Are electronic signatures legally valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met.

Do refinance documents require notarization?

Most mortgage and deed instruments must include a notary acknowledgement to be recorded. State recording offices typically require notarization; some states also require specific witness counts.

Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?

RON is permitted in most states with permanent RON frameworks; check your state notary commission rules and retention of audio-video recordings and identity-proofing requirements.

What happens if the recorded name differs?

Name mismatches can delay recording and title insurance. Correct by executing an affidavit of identity or corrective deed per county requirements.

How long should I keep signed refinance agreements?

Retain for the loan term plus at least 3 years; IRS guidance (IRC §6501(a)) and industry practices may require longer retention for real estate files.

Who must sign the refinance agreement?

All borrowers on title and any spouse where marital consent is required must sign; lender’s authorized representative signs on behalf of the lender as specified in the signature block.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Finance
Refinance Agreement Template

Refinance Agreement Template

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REFINANCE AGREEMENT

Parties and Effective Date

This Refinance Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of by and between:

Lender Name Lender Address Borrower Name Borrower Address

Recitals

WHEREAS, Borrower is indebted to Lender under an existing loan evidenced by the Note dated (the "Original Loan"); and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to refinance the Original Loan on the terms set forth in this Agreement and to provide for the payment, security and other terms of the Refined Loan described below.

Refinance Terms — Loan Summary

Principal Amount: $ Interest Rate (annual nominal):

Loan Term (months): Maturity Date:

Loan Type: Fixed Rate Adjustable Rate Interest Only

Payment Frequency

Payoff and Fees

Payoff Amount for Original Loan: $

Origination Fee: $ Closing Costs (estimated): $

Payment Application Instructions

Security and Collateral

The loan shall be secured by the following collateral and instruments, which the Borrower hereby grants, assigns, and pledges to Lender:

Property Legal Description (if applicable)

Representations and Warranties

Borrower represents and warrants that Borrower has full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant the security interests set forth herein; that all information provided to Lender regarding Borrower and the collateral is true, complete and accurate as of the Effective Date; and that no default under any material agreement exists that would materially impair Borrower's ability to perform under this Agreement.

Covenants

Borrower covenants to: (a) make payments when due; (b) maintain insurance on the collateral with Lender named as loss payee; (c) pay all taxes and assessments relating to the collateral; and (d) comply with all material laws affecting the collateral and Borrower's business operations.

Default and Remedies

An Event of Default shall include failure to pay when due, insolvency, material misrepresentation, or a breach of any material covenant. Upon an Event of Default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal and accrued interest immediately due and payable and exercise any rights and remedies available at law or in equity, including foreclosure, appointment of a receiver, and recovery of costs and attorney's fees.

Prepayment and Late Charges

Borrower may prepay the principal in whole or in part without penalty except as otherwise set forth below. Late payments shall incur a late charge of on the overdue amount, and interest shall continue to accrue until paid.

Taxes, Insurance and Escrow

Escrow for Taxes and Insurance

Notices

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth above or to such other address as either party may designate by written notice to the other. Notices shall be deemed given upon personal delivery, three (3) days after deposit in certified mail, or one (1) day after deposit with an overnight courier.

Governing Law; Miscellaneous

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified by the parties: . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior negotiations and agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof. No amendment shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

Additional Terms and Conditions

Acknowledgment and Certification

Each party certifies that the person signing this Agreement on its behalf is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to bind such party to the terms hereof. Borrower certifies that the proceeds of the refinanced loan will be applied as set forth in this Agreement.

Borrower Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Lender Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What a Refinance Agreement Template Is and When to Use It

A Refinance Agreement Template is a standardized contract used to document the replacement or restructuring of an existing loan with new loan terms, interest rate, repayment schedule, and any updated security instrument. It typically records borrower and lender details, the principal amount, interest calculation method, payoff of the prior loan, fees, prepayment provisions, escrow instructions, and any representations or warranties. Parties use this template to create consistent refinance documents for mortgage lenders, banks, credit unions, or private lenders and to support recording and closing processes.

Why a Clear Refinance Agreement Template Matters

A well-written template reduces negotiation time, ensures consistent disclosure of fees and collateral, and documents legal obligations ahead of closing. It supports lender underwriting, title recording, and audit trails while aligning expectations between borrower and lender.

Who Typically Uses This Refinance Agreement Template

The template serves multiple roles across the refinance process, from initial application through closing.

Borrowers and co-borrowers who must confirm identity, income disclosures, and acceptance of new loan terms.
Lenders, mortgage servicers, and underwriting teams who need consistent loan terms and security descriptions for approval.
Title companies and closing attorneys who use the agreement for recording, payoff instructions, and title insurance requirements.

Tailor the template to the transaction type and state law, and route it to each stakeholder for review and signature.

Essential Sections to Include in a Professional Refinance Agreement

Include clear, titled sections and exhibits so each party and any third-party reviewer can locate key obligations, payoff instructions, and security descriptions quickly.

Parties

Full legal names and entity types for borrower(s) and lender, with contact and mailing address for each party, and tax identification where relevant.

Loan Terms

Principal amount, interest rate (fixed or variable), payment schedule, late charges, prepayment penalties, and amortization table or reference to an exhibit.

Security Description

Legal description of collateral (mortgage or deed of trust), property address, parcel number, and any priority or subordination language.

Payoff Instructions

Exact payoff amount and direction to satisfy the prior lender, including escrow handling, lien release, and title company responsibilities.

Representations

Borrower and lender representations and warranties about authority, accuracy of financial disclosures, and compliance with law.

Closing & Recording

Who pays recording and closing costs, required notarial acts, any witness requirements, and post-closing delivery obligations.

Stepwise Process to Complete and Execute the Refinance Agreement

Follow these sequential actions to prepare, review, and finalize the refinance agreement with legal and title compliance.

01

Prepare Draft: Insert accurate borrower, lender, and property details.
02

Underwriting Review: Confirm income, credit, and collateral acceptability.
03

Title Verification: Ensure clear title and list required releases.
04

Sign and Record: Obtain signatures, notarizations, and file with county recorder.

How Electronic Completion and Signing Fits Into the Refinance Workflow

An electronic workflow can route the template for review, signature, notarization, and final delivery while preserving an audit trail.

Upload Document: Sender uploads the template and populates fields.
Assign Roles: Place signature, date, and notary fields for each signer.
Authentication: Signers authenticate via email, SMS, or stronger methods.
Finalize: Collect signatures, attach audit trail, and export final copy.

Setting Up an Electronic Refinance Workflow

Configure field behavior, signer order, and authentication to match your closing process and any required notary steps.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Set sequence: borrower(s) → lender representative → notary
Authentication Type	Email link or SMS code; use KBA or MFA for higher assurance
Notary Integration	Enable RON module or leave for in-person notary
Audit Trail	Enable timestamp, IP capture, and certificate of completion

Technical and Integration Considerations for eSigning and eSubmission

Choose a platform that supports PDF/DOCX, notarization workflows, and audit trail export to meet recording requirements.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
Integrations: Works with LOS and title systems
Notary Support: RON and in-person options

Comparison: Typical eSignature Pricing and Capabilities for Refinance Workflows

Pricing and key capabilities vary by vendor and plan; compare starting price, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope caps.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Yes	Varies by plan
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Key Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Refinance Agreement

Recording Rejection: Delay or rejection

Title Impairment: Clouded conveyance

Incorrect Payoff: Payment shortfall

Missing Signatures: Unenforceable lien

Wrong Legal Name: Mismatch on title

Regulatory Noncompliance: Potential fines

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Refinance Agreement

Using an outdated legal description that does not match the county recorder’s records, which can result in recording rejection and title issues.
Failing to obtain or record the prior lien release, which can leave the borrower exposed to duplicate encumbrances or payoff disputes.
Entering mismatched borrower or lender names across documents, causing delays in title insurance issuance and potential legal challenges.
Skipping required notarization or the correct witness procedure for the state, which may render the security instrument nonrecordable.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Refinance Agreement Completion

Apply consistent review steps and use workflow automation to reduce manual errors and speed closings.

Standardize Templates

Maintain a single, version-controlled template with clear placeholders and exhibits; review annually with counsel to reflect statute and fee changes.

Verify Title Data

Pull the current title report and copy the legal description and owner names directly into the template to avoid transcription errors.

Match Signature Formalities

Confirm state notary and witness requirements, and provision for RON where allowed; prepare the correct notarial wording in advance.

Preserve Audit Trail

Retain signed PDFs with embedded audit trails and hashes, and store copies in secure document management with access logs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refinance Agreement Templates

Answers to common legal, execution, and electronic signing questions for refinance agreements and related recording steps.

Need help? Contact support

Are electronic signatures legally valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met.
Do refinance documents require notarization?
Most mortgage and deed instruments must include a notary acknowledgement to be recorded. State recording offices typically require notarization; some states also require specific witness counts.
Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?
RON is permitted in most states with permanent RON frameworks; check your state notary commission rules and retention of audio-video recordings and identity-proofing requirements.
What happens if the recorded name differs?
Name mismatches can delay recording and title insurance. Correct by executing an affidavit of identity or corrective deed per county requirements.
How long should I keep signed refinance agreements?
Retain for the loan term plus at least 3 years; IRS guidance (IRC §6501(a)) and industry practices may require longer retention for real estate files.
Who must sign the refinance agreement?
All borrowers on title and any spouse where marital consent is required must sign; lender’s authorized representative signs on behalf of the lender as specified in the signature block.

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