Still in Chapter 13?
You Have Options.

Often yes. Many programs allow a refinance during an active plan if you've made on-time plan payments and obtain court/trustee approval. FHA and VA explicitly allow this under certain conditions.

In most cases, yes. FHA and VA commonly require that at least 12 months of your Chapter 13 repayment period have elapsed with on-time payments, plus written approval from the trustee/court.

Not necessarily. Government-backed options (FHA/VA) may be available during the plan with court approval. Conventional loans usually require waiting until after discharge/dismissal and observing their waiting periods.

Usually yes. Your attorney will file a motion; many trustees approve refis that clearly improve your position (e.g., paying off the plan, lowering monthly debt). VA guidance also notes trustee approval may be required.

Expect: bankruptcy schedules/plan, 12+ months payment history, trustee approval, income (pay stubs/W-2s or tax returns if self-employed), assets, mortgage statement, insurance, and IDs. (Exact lists vary by lender and court.)

Commonly 30–45 days, depending on appraisal timing, court calendar, and how fast documents are provided. (Local courts and market conditions can make it shorter or longer.)

• FHA: widely used for active-plan refis with 12 months on-time payments + court approval.
• VA: similar path for eligible veterans; trustee approval may be needed.
• Conventional (Fannie/Freddie): generally post-discharge with waiting periods.
• Non-QM/portfolio: case-by-case options when others don't fit.

Often, yes—if you have enough equity and meet program rules. For FHA cash-out, the current max LTV is 80%, subject to credit/income and payment history. (Lender overlays may be stricter.)

Usually yes. Some programs may allow waivers, but Chapter-13 scenarios often require a full appraisal to verify value and equity.

Minimums vary by program and lender overlays. Government-backed options are generally more flexible than conventional; stronger scores/risk factors can improve pricing and approval odds.

Maybe. Pricing reflects credit, equity, debt-to-income, and program type. Even if the rate is higher than prime, the total savings from ending your repayment plan early can still make the refi worthwhile—let's figure out your specific situation.

If the cash-out (or new loan amount) fully pays the plan balance, the court can close the plan early. That may reduce total trustee/attorney fees over time and free up monthly cash flow.

Standard refinance costs: lender fees, appraisal, title, recording, plus prepaids (taxes/insurance/interest). Compare the total costs to expected savings and the break-even timeline.

Ending the plan and making on-time mortgage payments going forward can help your credit profile. Removing the active bankruptcy plan is a big step in repairing your credit profile.

Yes, and no. Typically, there is a month when no payment is due, although interest is factored into the new loan.

A recent late can hurt approval. Many lenders require 12 consecutive on-time plan payments; if there's a hiccup, you may need extra compensating factors—or time—to qualify.

Yes—requirements vary by program. For example, FHA cash-out tops out at 80% LTV; conventional and non-QM rules differ. Your exact equity need depends on how much is required to pay off the plan plus closing costs.