Articles Tagged With: FHA Streamline Requirements

August 15, 2011

FHA Streamline Refinance Rules for “Net Tangible Benefits”

The FHA changed the rules on Streamline Refinancing Loans for all case numbers assigned on or after April 18, 2011. The new regulations now include a requirement that the lender must “determine that there is a Net Tangible Benefit (NTB) to the borrower as a result of the streamline refinance transaction”. Those tangible benefits include specific requirements based on the type of refinancing loan. For example, a fixed-rate loan that is refinanced to another fixed rate mortgage must have a five percent minimum reduction in the principal, interest and mortgage insurance payment, also described as PI & MIP. For FHA Streamline Loans which refinance fixed-rate mortgages to a One Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage, the requirements include a minimum two percent reduction in interest. Fixed rate FHA loans to Hybrid ARMs | more...

July 21, 2011

FHA Streamline Refinance Loans and Mortgage Term Reductions

By Joe Wallace

FHA loans are available with terms of 15 and 30 years. Borrowers can choose shorter loans with higher payments, or they can choose a longer loan term and lower payments depending on what their financial priorities are. The shorter-term loan with higher monthly payments can result in less money being paid in interest over the lifetime of the loan, but for many borrowers the higher monthly obligation isn’t as affordable. Choosing the right loan term for your financial goals and monthly budget can be tricky. Some choose the longer loan term to maintain their monthly budget, but as people progress in their careers it may be more affordable later to take on those higher payments. Some decide simply to pay more than the monthly amount due, but others may seek | more...

June 15, 2011

What Is the FHA Streamline 203(k) Program?

By Joe Wallace

A type of loan called the FHA Streamline 203(k) allows a borrower to finance up to an additional $35 thousand of repairs and upgrades to a FHA mortgage. This loan is designed to “to purchase and improve or upgrade the home before move-in” but can also be used to refinance an existing mortgage and add repairs or improvements up to the same $35,000 amount. According to the FHA official site, “Unlike the standard 203(k) program, any FHA approved lender may originate a Streamlined 203k mortgage.” The availability of additional funds to repair or improve a home can be a powerful incentive to close the deal on a home that still needs work to make it truly attractive to the buyer, but it’s important to know exactly what the Streamline 203(k) | more...