A cash out refinance has become a popular way to tap into your home’s equity in recent years. In recent years, almost 25% of homeowners opted for a cash-out refinance. The process of getting approved for a cash out refinance used to be faster than a HELOC or home equity loan, but how long does it take in 2025?
If you ask a loan officer, they’ll most likely say anywhere from 30 to 45 days. While this is generally true, there are plenty of instances where it can take much longer. Read below to understand the factors that affect approval times for a cash-out refinance.
Cash-Out Refinance Timeline
Every lender's process is slightly different, but this is a general overview that applicants can expect.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting approved for a cash-out refinance is largely dependent on how quickly you can verify your personal information and the speed at which the lender decides to move. The initial application process is fairly simple and can be done in a few minutes or done online.
However, you can do a bit of self-evaluation before you get started, to be sure that you're in the running for the refi. You will need:
Sufficient Equity: Lenders typically require a minimum of 20% equity built up in your home, though there may be exceptions.
Credit Score: The higher your credit score, the more likely you will be accepted, and the more favorable your terms are likely to be.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Your DTI ratio is the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your overall monthly income. A lower DTI ratio will be a strong point in your favor.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: The LTV ratio compares the loan amount to the appraised value of your property. There is often a maximum LTV, which is likely to be around 80-85%.
Income Verification: You will need to provide proof of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation.
Appraisal: Lenders will probably require an appraisal in order to determine the current value of your home.
Compare Lenders
Because each lender is going to be different, make sure to do your research and draw comparisons in order to find the best fit. Take account of loan terms, interest rates, and customer reviews!
Schedule Property Appraisal
A home appraisal is a report from a qualified professional that estimates the value of a home. When you buy a home, you will usually hire an appraiser to visit the home, review its condition and characteristics, find comparable properties that have recently sold in the area, and provide both you and the seller of the home with a fair estimate of its value. A property appraisal is an important step in the cash-out refinance application process, as the lenders need to establish the current value of your home in order to determine the Loan-to-Value Ratio.
Gather Financial Documents
As we mentioned, there are several documents you will need to submit as part of the refinancing application process.
Proof of Identity and Residence: a passport or driver's license, and proof of residence such as a utility bill
Proof of Income: recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, and/or proof of other income sources (such as alimony)
Asset Documentation: bank statements for all accounts, including retirement accounts like your 401K
Property Information: copy of your most recent property tax bill
Current Mortgage Information: a statement from your current mortgage lender that shows the outstanding balance, interest rate, and monthly payment
Property Appraisal: the lender might arrange this for you
Credit History: consent for the lender to access your credit report, as well as information about your credit accounts, debts, and payment history
Other Documentation: information about any other properties you own, divorce decrees, and additional documents as requested by the lender
Apply for Cash-Out Refinance
The application form itself can often be filled out online, though you can usually opt for an in-person one if that is your preference. It might be easier to upload documents from your computer, but many lenders will also offer the option to send them in the mail.
Something to keep in mind: a cash-out refinance "seasoning period" is the amount of time you must wait after obtaining a mortgage or refinancing your mortgage before you are eligible to apply for a cash-out refinance on the same property. This period is meant to mitigate risk by ensuring that the borrower has established a history of timely and responsible mortgage payments before accessing additional funds. The seasoning period may be six months, or up to a year.
Go Through the Underwriting Process
Because the underwriter's job is to assess your financial stability, creditworthiness, and overall risk, the process can often be the longest benchmark in the process. Be aware that the refinancing underwriting process can take some time – anywhere from several days to several weeks – however, the wait is likely to be much less if you have your documents in order and are prepared to provide additional documents if the underwriter requests it.
Eric Rosenberg, a former bank manager, mentions that you can help speed up the process by being proactive with your paperwork. “It’s usually a little detail like a forgotten letter or statement that slows things down,” he says. “If you provide all required documentation alongside your application, you can expect a smoother process overall.”
How Can I Speed Up the Refinance Application Process?
Approval time can depend on your financial situation, such as your credit history and how much home equity you have. The higher your credit score, the more likely you’ll be approved faster than someone with a fair score. Your credit history will also be taken into consideration, so if yours is less than stellar, it could mean approval time could be delayed or you might be rejected. If possible, you can try to boost your credit score before even starting the application.
It’s always a good idea to gather all necessary documentation before you apply. That way, not only can you speed up the process, you can also check to see if you can even afford a loan in the first place.
Next Steps After Approval
Like other types of home loans, you’ll be asked to meet with your lender to finalize the loan once all required documentation is verified. Officially closing the loan can take one or more days. Federal law says that if a homeowner refinances a loan from another lender, they have three days to back out. This means that your lender most likely won’t give you the funds until the three-day period is up. There could be further delays if you close a loan around a bank holiday or if there is a delay in the escrow process.
Other Ways to Access Home Equity
If you're looking to tap into your home equity, speed isn’t the only factor to consider. While some options can be quick under ideal circumstances, delays are more common than many expect – especially when interest rates fluctuate or home appraisals come in lower than anticipated. Whenever possible, give yourself the time to compare offers and consider all your options, not just the traditional ones.
Unison offers two innovative alternatives that go beyond the typical structure:
- The Unison Equity Sharing Agreement provides homeowners with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share in the future change in the value of their home. There are no monthly payments and no interest charges. If your home’s value increases, Unison shares in the upside. If it decreases, Unison typically shares in the loss.
- The Unison Equity Sharing Home Loan combines the familiarity of a traditional loan with significantly lower monthly payments, made possible through a shared appreciation structure. It’s a more accessible option for homeowners who need larger funding amounts or prefer predictable monthly payments, without the burden of high interest rates.
Both products are secured by your home and come with important considerations. But for many homeowners, they offer a flexible and transparent way to make their equity work without selling, downsizing, or taking on steep debt.
No matter which path you choose, make sure you fully understand the terms, ask questions, and compare alternatives. The right option should align with both your financial goals and your peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as financial, investment, legal, tax, or lending advice. The information presented may not apply to your specific situation, and actual outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and applicable laws. Home equity sharing agreements and loans involve risks, including the potential loss of future home appreciation or other financial implications. Terms, availability, and eligibility for any products mentioned may differ by state, lender, or other factors. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or licensed professional before making any decisions or entering into agreements. Unison Mortgage Corp. is a licensed lender (NMLS ID 2574289); this article may include promotional content related to its services.