Mortgage Refinance in Arlington, VA

Your first mortgage was written for the life you had when you bought. A rate-and-term refinance lets you rewrite it for the life you have now, whether that means steadier payments, paying the house off sooner, or removing mortgage insurance. For Arlington homeowners, programs vary by borrower, property and investor, and every refinance in Virginia is subject to credit approval.

Have a question about your situation?

Call to speak with a licensed loan officer about mortgage refinance in Arlington. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor.

Call (888) 912-6746 Apply Online Now

Refinancing activity in Arlington County

72%Owners with a mortgage

268Refinances in Arlington County (2024)

188Cash-out refinances (2024)

$895,000Median home value

About 72% of owner-occupied homes in Arlington carry a mortgage, so a large share of local owners could look at refinancing at some point. In 2024, Arlington County saw 268 standard refinances and 188 cash-out refinances.

Common reasons homeowners in Arlington refinance

Most rate-and-term refinances start with one specific goal. Some owners want to trade an adjustable-rate mortgage for a fixed rate so the principal and interest portion stops changing. Others want a shorter term to build equity faster, or a longer one to ease monthly cash flow.

Removing mortgage insurance is another common driver. If your home has gained value or you have paid the balance down, a new conventional loan may not require it. A refinance can also release a co-borrower from the note after a divorce or when a parent who co-signed wants off the loan. Each goal points to a different loan structure, so start with the reason, then look at programs.

Start hereApply Online Now

Start your application in a few minutes. A licensed loan officer reviews it and follows up with your options.

Takes a few minutes
Reviewed by a licensed loan officer
No obligation to proceed

Prefer to talk first? Call (888) 912-6746. Applying is not a loan approval or commitment to lend; programs vary by borrower, property and investor. ClearPoint Mortgage Advisors, NMLS #173855. Properties in FL, NY, NJ, PA, CT and VA only.

The break-even question

A lower payment on paper does not automatically mean a better deal. The real test is whether you keep the new loan long enough for its benefits to outweigh what you paid to get it. That crossover is called the break-even point.

Restarting a term can also stretch total interest over more months, even if the monthly figure drops. Ask your loan officer to show the full picture: closing costs, the monthly change and the total paid over the life of each loan. Then weigh it against your plans for the house. A refinance that fits a long stay can be the wrong move for a short one.

Who this tends to fit

You need more breathing room in your monthly budget with a longer term
You have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want payments that stay steady
A family member co-signed your mortgage and wants to be released
You have an FHA loan and want to move to a conventional loan
Your credit has improved since you bought and you want to revisit your loan

Local offices and Virginia rules to know

Property assessment: Arlington County Department of Real Estate Assessments. The Department of Real Estate Assessments sets the assessed value of Arlington properties; its assessment page does not describe homeowner tax relief applications.
Deed and mortgage recording: Arlington County Clerk of the Circuit Court - Land Records Division. Your mortgage is recorded here after closing.

Virginia recording costs: State recordation tax on deeds and on deeds of trust/mortgages, city or county recordation tax, and the grantor tax on deeds - all collected by the circuit court clerk as a prerequisite to recording. Your Loan Estimate lists the taxes that apply to your loan.

How the refinance process works

The steps look a lot like your original purchase, just without a seller. You apply, share income and asset documents, and receive a Loan Estimate within three business days. The lender orders title work to confirm who owns the property and what liens exist.

Most refinances need an appraisal to set the home's current value, which affects which programs and pricing you may be eligible for. Some loans allow an appraisal waiver, depending on the investor. Underwriting reviews the file, you get a Closing Disclosure before signing, and on a primary residence federal law gives you a right of rescission period before funds are disbursed.

Before you call

Recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns for everyone on the new loan
Your main goal: rate type, term, mortgage insurance or co-borrower removal
How long you realistically expect to stay in the home
A copy of your original note or the loan type and term you have now
Two months of bank or asset statements

Questions Arlington borrowers ask about mortgage refinance

Will I need a new appraisal?

Usually. The appraisal sets your home's current value, which affects the programs and pricing you may be eligible for. Some loans qualify for an appraisal waiver based on data the investor already has, but that is decided case by case. If an appraiser visits, make sure the home is accessible, and share a list of updates you have made since you bought it.

What is the right of rescission?

When you refinance the mortgage on your primary residence with a new lender, federal law generally gives you a short window after signing to cancel the transaction without penalty. Funds are not disbursed until that window closes. It does not apply to purchase loans or, in most cases, investment properties. Your closing documents will explain the deadline and how to cancel if you change your mind.

What is a rate-and-term refinance?

It is a new mortgage that pays off your existing one and changes the rate, the rate type, the term, or a combination, without giving you significant cash from your equity. The new balance generally covers your current payoff plus closing costs. Its purpose is to reshape your debt, not to borrow against the house. If you want cash out, that is a different loan type with different rules.

Can I remove my ex-spouse from the mortgage by refinancing?

Yes, refinancing is the most common way to do it. The remaining borrower applies alone and must qualify on their own income and credit. A divorce decree by itself does not release anyone from a mortgage note, so the lender will need to see that the new loan replaces the old one. Bring your decree or settlement agreement to the first conversation.

Talk to a licensed loan officer

Get answers about mortgage refinance for a home in or around Arlington. Subject to credit approval; programs vary.