No Cash-Out Refinance: A Guide (2024)

There are some requirements borrowers must fulfill to be eligible for a no cash-out refinance loan. These include an adequate credit score and debt-to-income ratio, and equity in their homes.

Credit Score

A borrower’s credit score plays a role in their eligibility for a no cash-out refinance. For example, if a person had a good credit score when they purchased their home, but their credit score has since fallen, they may not be eligible for a no cash-out refinance.

Before refinancing, you should check your credit score. It’s essential to know that you’ll receive a hard inquiry on your credit report when you get preapproved for a refinance. This can decrease your credit score by a few points. Therefore, you should do what you can to raise your credit score before applying for a refinance to ensure that you receive the best rates and are approved with ease. Consider also using a refinance calculator to determine your approximate rates and monthly payments given your current credit score.

DTI Ratio

A borrower’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio plays a role in their eligibility for a no cash-out refinance as well. For example, if a person has taken on a lot of debt since purchasing their home, they may not be eligible for a new loan. Additionally, if a person or couple’s income has fallen significantly since they took out their original mortgage, they may not be eligible for a refinance.

Therefore, before you attempt to do a no cash-out refinance, you should try to decrease your debt-to-income ratio. This might mean paying off a student or auto loan or waiting until you get a raise at work.

Home Equity

The amount of home equity a borrower owns can play a role in their eligibility for a no cash-out refinance. If you borrow over 80% of your home’s value, you may be required to pay PMI. This additional expense can negate the financial benefit of refinancing. Additionally, some companies may require homeowners to have a minimum of 20% equity in their home before offering a mortgage refinance.

No Cash-Out Refinance: A Guide (2024)

FAQs

What does a no cash-out refinance mean? ›

A no cash-out refinance refers to the refinancing of an existing mortgage for an amount equal to or less than the existing outstanding loan balance (plus any additional loan settlement costs). It is done primarily to lower the interest rate charge on the loan and/or to change some of the terms of the mortgage.

Is it hard to get approved for a cash-out refinance? ›

Determining whether you qualify: Many cash-out refinance lenders require a credit score of at least 620 and at least 20 percent equity in your home. You might find lenders with looser requirements, but you could pay a higher rate as a result.

Is it ever a good idea to do a cash-out refinance? ›

The benefits of a cash-out refinance include access to money at potentially a lower interest rate, plus tax deductions if you itemize. On the down side, a cash-out refinance increases your debt burden and depletes your equity. It could also mean you're paying your mortgage for longer.

How can I get cash-out without refinancing? ›

Yes, you can take equity out of your home without refinancing your current mortgage by using a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Both options allow you to borrow against the equity in your home, but they work a bit differently.

What is the difference between limited cash-out and no cash-out refinance? ›

A limited cash-out refinance allows you to add your refinancing costs to your new loan, while a no cash-out refinance pays just your current loan balance off, leaving more equity in your home.

What is the difference between limited cash-out and no cash-out? ›

This option differs from the other two types of mortgage refinances. No cash-out refinances give the borrower better terms and rates but no direct money. Limited cash-out refinances also allow borrowers to get better terms and provide the borrower with a bit of money, typically $2,000.

What credit score do you need for a cash out refi? ›

Cash-out refinance

On a cash-out conventional refinance, you'll need a 640 credit score at minimum. To qualify with a 640, you will need a loan-to-value ratio of 75% or less, at least six months in cash reserves, and a debt-to-income ratio of 36% or lower.

What is the average closing cost for a cash-out refinance? ›

Closing costs are one of the factors that determine the money you will get from a cash-out refinance. They are usually 3% to 5% of the new loan amount, and you have the option to pay them right away in cash or roll them into your new loan.

How long does it take to get approved for cash-out refinance? ›

Expect a cash-out refinance to take 45 to 60 days, but with a little help, you may speed up the processing time. The faster you provide documentation and secure the appraisal, the faster your lender can underwrite and process your loan. It's a team effort to get the cash in hand that you want from your home equity.

Should I sell my house or do a cash-out refinance? ›

If you like your home and neighborhood and you expect to stay for at least five years, refinancing is the better choice. However, if you're ready for a new environment (or this is a good time to downsize), selling may afford you more opportunities.

Do you lose your interest rate with a cash-out refinance? ›

With a cash-out refinance, you'll pay the same interest rate on your existing mortgage principal and the lump-sum equity payment.

Can I do a cash-out refinance and keep my current interest rate? ›

Cash-Out Refinance. You don't need to change your rate or term when you refinance – you can also take money out of your home equity with a cash-out refinance. You accept a higher principal loan balance and take the difference out in cash when you take a cash-out refinance.

What is the cheapest way to get equity out of your house? ›

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is typically the most inexpensive way to tap into your home's equity.

Can I get a HELOC with bad credit? ›

Read our editorial guidelines here . Yes, you can still obtain a home equity loan with bad credit — but you will need more income, more home equity and less total debt than someone with good credit.

Is a rate and term refinance the same as a no cash-out refinance? ›

Rate-and-term refinancing activity is driven primarily by a drop in market interest rates in order to lower monthly mortgage payments. This can be contrasted with cash-out refinance activity that is driven by increasing home values by homeowners seeking to tap into their home equity.

Why would someone do a cash-out refinance? ›

You can often use cash out refinances to help you consolidate debts—especially when you have high-interest debts from credit cards or other loans. That's because the interest rates on mortgages are often much lower than the interest rates on other kinds of debt.

What is the purpose of a cash-out refinance? ›

A cash-out refinance is a type of mortgage refinance loan that allows you to tap some of the equity in your home if you need extra cash. You may consider it if you want to consolidate debt, finance home renovations or pay for other large expenses.

What is the difference between a refinance and a cash-out refinance? ›

With a traditional mortgage refinance, you may be able to lock in new terms that make your home more affordable. By contrast, a cash-out refinance could provide you with the necessary cash to make home improvements or buy another property.

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