Articles in Category: Cash-Out Refinance

September 21, 2018

FHA Refinance Loan Credit Questions And Answers

FHA refinance loans have a set of guidelines for credit scores and credit history-do you know what it takes to be approved for an FHA refinance loan? There are some common questions about FHA refinance loans where credit is concerned, knowing the answers may help you a great deal. What Kind Of Credit Scores Do I Need To Be Approved For An FHA Refinance Loan? In general, FHA loan requirements include a FICO score at 500 or better for some loans, 580 and higher for maximum financing. These are FHA minimum requirements and do not reflect lender standards, which may be higher. Refinance loans with cash out will require certain FICO score ranges (lender provided) that are key to getting maximum financing. You will need to ask the lender about | more...

September 19, 2018

Sell Or Refinance With An FHA Loan?

By Joe Wallace

Which is the better option? Sell your home, or refinance your mortgage loan with an FHA refinance loan? Your financial needs and goals will determine part of the answer to this question, the nature of the housing market and how much you still owe on your mortgage loan will help inform the answer, too. FHA Refinance Loan Options For Those Considering Selling Their Property You can sell the home you’re currently in, or refinance it with an FHA cash-out refinance loan or an FHA rehab loan if you want to use FHA mortgage loan funds to repair or remodel the property. Why refinance instead of sell? Some borrowers think about selling because they want to move into a larger home. Refinancing isn’t an option for these people…or is it? The | more...

August 31, 2018

FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loan Options

By Joe Wallace

With home values on the rise in many housing markets, FHA borrowers are often tempted to consider applying for a cash-out refinance to take advantage of their new property values. A National Association of Realtors report says home values for existing construction increased from more than $190 thousand (2009) well over $275 thousand in 2018. That can translate into serious borrowing power for some home owners. But knowing your FHA cash-out refinance loan options is important; know the details before you apply for the loan! Who Qualifies For An FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loan? The legal title holder (presumably the original borrower or one of the original borrowers) who intends to remain or become an owner-occupier of the home may apply for FHA cash-out refinancing. HUD 4000.1, the FHA loan handbook, | more...

August 21, 2018

FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans: How Soon Can I Apply After Buying My Home?

By Joe Wallace

How soon can I apply for an FHA cash-out refinance loan after buying my home? Some borrowers want to know because they have purchased a home using an adjustable rate mortgage and may be nearing the end of the introductory interest rate period sometimes known as the “teaser rate” period. Others find themselves in a housing market with quickly rising property values and want to take advantage of those rising values. FHA loan rules have some specific things to say about the timing of cash out refinance loans, and who can apply for them. FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans Are For Any Type Of Mortgage You don’t have to have an existing FHA loan to apply for an FHA cash-out refinance. You can refinance a USDA loan, VA mortgage, conventional loan, | more...

August 13, 2018

FHA Mortgages: When Is Cash Back Allowed?

By Bruce Reichstein

When is cash back to the borrower permitted with an FHA home loan? Some borrowers have the idea that they will apply for a mortgage loan that has a higher amount than the money required to purchase the home and pay for any fees that are allowed to be included in the loan amount. But is this possible? FHA mortgage loan rules that govern cash back to the borrower are found in HUD 4000.1, which says that in most cases cash back to the borrower in this manner is not possible where new purchase, “forward” mortgages are concerned. Money Back Rules For FHA Forward Mortgages A forward mortgage, or FHA purchase loan, can only be for appraised value or the asking price (whichever is lower) and any costs included in | more...

August 9, 2018

When Should I Refinance My Home Loan?

By Bruce Reichstein

When should I refinance my home loan? That is an important question for borrowers who realize they want to cash in on rising property values, commit to home improvements, or get into a lower monthly mortgage payment. FHA refinance loans can help. FHA Refinance Loans For Conventional And Other Non-FHA Mortgages Did you know you can refinance into an FHA mortgage from a non-FHA home loan? Compare interest rates on your existing mortgage to those offered for FHA refi loans to see if it’s to your benefit to refinance. Are you in a conventional adjustable rate mortgage and want to get into an FHA fixed-rate loan? This is an option, too. Fixed rate mortgages are an excellent choice if you decide to remain in the home long-term and want to | more...

July 27, 2018

The Credit Check For FHA Cash-Out Refinances

By Bruce Reichstein

Is the credit check for an FHA cash out refinance loan the same as for a new purchase home loan? Borrowers want to know how their credit will measure up to lender standards when it’s time to apply for a refinance loan. Some make the same common mistakes in the months leading up to a refi loan application that others do when applying for a new purchase home loan. What can you do to increase your chances at refinance loan approval? Treat An FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loan The Same As Your Original Mortgage FHA cash out refi loans require both a new credit check and a new appraisal. The reason for the new appraisal is to make sure you are getting the value in your home that market values currently | more...

July 13, 2018

Should You Sell Your Home? The FHA Cash-Out Refinance Option

By Joe Wallace

There are a lot of websites urging home owners to consider selling your home, especially for those who own homes on the West Coast. Home owners on the West Coast and other increasingly profitable housing markets have the potential (at the time of this writing) to earn more than ever by selling a house. But borrowers looking to get cash from their homes in a housing market where property values are going up have another option to consider. It doesn’t matter if your home is in San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle, or Nashville, if your home could appraise for more money today due to the influence of a hot housing market? It could be worth an amount worth considering in the form of an FHA cash-out refinance. If you are | more...

June 27, 2018

FHA Cash-Out Refinancing Loan Occupancy Requirements

By Bruce Reichstein

FHA cash-out refinance loans are a great way to cash in on the value of your home, but this FHA refinance option has some specific rules about occupancy and how it affects your eligibility for cash out. The FHA loan handbook, HUD 4000.1, begins by explaining that cash-out refi loans are only for owner-occupiers. “Cash-out refinance transactions are only permitted on owner-occupied Principal Residences.” Furthermore, owner-occupiers are the only ones who can have their income counted when it comes time to qualify for an FHA cash-out refinance. “Income from a non-occupant co-Borrower may not be used to qualify for a cash-out refinance.” That’s an aspect of FHA cash out loans that isn’t discussed too often, but it is an important one to know. There are other requirements-in most cases, a | more...

June 18, 2018

What If I Miss A Mortgage Payment Before Applying For An FHA Refinance Loan?

By Bruce Reichstein

What if I miss a mortgage payment before applying for an FHA refinance loan? That is a question on the minds of some borrowers going into the refinance loan planning stages. What should a borrower do if they are worried about a missed mortgage payment? The first thing to understand is that FHA home loan rules for credit-including on-time payment requirements for new mortgage loans, are not the only standards which will apply. We could quote line after line of FHA regulations pertaining to refinance loan approval and missed or late payments, but lender standards will also apply above and beyond FHA loan rules. In general, FHA loan rules prohibit new loans for any borrower currently delinquent on an FHA mortgage. A loss mitigation program designed to prevent foreclosure may | more...