Understanding Streamline Refinancing

Of course, when deciding which kind of loan is morehigher interest rate in exchange for not charging up
attractive in the short, run, FHA loans do not alwaysfront, out of pocket fees for the process.
win out. In the long run, however, the FHA loan canThis of course begs the question if this is truly a good
actually save the homeowner a lot of money, simplydeal. After all, financing about $3,000 for 30 years is a
because it is eligible for the streamline refinancinglot more costly than simply paying for the expense up
option.front. At the same time, there are borrowers who
A streamline refinance is little more than a refinancingsimply cannot come up with these funds, and thus -
of the primary mortgage so that it will lower theinstead of foregoing the more advantageous interest
borrower's interest payments as well as monthlyrates - they do have the option of rolling this expense
principal payments. This kind of a streamline refinanceinto the loan. There are some exemptions to the
presupposes that the borrower is financially in goodpayment of fees, such as with investment properties.
shape and that the property will appraise for prettySuch properties may undergo an FHA streamline
much the amount of money that is still outstanding onrefinance without an appraisal, but as such any fees
the loan. FHA streamline refinancing does not permithave to be paid out of pocket.
for homeowners to take any equity out of theirThe fee issue is the single sticking point that
homes, so a cash-out refinance loan - such as it mightconsumers experience when attempting to avail them
be done to pay off debts or to obtain easy funds forof a streamline FHA refinance, but if they are working
a home remodel - is also not possible.with a favorable lender motivated to make the loan
Fees associated with this kind of FHA streamlinehappen, this disadvantage can be ironed out rather
refinancing may be added to the loan, as long as therequickly. It bears mentioning that streamline refinances
is sufficient equity in the property to justify thisare not advertised as much as other loans. When it
expense. If there is simply not enough equity present,comes to these other loans, lenders usually stand to
the homeowner will have to pay the costs of themake more money on them in the long run, and
refinance up front. In such instances it pays to worktherefore they are much more apt to advertise them
with a lender that is open to negotiating these fees.to current customers and those who are considering a
Select lenders may decide to actually offer a slightlyloan with their fiscal institution.