Refinancing can lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or let you tap into equity for projects, debt payoff, or investments. With nearly three decades of experience, I guide you step by step so you understand the numbers, compare scenarios, and choose the option that fits your goals.
Start your application today, and I’ll review your current loan, property value, and goals to provide clear scenarios. Together we’ll find the option that makes the most sense for you.
In this short video, I walk through when refinancing makes sense, how to calculate your savings, and what pitfalls to avoid. Whether your goal is lowering your rate, paying off your loan faster, or accessing equity, this gives you a clear starting point.
Popular Reasons to Refinance
Lower your rate and payment to improve monthly cash flow
Shorten your term to pay off your home faster
Remove mortgage insurance by moving from FHA or dropping PMI on a conventional loan
Cash-out refinance to fund renovations, consolidate high-interest debt, or invest
Switch from ARM to fixed for payment stability
Consolidate two mortgages into one new loan
How the Process Works
Quick review of your current loan, home value, credit, income, and goals
Side-by-side scenarios showing payment, cost, and savings
Choose a path such as rate-and-term, cash-out, or streamline
Provide documents for appraisal, credit, income, and assets
Close and start enjoying your new terms
Most refinances close in about 30–45 days. Streamlined programs can be faster.
Streamlined Options
FHA Streamline: Often does not require income documents or an appraisal if you meet program rules. Designed to reduce your payment or move to a lower rate.
VA IRRRL (VA Streamline): Intended to lower your rate or switch from ARM to fixed. Usually requires minimal documentation. Many loans close within 2–3 weeks.
Conventional Rate-and-Term: A straightforward way to reduce your rate or change your loan term. Can also be used to remove PMI when you qualify.
Equity and Qualification
Conventional loans may be refinanced with as little as 5% equity
FHA loans may allow less through streamline options
VA loans require no equity for IRRRLs
Your credit, income, property value, and goals shape what is available. I review your full situation and show your options clearly.
Costs, Credits, and Break-Even
Refinancing includes closing costs such as lender, title, and recording fees. These can be:
Paid out of pocket
Rolled into the new loan
Offset with a lender credit
I calculate your break-even point so you know how long it takes for savings to outweigh costs. We can also review no-closing-cost structures that trade a slightly higher rate for lower upfront expenses.
Comparison Guide: Which Option Fits You Best?
Cash-Out Refinance – Use your home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or major expenses.
Rate-and-Term Refinance – Lower your interest rate, reduce your payment, or pay off your loan faster.
Streamline Refinance – For FHA, VA, or USDA loans, enjoy a quicker, simpler process without heavy documentation.
Each option has different requirements, timelines, and costs. I review your situation and run the numbers so you can see exactly how each choice impacts your payment, savings, and long-term goals.
Refinance Client Examples
Every refinance looks a little different depending on your goals. Here are a few real examples of how refinancing has helped Utah homeowners improve their finances and quality of life.
Example 1: Debt Consolidation Refinance A family in Weber County had $42,000 in high-interest credit card and auto loan balances. By refinancing their mortgage, we consolidated that debt into one payment at a much lower interest rate. Their monthly outflow dropped by over $600, giving them breathing room and a faster path to pay everything down.
Example 2: Lower Rate Refinance A Salt Lake City homeowner refinanced from a 30-year FHA loan at 6.5% into a 30-year conventional loan at 5.8%. The move eliminated FHA mortgage insurance and lowered the interest rate, cutting their monthly payment by $285. Over the life of the
loan, this saved more than $50,000 in interest.
Example 3: Remodel with Cash-Out Refinance A Davis County couple wanted to remodel their kitchen and bathrooms without draining savings. With a cash-out refinance, they used $60,000 of their equity at a competitive mortgage rate, which was far lower than credit card or personal loan
options. Their payment increased slightly, but the project added value to their home and improved daily living.
What You’ll Need
Home appraisal or property value check
Asset and income verification
Credit report
Having your credit score and gross monthly income ready helps me provide accurate estimates from the start.
Refinance Checklist
Download Refinance Checklist (PDF)
This simple checklist outlines documents, timelines, and key questions to ask so you’re prepared before starting.
Seven Factors That Influence Your Rate
Credit score
Home location
Home price and loan amount
Loan-to-value ratio
Loan term
Interest rate type
Loan program
Refinance FAQs
How much equity do I need to refinance my home in Utah?
Most conventional refinances require around 5% equity, though certain programs such as FHA or VA streamline refinances may allow less.
Can I refinance if my credit isn’t perfect?
Yes. There are flexible programs for borrowers with lower credit scores. I’ll review your credit and help you identify the best path forward.
Is refinancing worth it if rates only drop slightly?
Even a small rate drop can make a big difference. I’ll calculate your break-even point so you can see the true savings.
Will refinancing restart my loan term?
It doesn’t have to. You can choose shorter terms or keep your payoff timeline the same—whatever fits your goals.
Can I roll closing costs into the new loan?
Yes. You can roll costs into the balance or offset them with a lender credit if you prefer a no-cash-out-of-pocket refinance.