperwork together. The process will move faster if you have your pay stubs, bank statements, tax filings, and other pertinent financial information ready to go.

6.   Have cash on hand. Refinancing brings charges, and at closing, such items as overdue property taxes can need to be paid, too. Make sure you can cover these costs.

7.   Track the lender’s progress. Once the process is underway, keep an eye on how well things are moving ahead. What typically happens: The lender will likely send an appraiser for a home inspection. After the loan documentation and appraisal are submitted, loan officers determine the interest rate and create the loan closing documents. The closing is then scheduled with the refinancing company, mortgage broker, and your attorney.

Reasons to Refinance

As mentioned above, there are several typical reasons to refinance:

•  Reducing your monthly payment

•  Paying off your loan sooner

•  Changing the loan terms or type (fixed- vs. adjustable-rate)

•  Tapping your home equity

•  Eliminating mortgage insurance on an FHA loan.

Benefits of Refinancing

By refinancing your home loan, your monthly mortgage payments might be reduced. This in turn could free up money in your budget to go toward other goals, like paying down credit card debt or pumping up your emergency fund.

In addition, you might pay off your loan sooner, which could save you a considerable amount in interest over the life of the loan.

Refinancing your mortgage might also allow you to tap equity in your home. This could be useful if, say, you need those funds for educational or other expenses coming your way.

Also, some people who switch from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate loan may feel more secure with a set, unwavering payment schedule.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Tips to Refinance a Mortgage

Beyond the tips mentioned above, you may also benefit from keeping these points in mind:

•  Think carefully about no-closing-cost loans. Yes, not paying closing costs can sound appealing, but there’s a good chance you will wind up with a higher interest rate and paying more over the life of the loan.

•  Make your appraisal a success. It can be distressing to have an appraisal come in low and throw a wrench into the works as you try to refinance. If there’s a glaring issue (rotting porch posts, for instance), it might be wise to fix it before the appraiser visits.

•  Prioritize requests for paperwork and documentation when your file is moving through underwriting. Not doing so can cause the process to drag on for longer than anyone might want.

The Takeaway

Depending on your financial situation and goals, refinancing your home loan can be a wise move. You may be able to lower your monthly payments, or you might shorten your loan term, thereby saving a considerable amount in interest. Another reason to refinance: To tap the equity you have built up in your home and use that cash elsewhere. The process is very similar to shopping for, applying for, and closing on your current mortgage. It will involve doing your research, providing documentation, and paying closing costs.

If refinancing is right for you, see what SoFi offers. With a SoFi Mortgage Refinance, you’ll find competitive rates, flexible terms, and a streamlined process, all of which can help you find just the right loan for your life.

FAQ

What is the average refinance fee?

Typically, you can expect to pay between 2% to 5% of the loan’s principal in closing costs when refinancing a mortgage.

Is it expensive to refinance?

The cost of refinancing will typically vary with the amount of the loan you are seeking. If closing costs are, say, 3.5% of the loan principal, that will be $3,500 on a $100K loan and $35,000 on a $1 million loan. It can also be helpful to compare these closing costs to the benefits of refinancing. For instance, you might free up more money every month to pay down pricey credit card debt, or you might shorten your loan term and pay less interest over the life of the loan when refinancing.

Why is it so expensive to refinance a mortgage?

When you refinance a loan, you are replacing your current loan with a new one. Closing costs are assessed to cover the expenses involved, including appraisal fees and other charges.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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