5 key differences between a loan modification and refinance
If you’re having trouble making your mortgage payments, or want to take advantage of a lower interest rate, refinancing or loan modification can lessen the burden. Both of these methods can help lower your monthly payments — but it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages to each method. Once you know the differences, you’ll have a better idea of whether loan modification vs. refinance is right for your specific situation.
Loan modifications change the terms of a mortgage to lower the payments. If you’re experiencing a financial hardship that’s keeping you from paying your mortgage each month, you can use loan modification to avoid foreclosure.
You should contact your loan servicer to learn more about loan modification plans: they are the only ones who can modify the terms of your loans. For people with loans through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the Flex Modification program can be helpful.
Borrowers must provide documentation of changes in their financial circumstances so the servicer can decide whether you’re eligible for a modification and how it can be modified. If your loan servicer deems you eligible for a loan modification, you might see changes like a loan type change, a loan term extension, decreased interest rate or reduction of the principal.
It's important to note that the specific eligibility requirements for loan modification programs can vary depending on the lender and the type of loan you have.
A loan modification can negatively affect your credit score and may extend the length of your mortgage, which can increase your overall interest payments. Additionally, loan modification programs may have specific eligibility requirements, and there is no guarantee that your request will be approved.
Refinancing is different from loan modification in several key ways. When you refinance, your current mortgage is replaced with a new one — and the new loan can be refinanced with other lenders. You also don’t need to prove that you’re undergoing financial hardship. As long as you’re willing to prove that you can pay back the loan, you’re free to refinance for whatever reason you choose — unless you have an FHA or VA loan. (Learn more about your options for refinancing a VA loan here.)
Lower interest rates and/or lower monthly payments are a common reason borrowers choose to refinance. However, some borrowers hope to shorten the loan term in an effort to pay it off faster — which will make monthly payments go up.
Refinancing allows borrowers to find the best terms on their own. When you refinance your loan, the lender pays off your existing mortgage; you’re then responsible for the loan with the new lender.
→ Learn how soon you can refinance your mortgage
There are five major differences between loan modification and refinancing your mortgage:
When you refinance your mortgage, it’s voluntary. You’re welcome to continue paying your original mortgage loan until the term has ended — a lender cannot require you to refinance. Most people choose refinancing because of a good opportunity: whether that’s to lower your monthly payments, pay off the loan faster, to take advantage of a better interest rate, or other beneficial reasons.
Meanwhile, loan modification happens out of necessity. Borrowers choose modification in order to avoid foreclosure, and the financial hardship requirement limits this option to people who truly need assistance.
Generally, loan modifications lengthen the term of your loan. Your mortgage term might be extended from 30 to 40 years, in order to lower the payments and give you more time to pay it off. Essentially, you’re adding more years to your mortgage term as a way to lower the month-over-month financial burden.
In contrast, refinancing can shorten the terms, if you so choose. For example, if you have 15 years left on your mortgage, you might want to apply for a 10-year loan to speed up the process. Your monthly payments will go up, but you’ll save money in interest expense over the remaining term of your loan.
Both loan modification and refinancing can lower your interest rate, but it’s not guaranteed with loan modification. While borrowers can refinance at will, especially if they see competitive interest rates, loan modification is up to the servicer. They will determine the best way to lower your monthly payments. You may see an interest rate change, but it’s not guaranteed.
→ Find out what affects mortgage rates
Both loan modification and refinancing can affect your loan structure, but with loan modification, that choice isn’t necessarily up to you. For example, you may have taken out an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), but your loan servicer may change you over to a fixed-rate loan at their discretion; the choice won’t be yours.
Because refinancing allows you to choose the specific loan you want, you can also change the way your new loan is structured — but you don’t have to.
Finally, loan modification may include principal forbearance. Principal forbearance is when a lender agrees to take part of the unpaid debt to add to the end of the loan as a balloon payment. The borrower is still liable for this debt, and it’s due at the end of the payoff period — but it’s not due immediately.
With refinancing, principal forbearance usually isn’t necessary, since you’ll need to be current on your loans to be eligible. There’s really no need for forbearance — especially if you’re refinancing to shorten the term of your loan and can handle the larger payment each month.
If you're struggling with mortgage payments, it can be difficult to know whether refinancing or loan modification is the best solution. Both options can help lower your monthly payments, but they work in different ways and are appropriate for different situations.
The determining factor in loan modification vs. refinance is whether you’re behind on your payments and in danger of foreclosure.
You can refinance after loan modification, but there’s usually a 12 to 24-month waiting period after the modification has been approved. Generally, to be approved for refinancing, you’ll need a stable income and total monthly expenses cannot be more than 40 percent of your gross monthly income.
Choosing between loan modification vs. refinance is an easy choice if you’re behind on your payments. When you’re current, however, it’s still worth taking an occasional second look at your mortgage. You may get better terms, free up some extra cash each month, or pay off your mortgage faster.
While these two financial options offer different pros and cons, both can be extremely useful for homeowners. Always research your options and find the right solution for your needs.
Here are answers to more questions about loan refinances and modifications.
A: It may be more difficult to refinance or modify your loan if you have bad credit, but it's not impossible. You may need to work with a specialized lender or explore alternative options like FHA loans or VA loans.
A: Yes, it's possible to refinance or modify your loan multiple times, but it may not always be the best option. Each time you refinance or modify your loan, you may incur additional costs and fees, which can add up over time.
A: Loan modifications can be a good idea if you're struggling to make your mortgage payments and are at risk of foreclosure. It can help make your payments more affordable and keep you in your home. However, it's important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of a loan modification before pursuing it.
A: Loan modifications can have a negative impact on your credit score, but the extent of the impact will depend on your individual circumstances. Late or missed mortgage payments can hurt your credit score before a loan modification, and any missed payments during the loan modification process can also have a negative impact. However, if you make your modified payments on time and in full, your credit score may start to recover over time.
Say goodbye to the days of needing to sell your home before buying a new one. There’s an easier way, and our FREE guide breaks down how it can work for you.
On top of Orchard’s Home Sale Guarantee, we list, prep, and show your old home after you’re all moved out.
Grow your business and make $50-$70K more per year.
When you list with Orchard, we’ll get your home show-ready and make repairs to increase your home’s value at no upfront cost.
Orchard guarantees your home will sell, so you can buy your next one worry-free.
On top of Orchard’s Home Sale Guarantee, we list, prep, and show your old home after you’re all moved out.
Use our home sale calculator to estimate your net proceeds.
Our Home Advisors are experienced local agents who know how to sell for top dollar and help win your dream home.
All Orchard Home Advisors are experienced agents who know your local market inside and out. Request a consult today.
Did you know cash offers are 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller? Let us help you make one on your next home.
Get the most accurate free home valuation — in minutes
Orchard Home Loans shops the market to find your best rates.
A cash offer is 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller. Get qualified today.
Make a cash offer now, and Orchard will sell your old home after you move.
Tell us your must-haves to see personalized home recommendations that meet your criteria.
With Orchard, secure your dream home before you list. Avoid home showings, rentals, and double moves.
Learn More
.png)
