| A full credit report and new appraisal are things that | | | | calculations: |
| are not required for a streamline refinance. As long as | | | | 1. Maximum LTV(Loan-to Value) percentages multiplied |
| the new loan amount is not more than the balance of | | | | by appraised value, excluding closing costs. |
| the original mortgage, you have a good chance of | | | | 2. Sum of existing FHA first mortgage, accrued late |
| getting approved much quicker than you would with | | | | charges, prepaid expenses needed for the escrow |
| another form of refinancing. The process is also much | | | | account, escrow shortages, closing costs and |
| easier as there is little documentation required for | | | | reasonable discount points minus any upfront MIP |
| approval. | | | | refund. |
| Basic Requirements For An FHA Streamline | | | | Without an appraisal, the maximum insurable mortgage |
| Refinance | | | | amount is calculated by the lesser of the following: |
| -Mortgage being refinanced must already be FHA | | | | 1. Original loan amount with any upfront MIP and new |
| insured | | | | UFMIP charges included. |
| -The mortgage being refinanced may not be delinquent | | | | 2. Existing debt calculation, which is the same as |
| -Borrower's monthly payment must be lowered | | | | number 2 above but also includes the expense of the |
| -No cash out | | | | new up-front UFMIP. |
| There are certain things that need to be taken into | | | | There are a couple of ways in which lenders can |
| account when doing an FHA streamline refinance. First | | | | offer an FHA streamline refinance to a borrower. |
| of all, the mortgage being refinanced already has to be | | | | -No Cost Refinances- No out of pocket expenses to |
| an FHA approved first mortgage. There is no cash out | | | | the borrower. All expenses are paid by the lender. This |
| allowed by the borrower, and the purpose of the | | | | will likely result in a higher interest rate than if the |
| refinance is to simply lower the borrower's monthly | | | | borrower had paid the expenses out of their own |
| interest and principal payment. To provide for closing | | | | pocket. |
| costs, there may be a minor adjustment in the no cash | | | | -Closing Costs Included In New Mortgage Amount- If |
| out clause allowing up to an additional $500 above the | | | | there is sufficient equity in the property as determined |
| original loan amount. | | | | by an appraisal, then the closing costs can be included |
| The only repairs that are required to be completed | | | | in the new loan. This can also be done without an |
| when doing an FHA streamline refinance are those | | | | appraisal as long as the new loan amount does not |
| that deal with lead based-paint. If the lender requires | | | | exceed the original loan amount. |
| any other repairs to be completed by the borrower | | | | Refinancing to lower your monthly payments may not |
| they must be paid for out of the borrower's pocket. | | | | be easier for anyone holding an FHA approved first |
| FHA streamline refinances don't require an appraisal, | | | | mortgage. An FHA streamline refinance will be faster |
| but in cases where an appraisal is done, the maximum | | | | and easier than any other type of refinance you can |
| insurable mortgage is figured out differently. | | | | find. While the basic requirements will not change, keep |
| Calculating the maximum insurable mortgage amount | | | | in mind, however, that fees and interest rates will vary |
| with an appraisal is the lesser of the following two | | | | from lender to lender. |