FHA Streamline Refinancing: Understanding The Basics

>calculations:
Normal refinances are much more difficult to process1. Maximum LTV(Loan-to Value) percentages multiplied
than a streamline refinance. This type of refinancingby appraised value, excluding closing costs.
doesn't require a new appraisal or full credit report as2. Sum of existing FHA first mortgage, accrued late
long as the new loan amount does not exceed thecharges, prepaid expenses needed for the escrow
original loan amount. A streamline refinance is muchaccount, escrow shortages, closing costs and
faster and easier to approve and close on because ofreasonable discount points minus any upfront MIP
the fact that they require so little documentation. Basicrefund.
Requirements For An FHA Streamline RefinanceWithout an appraisal, the maximum insurable mortgage
-Mortgage being refinanced must already be FHAamount is calculated by the lesser of the following:
insured1. Original loan amount with any upfront MIP and new
-The mortgage being refinanced may not be delinquentUFMIP charges included.
-Borrower's monthly payment must be lowered2. Existing debt calculation, which is the same as
-No cash outnumber 2 above but also includes the expense of the
There are certain things that need to be taken intonew up-front UFMIP.
account when doing an FHA streamline refinance. FirstThere are a couple of ways in which lenders can
of all, the mortgage being refinanced already has to beoffer an FHA streamline refinance to a borrower.
an FHA approved first mortgage. There is no cash out-No Cost Refinances- No out of pocket expenses to
allowed by the borrower, and the purpose of thethe borrower. All expenses are paid by the lender. This
refinance is to simply lower the borrower's monthlywill likely result in a higher interest rate than if the
interest and principal payment. To provide for closingborrower had paid the expenses out of their own
costs, there may be a minor adjustment in the no cashpocket.
out clause allowing up to an additional $500 above the-Closing Costs Included In New Mortgage Amount- If
original loan amount.there is sufficient equity in the property as determined
The only repairs that are required to be completedby an appraisal, then the closing costs can be included
when doing an FHA streamline refinance are thosein the new loan. This can also be done without an
that deal with lead based-paint. If the lender requiresappraisal as long as the new loan amount does not
any other repairs to be completed by the borrowerexceed the original loan amount.
they must be paid for out of the borrower's pocket.Actual rates and fees for an FHA streamline may
FHA streamline refinances don't require an appraisal,differ depending on the lender you choose, but the
but in cases where an appraisal is done, the maximumbasic requirements will be the same. Provided you
insurable mortgage is figured out differently.already have an FHA first mortgage, an FHA
Calculating the maximum insurable mortgage amountstreamline refinance program is likely going to be the
with an appraisal is the lesser of the following twoeasiest and quickest form of refinancing you will find.