A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a larger loan and returns the difference to you at closing. Pricing, maximum LTV, and requirements differ from a standard rate-and-term refinance.
Who this may fit
Homeowners with meaningful equity considering a lump sum for a specific purpose, weighed against the change in mortgage cost.
Key decision factors
- Purpose and expected return on the cash used
- Max cash-out LTV per program
- Pricing premium vs a standard refinance
- Total interest impact over your remaining time in the home
Illustrative example
Common mistakes
- Treating cash-out proceeds as free money
- Ignoring pricing differences vs a standard refinance
- Overlooking alternatives like a HELOC or second lien
Questions to ask a licensed loan officer
- What's the max cash-out LTV for my property type?
- How does cash-out pricing compare to a standard refinance today?
- Are there alternatives that fit my goal at lower total cost?
Sources
We link to primary sources for every substantive claim. Publication dates below are marked as unverified until confirmed under our Source Policy.
- Fannie Mae Single-Family Selling GuideFannie Mae · Published/effective: living document · Last checked: 2026-07-28
- Fannie Mae Announcement SEL-2026-06 — Selling Guide UpdatesFannie Mae · Published/effective: 2026-06-03 · Last checked: 2026-07-28
- Freddie Mac Guide Bulletin 2026-7Freddie Mac · Published/effective: 2026-06-03 · Last checked: 2026-07-28
- CFPB — Owning a Home / MortgagesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Published/effective: living resource · Last checked: 2026-07-28
- CFPB Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026) — Truth in LendingConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Published/effective: Most recently amended 2026-04-08 · Last checked: 2026-07-28
Related guides and calculators
- Conventional Refinance Guide
How conventional rate-and-term refinancing works and how to decide whether it may be worth it.
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
How PMI works on a conventional loan, how it may be removed, and what factors influence the cost.
- What Is a Conventional Loan?
A plain-English explanation of conventional loans: how they work, who they may fit, and key decision factors.