All right. You’ve run the numbers a million times and determined that it is definitely the time to refinance, whether it is to simply lower your payments, reduce your terms or consolidate some credit card debt. What’s the next step? Sit back, relax and wait to close? NO!

Make your life easier while helping your lender expedite the process by having all of your information ready to go at the time of loan application. This will help all parties involved and keep your own headaches to a minimum. Some of these documents include:

1. One complete month of paystubs and if you are self employed or commission income appears, your last two years of complete tax returns with all schedules. Also include your last two W2’s from all of your jobs during the past two years This will help your lender determine what you actually make each month.

2. Two complete months work of bank statements, savings accounts, etc. If you have a most recent quarter from your retirement plan, have that ready too.

3. A copy of the most recent deed to your home, as well as a copy of the title policy. This should have been mailed to you from your current lender.

4. Have a copy of your most recent mortgage payment, including the toll free number for payoffs. This will allow the lender to contact the current mortgage holder once you are near closing for exact, accurate payoffs.

5. Finally, have a copy of your homeowners policy readily available, or at least your agent’s name so that your lender can contact him or her to make the appropriate changes to your policy for the new loan.

Following these five steps will make you life a lot easier during the three or four weeks it takes to close you loan, and your loan officer will be grateful to you as well! Who knows, it might even help you close quicker, which would allow you to access your cash sooner, payoff credit cards quicker or even go an extra month without a mortgage payment!

To view our list of recommended mortgage refinance companies online, visit this page: Recommended Mortgage Refinance Companies Online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.