Totally relate to the paperwork anxiety... I stalled forever on refinancing my VA loan too. But once you dive in, it's surprising how quickly things fall into place. Glad it worked out smoothly for you!
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but refinancing wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Sure, paperwork anxiety fades once you start, but I hit a couple snags with appraisal delays and lender miscommunications. Worth it in the end, but "quickly" isn't how I'd describe it...
Yeah, I feel you on the appraisal delays—had pretty much the same thing happen to me. When I refinanced my VA loan last year, it was supposed to be a quick and easy IRRRL, or so they said. But then the appraisal got pushed back twice, and my lender suddenly went radio silent for a week. Talk about nerve-wracking...
But you're right, once you're on the other side of it, the relief is huge. The lower monthly payment alone made it worthwhile for me. Seems like refinancing always has its hiccups no matter how prepared you are; guess that's just part of the process. Glad you stuck with it though, sounds like it paid off in the end.
Went through a similar headache myself a couple years back. My appraisal took forever, and then the lender came back asking for paperwork I'd already submitted twice... But honestly, once that lower rate hit, it was worth every frustrating email. Hang in there, it's usually worth it.
"My appraisal took forever, and then the lender came back asking for paperwork I'd already submitted twice..."
Had a client go through almost the exact scenario recently—lender kept losing docs, appraisal delays, the works. Curious, did you stick with your original lender or eventually switch to someone else mid-process?
