One of the current major headline topics concerning mortgage refinance is revolving around the continued tightening by lenders. In fact, underwriting guidelines have become more restrictive by the month in 2008, including credit score qualification standards. The change to tougher lender guidelines is stemming from our national credit liquidity crisis and the continued decline in housing prices. With increased risk on the lender’s part, they are requiring a much cleaner loan application to fund loans.
What many people refinancing do not know, is that the squeeze in home loan qualifications are related to prime conventional home loans. FHA refinancing on the other hand, is a bit different, and guidelines are aimed to help as many homeowners refinance as possible. In years past, one could refinance into a decent interest rate with a 600 credit score and possibly finance 95 percent to 100 percent of their home’s appraised value. Those days are unfortunately gone for homeowners that can really benefit by a current refinance, if they choose to go the prime conventional route for their new mortgage. Fortunately, for many not qualified under a conventional mortgage, FHA refinance loans are filling the void.
An FHA refinance is not credit score driven, but there is a proverbial catch. Most lenders that underwrite and fund FHA refinance loans will require a 580 mid FICO score for eligibility purposes. Now, let’s be honest here, a 580 credit score is a pretty low score for the benefits of FHA refinancing. One of the many FHA loan benefits relate to the low refinance rates qualified for those with low credit scores. FHA interest rates are pretty much in line with equivalent mortgage rates offered to those with excellent credit scores. This is a huge advantage for those with poor credit. Another big benefit relates to how much a homeowner can finance, relative to the value of their home. Most FHA lenders will allow up to a 97 percent loan-to-value ratio. That means if your home is valued at $150,000, you can refinance up to $145,500 and still get low competitive refinance rates. In fact, many borrowers with great credit scores are going the FHA refinance route, as they are finding that interest rates are lower with an FHA loan as compared to the equivalent high loan-to-value conventional loan.
What’s more is that an FHA underwriter will listen to a borrower’s story relating to blips on their credit report. They will accept letters of explanation and supporting documentation aimed toward issuing a loan approval. In a day when is seems that numbers alone dictate a home loan approval or denial, it’s refreshing to see a refinance program that is more directed toward people and their needs.
By: Jim Bisnett
Posts Tagged ‘Loan Benefits’
FHA Refinance Loans and Credit Scores
December 22nd, 2009Auto Refinance Loan Benefits and Tips For Getting the Cheapest Deal
December 13th, 2009
What are some of the benefits that you can derive from refinancing your car loan? If you look at today’s economy, you will see a lot of people who are looking for ways to get back on their feet financially; refinancing your auto loan reduces your monthly payments and allows you to allocate some of your money to other debts. Wouldn’t be nice?
If you already have an auto loan, but want to reduce your monthly expenses, lower your interest rate, and/or extend the length of the loan, you may want to file an application with a direct auto refinance loan lender because of the benefit listed above.
Using an auto refinance loan direct lender is a wise financial choice; you do not have to pay them a commission, and they will almost always get you the lowest possible interest rate.
Most direct auto refinance loan lenders can approve your loan within a day, so if you need your loan processed quickly, this is the route to take.
What is also nice is direct lenders usually keep a list of preferred auto dealers who they frequently deal with. With loan in hand, you can get a better deal with lots of terrific extras, and you will drive away in your new car that very same day.
Finally, all direct auto loan lenders must possess proper certifications and registrations, and they can easily be checked out with the Better Business Bureau so that you know you are dealing with a legitimate company.
By: Hector Milla
100% VA Refinance Loans – Veterans Receive Help During Tough Economic Times
November 15th, 2009
Many Americans, including our veterans, may be feeling the effects of current economic tough times. And, many homeowners fear that if they don’t get some relief fast, foreclosures may be in their future. Relief may be in sight now that the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 has established new and better VA loan conditions. The bill sponsored by Senator Daniel Akaka (D- HI) and signed by the president into law October 10, 2008, includes major impacts to the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. Understanding these impacts can help VA-eligible borrowers who qualify refinance under the new VA loan benefits and possibly stave off financial dire straits.
The VA’s authority to guaranty Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) and Hybrid ARMs was originally set to expire this year. Under the new law, this authority has been extended through September 30, 2012. Unchanged are the VA program requirements associated with ARMs and hybrid ARMs. Notably, unlike conventional ARMs and conventional hybrid ARMs, interest rates on VA guaranteed ARMs and VA guaranteed hybrid ARMs are limited year after year, and for the life of the loans. This can represent an important benefit to veterans.
Cash-out refinancing loans are also enhanced under the new law. Cash-out refinancing happens when a new home loan replaces an old mortgage of lesser amount resulting in “cash out” of the equity for the homeowner. Under the old law, a cash-out loan was limited to 90 percent of appraised property value. Now, cash-out VA refinance loans are available for up to 100 percent of the appraised property value.
VA loans closed during the period of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011 are subject to an increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount. As a result of the new law, the VA guaranty, previously capped at $417,000, now will be available on loans of up to $729,750 depending on the location of the home for which the VA loan is obtained. The loan limit increase will allow Department of Veterans Affairs to help a higher number of military personnel who currently have subprime mortgages (obtained with less-than-ideal qualifications) to refinance into safer, more affordable loans under VA guaranty. Though VA has never guaranteed subprime mortgages, VA-eligible borrowers feeling financially squeezed due to high rate subprime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries of this Act.
Improvements made to the VA home loan guaranty program under the new law are designed to help qualified veterans maintain adequate or suitable housing and protect veterans who may feel they may lose their homes to foreclosure. Increasing the loan-to-value ratio and raising the maximum loan amount available under the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program can save many homeowners from this doom.
VA-eligible borrowers may find a VA home loan easier to get than other conventional loans. Not only do VA home loans require no private mortgage insurance, but, there is also no down payment required. Many find that qualifying for a VA home loan can be less stringent compared to conventional loans. And, now with the new law created by the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, a VA home loan can be even more beneficial to veterans in financial distress.
Understanding the benefits created as a result of this new law, veterans can weather the current financial storm.
By: Isacc Davis