Refinance documents, the actual list
By North Florida Mortgage · Published · Updated
If you're refinancing in North Florida, the variable that decides whether you close in 21 days or 45 is documentation. Bring a complete file at application; underwriting flies through it. Bring a partial file; conditions stack and the close drags.
Here's the actual list. Print it, photograph everything in one go, and we move.
Income
- Two most recent pay stubs (W-2 borrowers)
- Two most recent years of W-2s
- If self-employed: two most recent years of personal tax returns + two most recent years of business returns (if any) + a year-to-date P&L (Fannie Mae's self-employed rules)
- If retired or fixed income: most recent SSA statement, pension statement, or annuity statement
Assets
- Two most recent months of statements for any account you'd use for closing costs (checking, savings, money market)
- Most recent quarterly statement for any retirement accounts (401k, IRA) you might tap
- For large recent deposits: some programs and lenders ask for a short letter of explanation and a paper trail
Property
- Current homeowner's insurance declarations page (we may need to renew or shop)
- Most recent mortgage statement (your existing loan)
- Property tax bill (most recent)
- HOA statement and contact, if applicable
Identity
- Driver's license or passport
- Social Security card (or just the number, depending on the lender)
What you don't need to bring (yet)
You don't need: appraisals (we order them), title work (we order it), payoff statements (we request them from your existing servicer), or earnest-money proof (this is a refi, not a purchase).
How long does the close actually take
Most North Florida refinances close in 21-45 days. Streamline programs (FHA Streamline, VA IRRRL) close faster because they skip the appraisal and most income verification (see HUD's streamline refinance page and the VA's IRRRL page). We model break-even before you commit so the math is honest.
Cross-references:
Sources
Related, in plain English.
- When Refinancing Your Mortgage Makes Sense
A lot of homeowners refinance the moment rates drop a little, then never break even before they sell or refinance again.
- Cash-Out Refinance in Florida: How Much Equity You Need
A cash-out refinance lets you turn part of your home equity into cash, but you cannot take it all.
- FHA Streamline Refinance, in plain English
FHA Streamline is a fast-track refi for borrowers who already have an FHA loan.
- Mortgage Refinancing in Jacksonville, FL
Refinance your Jacksonville mortgage: rate-and-term, cash-out, FHA streamline or VA IRRRL.