Cash-out refinance

A refinance where the new loan is bigger than the old one, and the borrower takes the difference in cash. Used to pull equity out of the home.

Financing · Updated September 2026

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

A recent cash-out refinance means a bigger payoff at closing and less equity to walk away with. It also matters if you are thinking of pulling equity instead of selling.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

Two years ago you refinanced a $180,000 balance into $230,000 and took $50,000 out. Your payoff at closing is now near $226,000, not $176,000.

Cash-out refinance: a simple example
The situationWhat it does to your sale
A cash-out refinance last yearA larger payoff and smaller proceeds
Considering one instead of sellingKeeps the home; costs a new loan at today's rate
Taking cash out right before listingSome lenders and title companies look closely at a sale within months of a refinance

Cash taken out earlier is proceeds you will not see at closing.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That a refinance resets the clock only on the rate. It resets the balance too, and the balance is what your payoff comes from.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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