Lending Guidelines, Market Insight
5 Days Left for an FHA Streamline Refinance
November 10, 2009 by James K Barath, CMPS · Leave a Comment
Consider this a last call for FHA Streamline Refinances. Starting next Tuesday, the popular rate-lowering program gets strict on borrowers.
There’s 5 days left.
Under the current streamline refi guidelines, FHA homeowners have minimal program eligibility requirements.
- FICO scores must be 620 or higher
- The refinance must provide a “tangible benefit”
- No mortgage lates allowed in the last 12 months
Beyond that, everything else goes, practically. There’s no income, asset, or job verification with the current FHA Streamline program. Neither is there an appraisal requirement. It doesn’t matter if you’re 50% underwater.
Until next week, that is.
Beginning November 17, FHA Streamline Refinance applicants must show evidence of income and employment, plus proof of cash required to close. Furthermore, the FHA is limited loan-to-values to 97.75% for homeowners that want to “roll closing costs” into their mortgage.
In areas of declining home values, this may render refinancing impossible.
There’s more changes, too, as highlighted by the Federal Housing Commissioner. Read up for yourself, or ask a qualified mortgage professional for help.
If you’re a homeowner and you’re currently financed through the FHA, it may be prudent to explore the possibility of an FHA Streamline Refi. Mortgage rates are low right now and FHA guidelines are loose.
Starting next week, FHA Streamlines will be a completely different beast.
Need more expert advice? Ask the team of Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists at Benchmark Mortgage.
About the Author: James K Barath is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, qualified liability advisor and your FHA Home Loan Expert. He is also a graduate of Purdue University, The CMPS Institute, Dale Carnegie Human Relations Course & Napoleon Hill Foundation's PMA Science of Success Class. It's your home and your future. It's his profession and his passion. He is ready to work for your best interest. Contact James Barath today for your Borrow Smart Analysis - the CALM Approach to Borrowing ! His Motto: I Facilitate the American Dream Through Responsible Mortgage Lending and Financial Literacy! 
