Answer by Kowsley and Rcooper:
We’ve heard differing opinions on this, but we believe it would fit the definition of refinancing.
Refinancing means a new obligation that satisfies and replaces an existing obligation by the same borrower, in which:
(1) For coverage purposes, the existing obligation is a home purchase loan (as determined by the lender, for example, by reference to available documents; or as stated by the applicant), and both the existing obligation and the new obligation are secured by first liens on dwellings; and
(2) For reporting purposes, both the existing obligation and the new obligation are secured by liens on dwellings.
If this was a construction/perm loan or permanent financing to replace a construction-only loan, Reg C commentary says it would be a purchase.