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Can I refinance my mortgage with a home equity loan?

Can I refinance my mortgage with a home equity loan?

One use of a home equity loan that is less commonly thought of is refinancing. You can refinance a first mortgage, home equity loan (HEL), or home equity line of credit (HELOC) with a new home equity loan.

How does refinancing a house work with equity?

Refinancing a mortgage involves taking out a new loan to pay off your original mortgage loan. In many cases, homeowners refinance to take advantage of lower market interest rates, cash out a portion of their equity, or to reduce their monthly payment with a longer repayment term.

How soon after refinancing can you get a home equity loan?

If you have enough equity at the time of closing your home purchase, you can get a HELOC in as little as 30 to 45 days, which is the time it takes for loan underwriters to process the application. They use this time to confirm you meet lending requirements for the new debt.

Do you have to have equity in your home to refinance?

As such, in many cases you can refinance a home equity loan as you would your first mortgage. In order to be able to refinance a home equity loan, you’ll need to have enough equity in your home, taking into account all of the loans and mortgages you have against your home.

Which is better a home equity loan or a cash out refi?

In general, home equity loans and cash-out refi have higher interest rates than simply refinancing a first mortgage. A cash-out refinance sometimes has a higher interest rate than a home equity loan, too.

Can a cash out refi be used to refinance a first mortgage?

A cash-out refi of your loan can be a good way to refinance a home equity loan if you also want to refinance your first mortgage. When your new loan closes, part of the proceeds will go toward paying off your first mortgage, and the cash-out part will pay off your old home equity loan.

What should I look for in refinancing my home?

When you apply to refinance a home equity loan, lenders will consider: The value of your home. The percentage of your equity that you want to borrow. Your credit score. Your income and employment situation. Other factors of your creditworthiness and property.