If your trip is not within 2 weeks, but you need your U.S. passport more quickly than the normal processing period of 4 to 6 weeks, you can request expedited service by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility near you.
The average is 2-3 weeks for a refinance and 4 weeks for a purchase. The time it takes to close your loan can be affeted by many things and no loan is the same.
There is no specific time when you should refinance your property. You should only refinance when it benefits you, or you can lower your monthly payments. You have to take in considerstion the fees and points you will be charged and when you can expect to get back your money for your refinance. I would say a 1-1.5 drop in the rate should be the standard. That way i will not take you long to get back your fees and points you paid for the refinance.