What is an FHA Streamline Refinance?
The purpose of this type of financing is to lower a homeowner's interest rate on his or her loan and, in turn, lower his or her monthly mortgage payment. This loan allows homeowners to refinance their existing home loans with a more efficient process. With this type of financing, there is less documentation and less underwriting, which can make the loan process significantly quicker. There is also an option to refinance with this type of loan without having to get an appraisal, as long as certain requirements are met. If no appraisal is done, the new loan amount cannot be more than the original loan that was taken out by the homeowner.
Requirements of this Loan
A homeowner must already have an FHA mortgage that is current in order to qualify for this type of financing. This means there can be no delinquent payments on the mortgage. With this particular type of financing, no additional cash can be taken out. If a homeowner would like to receive cash back when refinancing his or her loan, there is a cash-out refinance option available, but this option is not a streamline loan.
There are closing costs associated with this loan, but a homeowner has options that allow him or her to avoid paying them out of pocket. In some instances, homeowners can choose to obtain a higher rate in exchange for lower closing costs. On the other hand, if there is sufficient equity in the home, a homeowner can decide to have the closing costs included in the new loan amount. An appraisal will determine if there is an adequate amount of home equity for the homeowner to choose this option.
Benefits of this Type of Financing
Refinancing with this loan can lower a homeowner's rate and monthly payment and save him or her money over time. This type of loan has more efficient processing when compared with other home loans. It can have fewer requirements, and, in some cases, the closing costs can be financed so homeowners will have less money to pay upfront. This saves them more money for their other expenses.
There are not strict eligibility requirements for this type of financing. Homeowners do not need a high credit score or income to qualify for this loan, but most lenders will require that a borrower have a credit score of at least 620. For homeowners who would like more refinancing options besides the streamline refinance, the FHA also has refinance loans that allow a homeowner to consolidate debt, change the terms of his or her loan or receive cash back.
This type of financing is a great option for current homeowners who want a quick way to reduce their current interest rates and lower their monthly payments without having to meet all of the standard requirements for a home refinance loan.
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