FHA Loans  


FHA Loans:
Overview

FHA Loans Types

Special FHA Program

Refinancing with a FHA Loan

Common FHA Questions

FHA News

FHA Streamline

Refinancing

FAQ's

What is an FHA Loan?

What are the advantages of an FHA loan?

Are FHA loan processes complicated?

Who is eligible for an FHA loan?

What is mortgage insurance, and how does it apply to FHA loans?

What are the different types of FHA loans?

What are the interest rates on FHA loans?

What are my expenses when taking out an FHA loan?

 

FHA Streamline Refinancing

The FHA Streamline Refinancing option has become and increasingly attractive proposition for FHA loan holders. It has been in effect since the 1980s for insured mortgages and those who want to refinance for a number of reasons. The "streamline" does not refer to any charges assessed on taking out the new loan, but on the reduced paperwork and approval processes needed to receive refinancing on a current FHA loan. There are two types of FHA Streamline Refinancing options: Without Appraisal and With Appraisal.

FHA Streamline Refinancing: Without Appraisal

This type of FHA refinancing is for those who do not want to take cash out of their equity and simply need to refinance for lower interest payment reasons. Without appraisal means that there are no appraisals needed on the property to establish value, and there are no credit evaluations needed to be approved for the loan. Using the FHA Streamline Refinancing without approval can save you from having to re-qualify in terms of credit worthiness. However, you will need to reestablish your escrow accounts when you settle the loan. 

There are also terms under which you must abide when refinancing a loan with the streamline approach. These terms are:

  • The mortgage that you are refinancing should already be an FHA approved mortgage.
  • Cash cannot be withdrawn from equity when using the streamline without appraisal option. 
  • Refinancing intentions should be simply to lower monthly principal and interest payments.
  • The mortgage payments must be current, and a 12-month mortgage payment history will be assessed to make sure no payments have been late.
  • There are no income, asset, or employment verifications needed to qualify.

Companies are able to offer streamline refinancing in a variety of ways. Some advertise "no cost" refinancing, which does not mean that the loan has no fees associated with it, but that fees are not required "out of pocket" to take out a new loan. These fees, typically loan origination fees and closing costs, can be financed in with the loan, depending on whether or not the loan amount does not exceed the original loan. Some lenders may require closing costs paid when the loan is refinanced, which will result in an absolute lower monthly payment, both in interest and principals.

FHA Streamline Refinancing: With Appraisal 

FHA streamline refinancing with appraisal is similar to that without appraisal, only it may be done for homeowners who wish to receive cash from the equity of their home. The other difference between the two is that financing with appraisal requires an appraisal assessment of the property being refinanced, and re-qualification for the loan is necessary. Credit, employment, and income requirements will be reassessed upon refinancing with a streamlined with appraisal loan. When you take out an FHA Streamline Refinancing loan with appraisal, all closing costs for the new loan can be refinanced, as well. 

There are certain standards that need to be met when refinancing with an FHA Streamline with appraisal. Unless you're going from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate and your new payment is higher, you may be able to refinance without appraisal. However, if your new payments will be higher than the previous payments, you'll need to refinance with appraisal and undergo all necessary credit, employment, and income verifications. These verifications will also be needed if you refinance to remove a borrower from the previous loan, or if you assumed the mortgage without previous credit qualifications within a time period of 6 months.

Why Use FHA Streamline Refinancing?

FHA Streamline Refinancing can be a quick and easy way to take advantage of lower interest rates or to lower your monthly payments. Using the convenience of FHA loan qualifications, the amount needed to refinance a loan can be quite inexpensive. If you currently have an FHA loan and would like lower payments or a cash amount derived from the escrow of your current loan, using FHA Streamline Refinancing may be the perfect solution.

 

FHA Loans: Overview  ::  FHA Loans Types  ::  Special FHA Program
Refinancing with a FHA Loan  ::  Common FHA Questions  ::  FHA News