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Refinance

 Make Your Mortgage Work for You
Refinancing can help you lower your rate, pay off your loan faster, or access the equity you’ve built. Let’s explore how a refinance could strengthen your financial position and create new opportunities. 

Check Your Refinance Options

Lower My Rate

Pay Off Faster

Pay Off Faster

 Lower Your Payment with a Smarter Rate
If interest rates have improved since you got your mortgage, you may be paying more than necessary. A rate-and-term refinance allows you to replace your current loan with a lower rate—reducing your monthly payment and potentially saving thousands over time.

We’ll compare your existing loan to today’s market to see if refinancing actually benefits you, then show you exactly what the numbers look like—both monthly and long-term.

If it makes sense, we’ll lock in your rate and handle the process from start to finish. Most refinances close in about 20–45 days.

Pay Off Faster

Pay Off Faster

Pay Off Faster

 Pay Off Your Home Faster
Shortening your loan term is one of the most effective ways to reduce the total interest you pay and build equity more quickly. Moving from a 30-year loan to a 15-, 20-, or 25-year term can help you own your home years sooner.

While your monthly payment may be higher, a larger portion goes toward your principal rather than interest, accelerating your path to becoming mortgage-free.

We’ll walk you through how each term impacts your payment and long-term savings, so you can choose the option that fits your goals and your budget.

Get Cash Out

 Your home is one of your most powerful financial assets. A cash-out refinance allows you to tap into the equity you’ve built by replacing your current mortgage with a larger one and receiving the difference in cash.

Those funds can be used for renovations, consolidating debt, education costs, or other major financial goals.

We’ll estimate your home’s current value and show you how much equity you can access—typically up to 80%—then help you decide how much makes sense for your situation. Your existing loan is paid off, and the remaining funds are delivered to you at closing.

Remove PMI

 

If you purchased your home with less than 20% down, you’re likely paying private mortgage insurance (PMI)—an added monthly cost that doesn’t contribute to your equity. As your home value increases and your loan balance decreases, you may reach a point where that PMI is no longer necessary.

Once you’ve built around 20% equity, refinancing into a new loan can remove PMI and lower your monthly payment.

We’ll review your current loan balance and estimate your home’s value to determine where you stand—and if eliminating PMI makes sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to refinance?

How much equity do I need to refinance?

Can I refinance if I have an FHA loan?

 Refinancing is often a cost-effective way to improve your loan, with relatively low fees compared to the long-term savings it can create. Typical costs may include an appraisal, title insurance, lender fees, and other standard closing expenses.

We’ll provide a clear, detailed estimate upfront so you can easily determine your breakeven point—and make sure the refinance truly benefits you.

Can I refinance if I have an FHA loan?

How much equity do I need to refinance?

Can I refinance if I have an FHA loan?

 Yes—if you currently have an FHA loan, you’ve got a couple of strong refinance options. An FHA Streamline refinance is typically the fastest route, with minimal documentation and a simplified process.

If you’ve built at least 20% equity, a conventional refinance may be the better move—allowing you to eliminate FHA mortgage insurance and reduce your overall monthly cost.

We’ll review your equity, goals, and current loan to help you choose the option that creates the most long-term value. 

How much equity do I need to refinance?

How much equity do I need to refinance?

How much equity do I need to refinance?

 Most conventional refinances work best when you have at least 20% equity—this helps you secure stronger rates and avoid PMI.

For cash-out refinances, you can typically access up to 80% of your home’s value, depending on the program.

There are also options available with less equity, though they may come with additional requirements. We’ll review your situation and help you choose the structure that makes the most sense for your goals.

Will refinancing hurt my credit score?

Can I refinance if I’m underwater on my mortgage?

How much equity do I need to refinance?

 Applying for a refinance does involve a hard credit inquiry, which may cause a small, temporary dip in your score.

But the bigger picture matters—if refinancing helps you lower your rate, pay off higher-interest debt, or stay consistent with payments, it can strengthen your credit over time.

Can I refinance if I’m underwater on my mortgage?

Can I refinance if I’m underwater on my mortgage?

Can I refinance if I’m underwater on my mortgage?

 It can be more challenging—but it’s not impossible. Even with limited equity, a conventional rate-and-term refinance may still be an option. To eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI), you’ll typically need at least 20% equity.

There are also certain government-backed programs that may help homeowners with little or no equity refinance under the right circumstances.

Every situation is different, so we’ll review your numbers and walk you through what’s actually possible—and what makes the most sense for you.

How long does refinancing take?

Can I refinance if I’m underwater on my mortgage?

Can I refinance if I’m underwater on my mortgage?

 Most refinances close within about 20–45 days from the time you apply.

Streamline options—like FHA Streamline or VA IRRRL—can often move faster since they require less documentation and a simpler approval process.

Should I refinance to a 15-year or 30-year term?

Should I refinance to a 15-year or 30-year term?

Should I refinance to a 15-year or 30-year term?

 It depends on what you want your mortgage to do for you. A 15-year term comes with higher monthly payments but saves a significant amount in interest and builds equity much faster. A 30-year term keeps your monthly payment lower, but you’ll pay more in total interest over time.

We’ll walk you through both options side by side so you can choose the one that best fits your budget and long-term goals.

What documents do I need to refinance?

Should I refinance to a 15-year or 30-year term?

Should I refinance to a 15-year or 30-year term?

 Most refinances require a standard set of documents: recent pay stubs, W-2s or two years of tax returns, the last two months of bank statements, your current mortgage statement, and homeowners insurance details.

If you’re self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation to show consistent income.

Copyright © 2026 Our Mortgage Guy - All Rights Reserved.

Brandon@21stCenturyLending.com

478-284-6548

Empowered by 21st Century Lending NMLS #241835.  26305 Jefferson Ave., Ste. H Murrieta, CA 92562  

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