How to Refinance a Home After Marriage

Before you start the refinance process, take some time to review your financial situation. Gather the loan documents for your current mortgage -- the ones you signed at closing -- to review the terms of the loan such as the interest rate and amortization schedule. The schedule, or your last monthly statement, shows what your principal balance is at the current time. Both you and your spouse should also review your credit reports. A credit report includes such information as what you owe, whether you pay your bills on time and if you've recently filed bankruptcy. You can get a free copy once a year through annualcreditreport.com, or you can pay for a report and score through one of the reporting bureaus. If you come across a mistake on the report, contact the credit bureau immediately to correct the error.

Adding your spouse as a borrower on the refinance loan can potentially help you get approved at a lower interest rate than the rate of your existing loan. For this to occur, however, your spouse must have a good credit score and also have a steady and stable income. If your spouse has less than perfect credit or a high debt-to-income ratio, your chances of getting approved at a better rate, or getting approved at all, decrease.

While married individuals can take out refinance loans without their having spouses listed as another borrower, there are a few stipulations in certain circumstances. In states that practice common law, the non-borrowing spouse is usually required to sign documents stating that she consents to the loan and is aware of it -- but is not responsible for the debt. If you choose to refinance with an FHA loan, your spouse will also be subject to a credit check and in some states, her debt will be included in the total debt-to-income ratio.

You don't have to use your current lender for the refinance loan -- so shop around for the best interest rate and repayment terms to fit your needs. Complete the residential uniform loan application provided by the lender. After you've submitted the application, the lender will review it and verify the information you provide and check your credit. You'll need to show proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, as well as income tax returns and current brokerage and bank statements. Additionally, the lender will require an appraisal of the property to determine its current market value. After the lender analyzes the information during the underwriting process, it makes an approval decision. If your application is denied, the lender must provide you with a written explanation. If you're approved, you can schedule a closing date to sign the loan documents as you did with the original mortgage.