Order with the mortgage statement
The single most useful document at order is the borrower’s current mortgage statement. It lets the title agency request the payoff immediately rather than waiting on borrower authorization forms.
Current-owner search and commitment
A refinance requires a search from the borrower’s acquisition forward: mortgages, judgments, liens, and taxes. Commitments typically issue in a few business days. Only a lender’s policy is needed—the borrower’s existing owner’s policy remains in force.
Judgments and liens on the borrower
Because the borrower is the insured owner, judgments against them attach directly. Child support, tax liens, or old credit-card judgments must be paid or resolved at closing. Loan officers should ask about these at application, not at commitment.
Signing logistics
Refinances are ideal for mobile notary signings at the borrower’s home or office. Confirm all owners on the deed will sign the mortgage—and that a non-borrowing spouse signs where required.
Rescission and funding
For owner-occupied refinances, federal law provides a three-business-day right of rescission after signing. Funding and payoff occur after it expires. Build those days into the lock: a Thursday signing funds the following Tuesday.
Post-closing
The title agency pays off the old loan, records the new mortgage (e-recording is same- or next-day in most New Jersey counties), tracks the discharge of the old mortgage, and issues the lender’s policy.
This article is general information about New Jersey real estate transactions and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws, regulations, and fee schedules change; confirm current requirements with your attorney. Crystal Alliance Title is a title insurance agency, not a law firm.
