ConventionalMortgage Refinance
Replace your current mortgage with better terms, lower rates, or access to your equity—backed by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac guidelines.
What Is a Conventional Refinance?
A conventional mortgage refinance replaces your current home loan with a new one that is not insured by the federal government. Unlike FHA, VA, or USDA loans, conventional loans follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae andFreddie Mac.
Rate-and-Term Refinance
Also called "no-cash-out refinance"
Change your interest rate, loan term, or both—without borrowing additional money. Your new loan amount equals your current balance plus closing costs.
- Lower your interest rate if rates have dropped
- Reduce monthly payment by extending term
- Pay off faster by shortening to 15 years
- Switch loan types (ARM to fixed, FHA to conventional)
Cash-Out Refinance
Access your home equity
Borrow more than you currently owe and receive the difference as cash. Common uses include home improvements, debt consolidation, and major expenses.
- Home improvements and renovations
- Debt consolidation (pay off credit cards)
- Education expenses or major life events
- Stricter requirements (6-month title, 80% max LTV)
Why Choose Conventional?
Conventional refinancing offers flexibility that government-backed loans don't. With at least 20% equity, you can eliminate mortgage insurance entirely—a major advantage over FHA loans with lifetime MIP.
- No upfront funding fee (unlike VA/FHA)
- PMI cancels automatically at 78% LTV
- Works for investment properties & second homes
If you bought with an FHA loan, refinancing to conventional once you have 20% equity can save hundreds per month by eliminating the FHA mortgage insurance premium.
Learn about PMI vs MIPConventional Refinance Requirements
Requirements differ between rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing. Here's what lenders typically look for.
| Requirement | Rate-and-Term | Cash-Out |
|---|---|---|
Credit Score | 620 minimum, 740+ for best rates | 640+ recommended, stricter approval |
Home Equity (LTV) | 3-5% minimum (95-97% LTV), but PMI applies under 20% | 20% minimum required (80% max LTV) |
Debt-to-Income (DTI) | 43% or less, some allow up to 50% | 43% or less preferred, stricter review |
Waiting Period | No waiting period after purchase | 6 months on title, 12 months on existing mortgage[Fannie Mae B2-1.3-03] |
Reserves | Varies by property type and loan amount | 6 months reserves if DTI > 45% |
2025 Credit Score Update
As of November 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac no longer have minimum credit score thresholds in their eligibility guidelines. Loan approval is now based on evaluation of overall credit risk factors.
However, most lenders maintain their own minimums (typically 620) for risk management.
2026 Conforming Limits
Loans above these limits require jumbo financing.
Learn BeforeYou Refinance
Watch expert explanations of the refinance process from trusted educational sources.
Refinance 101 - Mortgage Refinance Explained
Comprehensive explanation covering intro, when to refinance, timeline, debt, and costs.
Video Playlist
3 educational videos
Educational content from trusted professionals
Refinancing Costs & Break-Even
According to the Federal Reserve, refinancing typically costs 3-6% of the outstanding principal.
Typical Closing Costs
- Application Fee$0 – $500
- Origination Fee0.5% – 1.5%
- Appraisal$400 – $700
- Title Insurance$500 – $1,500
- Recording Fees$50 – $250
You can pay costs out of pocket, roll them into your loan, or choose a "no-closing-cost" option (higher rate).
The Break-Even Point
Your break-even point is when your monthly savings equal your closing costs. If you'll stay in the home longer than this, refinancing makes financial sense.
Loan: $200,000
Current rate: 6.0% ($1,199/mo) → New rate: 5.5% ($1,136/mo)
Monthly savings: $63
Closing costs: $6,000
Break-even: 95 months (~8 years)
When You Should NOT Refinance
According to the Federal Reserve Consumer Guide, refinancing isn't always the right move:
The Refinance Process
From application to closing, refinancing typically takes 30-45 days.
Define Your Goal
Lower rate? Shorter term? Cash out?
Check Credit
Review your score and credit report
Gather Docs
Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements
Shop Lenders
Compare rates and fees from 3+ lenders
Apply
Submit formal application with docs
Underwriting
Appraisal ordered, info verified
Close
Sign docs, 3-day rescission period
Consumer Protections
Important rights when refinancing
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Refinance?
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