By Alena Kairys
Jun 29, 2023Are you waiting for rates to drop so you can refinance your home? You’re not the only one! Refinancing allows you to replace your existing mortgage with another one with a different rate or conditions, and there are different types of refinances to choose from depending on your financial goals.
Rate and Term Refinance
When you think about refinancing, you likely have the rate and term kind in mind. Rate and term refinances are very popular, especially when mortgage rates drop. It can be a smart choice if you want to do any of the following: reduce your interest rate, lower your monthly payment, change the loan type (like adjustable-rate to fixed-rate), or get rid of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Note that if you want to lower your monthly payment, your loan term will be extended, while opting to refinance to a shorter term will often result in a higher monthly payment. Though each lender has different requirements, it’s best to have at least 20% in home equity with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of no more than 50%. The interest rates for rate and term refinances tend to be lower than that of other refinances since it’s less risky.
Cash-Out Refinance
Building equity is one of the many benefits of homeownership, but you don’t have to wait until you sell to benefit from the equity you’ve gained! A cash-out refinance allows you to transform your home equity into funds that you can use for pretty much anything. Your first mortgage is replaced with one that’s more than the remaining balance, and you receive the difference in cash. The money isn’t taxable and can be used for a number of purposes, including financing home repairs, a vacation, college tuition, or debt consolidation.
Most lenders will let you borrow up to 80-85% of your home’s appraised value, as long as you retain at least 20% equity. Since your new mortgage will be more than your initial one, expect the interest rate and your monthly payment to be higher. The rates for cash-out refis tend to be slightly higher than for rate and term refinances since they carry more risk. Cash-out refinances are available for conventional mortgages, VA, and FHA loans, with varying seasoning or waiting periods. For conventional loans, you’ll need to have owned your home for at least 6 months and have your current mortgage be seasoned for 12 months. VA loans have a 210-day seasoning period, and FHA loans have a 12-month requirement for primary ownership and occupancy before applying for a cash-out. FHA refinances also have mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). If home values in your area have risen greatly, a cash-out refinance can be an excellent way to get in on the appreciation boom!
Do you still love your home but feel it could use some upgrades? The FannieMae Homestyle Renovation Loan, FHA 203(k), and the Freddie Mac Choice Renovation loans all blend the perks of a rate and term refinance with the capital needed to repair or update your home. Renovation loans are especially convenient because the refinance of your current loan and repair costs are combined into one loan; it only has one closing and interest rate, and it provides flexibility when it comes to what can be updated. Unlike a home equity line of credit (HELOC), second mortgage, or cash-out refinance, which all use the home’s current value to determine the amount that can be borrowed, the renovation loan is based on the home’s after improved value. To determine the after-improved value, your contractor must submit a detailed plan of what’s to be fixed and how much it will cost. The appraisal is then completed using the contractor’s bid to determine what your home will be worth after the renovations are completed. Renovation loans are ideal for projects like building an addition, improving kitchens and bathrooms, and updating your home’s utility systems.
Streamline Refinance
Who says refinancing has to be a hassle? If you have an existing FHA, VA, or USDA loan, you may have the option of going with a streamline refinance. Streamline refinances are just what their name implies—they’re a simplified refinance that speeds up the process. With this kind of refi, it’s common for income documentation, home appraisal, credit requirements to be absent or very relaxed. Each of the three varieties of streamlined refinances has unique traits:
FHA
The FHA streamline refinance doesn’t require a credit check, appraisal, or income verification and has flexible loan-to-value (LTV) and debt-to-income (DTI) requirements, making it an attractive option. If 210 days have passed since closing on your first mortgage and you’ve made at least six mortgage payments, you’ll be ready to look into an FHA streamline refi. Like the normal FHA loan, the streamline refi involves paying a MIP for the life of the loan and a one-time upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP).
VA
Also called an interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL), the VA streamline refinance has no appraisal requirements or employment verification. Be sure to budget for the 0.5% funding fee and closing costs. You can apply for an IRRRL if you’ve made 6 monthly payments to your first mortgage and 210 days have passed since the initial closing. The borrowing limits are very generous and allow you to refinance up to 120% of your loan’s value. The IRRRL is only available to use for a rate-and term refinance, cash-outs are not allowed.
USDA
A USDA streamline refinance loan lets you refinance without going through a credit check, DTI verification, home inspection, or appraisal. To be eligible, you’ll need to have made at least 12 on-time payments towards your first loan. Like the IRRRL, the USDA streamline can only be used to obtain a rate and term refinance.
People refinance for a number of reasons, so it makes sense to have a variety of refinance options available to help you achieve your financial goals. Working with an experienced loan originator and choosing the right refinance for your needs will help ensure you’re getting value out of your home purchase for years to come.
If you have any questions about refinancing, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the home buying process, click here to get started!
For informational purposes only. Refinancing an existing loan may result in the total finance charges being higher over the life of the loan. Veterans Affairs loans require a funding fee, which is based on various loan characteristics. LTVs can be as high as 96.5% for FHA loans. FHA minimum FICO score required. Fixed rate loans only. W2 transcript option not permitted. Minimum required credit score of 620 for conventional loans.
These blogs are for informational purposes only. Make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose, and that it meets your unique financial needs. Subject to Debt-to-Income and Underwriting requirements. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is subject to completion of an application and verification of home ownership, occupancy, title, income, employment, credit, home value, collateral, and underwriting requirements. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. Should you have any questions about the information provided, please contact us.