Can I change my mind after I sign the loan closing documents for my second mortgage or refinance?

Can I change my mind after I sign the loan closing documents for my second mortgage or refinance?

Yes, in certain situations, you can change your mind after signing the loan closing documents for a second mortgage or refinance, but this depends on the specific type of loan and the laws in your location.

1. Right of Rescission (Cooling-Off Period):

• For refinanced mortgages or home equity loans (second mortgages) in the U.S., you typically have a three-day right of rescission after signing the closing documents. This is a federal law that applies to refinances and home equity loans, and it gives you the right to cancel the loan within three business days without any penalty.
• The cooling-off period allows you to change your mind about the loan and cancel the transaction. This right applies to primary residences, but not to second homes or investment properties.
• The countdown starts after you sign the loan documents, but it only includes business days (weekends and holidays do not count).

How to Cancel:

• To cancel, you must notify the lender in writing before the end of the rescission period (usually by midnight of the third business day).
• If you cancel within this period, you will get back any fees or costs you paid during the closing, and the lender must return the funds to you.

2. After the Right of Rescission Expires:

• If the right of rescission period has passed, cancelling the loan becomes much more difficult and may require you to pay off the loan early or take other actions depending on the terms of the agreement.
• Refinances or second mortgages that have been completed (with funds disbursed) are binding agreements, and if you want to cancel or reverse the loan, you might need to look into options such as paying off the loan early or refinancing again (if possible), though this could come with additional fees.

3. Steps to Take If You Want to Cancel:

• Contact your lender immediately if you are within the right of rescission period to initiate the cancellation process.
• If you’re past the rescission period, review your loan terms to see if there are any penalties for early repayment or refinancing.
• In some cases, you may need to consult an attorney or a mortgage expert for advice on how best to proceed, especially if you are facing financial difficulties or other challenges after signing the loan documents.

In summary, if you are within the three-day rescission period for a second mortgage or refinance, you can cancel the loan with no penalty. After that period, however, you will need to explore other options for changing or canceling the loan.