What is Discharge?
Discharge is the formal process of paying out and closing a home loan. It involves lodging paperwork with the lender, releasing the mortgage from the property title, and transferring title (if you're selling) or re-registering it (if you're refinancing).
Why it matters for you
Allow 2–3 weeks for discharge. Lenders charge a small discharge fee ($250–$400). If you're refinancing, your new lender coordinates discharge with the old one — you shouldn't have to manage it manually.
Last updated: April 2026