In the 2026 mortgage market, “seasoning” rules—the time you must wait before refinancing—are strictly enforced to prevent loan churning. Whether you’re in a Brookside bungalow or an Overland Park estate, your eligibility depends on one critical metric: your Note Date.
2026 Seasoning Requirements by Loan Type
*Note: Some “Streamline” options may have specific “Net Tangible Benefit” requirements for early refinancing.
The 2026 “Note-to-Note” Standard
A major optimization for 2026 is understanding that seasoning is measured Note-to-Note. This means the 12-month clock for a conventional cash-out refinance starts on the day you signed your original mortgage paperwork, not the day you moved in. If your new refinance note is dated even one day before the 12-month anniversary, the loan cannot close.
For a detailed breakdown of the mortgage process from start to finish, see our comprehensive Refinance Process.
The “Recoupment” Test
Beyond the calendar, you must pass the Net Tangible Benefit test. If you are unsure if now is the right time, visit our guide on when to refinance to calculate your specific benefit.
Total Closing Costs ÷ Monthly Savings = Months to Break Even
For most 2026 programs, lenders prefer to see a “break-even” point of 36 months or less.