The Standard Refinance Package
A refinance loan package typically contains 100–150 pages and covers the borrower's payoff of an existing mortgage and the creation of a new loan. As a signing agent, you are not responsible for explaining the financial terms — but you must know what each document is so you can guide the borrower through the package efficiently.
Key Documents in a Refinance Package
Closing Disclosure (CD)
The CD is a federal disclosure required under TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure) rules. It itemizes loan terms, projected monthly payments, and closing costs. Borrowers are required to receive it at least 3 business days before closing. If a borrower is seeing it for the first time at the signing table, that is a problem — and a potential reason to pause the appointment and contact the title company.
Promissory Note
The note is the borrower's legally binding promise to repay the loan. It specifies the principal amount, interest rate, payment schedule, and consequences of default. The note is typically not notarized in most states. It is signed by the borrower but does not require a notarial certificate. The borrower should read it — the note is arguably the most important document in the package.
Deed of Trust (or Mortgage)
The deed of trust is the security instrument — it gives the lender a security interest in the property. This is the primary notarized document in a refinance. Depending on the state, it may be a deed of trust (three-party instrument involving a trustee) or a mortgage (two-party instrument). Both require notarization. This document is typically the longest in the package.
Right of Rescission
Federal law (15 U.S.C. §1635, Regulation Z) gives borrowers a 3-business-day right to cancel a refinance on their primary residence. The borrower signs the Notice of Right to Cancel, and you must provide them with two copies — one to keep, one you take back signed. The rescission period runs from the date of signing (or delivery of required disclosures, if later). Explain this clearly. Borrowers sometimes ask if signing the document waives their right — it does not.
Initial Escrow Disclosure
If the loan includes an escrow account for property taxes and insurance, this document discloses the anticipated amounts. Borrowers often have questions about why their payment includes escrow and whether the amounts are fixed.
Compliance and Servicing Disclosures
The back half of a typical refi package includes federal compliance disclosures: the servicing disclosure statement (informing the borrower the loan may be sold), hazard insurance requirements, and various state-specific disclosures. These typically require signatures but usually not notarization.
What Gets Notarized
In a typical refinance, the following documents require notarization: the deed of trust or mortgage, any riders or addenda to the deed of trust, and state-specific instruments as required. Your notarial certificate must appear on each notarized page and be fully completed.
FAQ
A prepared agent with an experienced borrower typically completes a refinance in 60–75 minutes. First-time borrowers or those who haven't reviewed their closing disclosure can extend the appointment to 90 minutes or more. See our full duration guide.
If a borrower decides during or after the signing to exercise their right to cancel, they have 3 business days to do so by notifying the lender in writing. As a signing agent, your role ends at delivery of the signed documents and the rescission notice copies. Contact the title company immediately if a borrower indicates they wish to cancel at the signing table.