Category: IRRL

Louisville Kentucky VA Refinancing IRRL – Frequently Asked Questions

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Louisville Kentucky VA Refinancing

 

 

Do you have an existing Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan or conventional loan that you are interested in refinancing? While interest rates are still low, there are many advantages to refinancing now in order to get a lower interest rate, take cash out of the equity in your home, consolidate credit, or make home improvements. If you are interested in refinancing with a Kentucky VA Loan, the VA has programs that can assist you. Below are some questions other people have asked about the Louisville Kentucky VA Refinancing programs. Follow the headers to find information about Louisville Kentucky VA Refinancing. If you cannot find an answer here, a VA Loan Specialist can be contacted online or by phone to answer all your refinancing questions.

What is an IRRRL?

An IRRRL is the VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan, also known as a VA Streamline Refinance. An IRRRL is a loan that refinances your existing VA Loan into a new VA Loan with a lower interest rate, or from an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) into a fixed rate mortgage. A Certificate of Eligibility is not required for an IRRRL.

Do I have to be eligible for a lower interest rate in order to qualify for a VA IRRRL?

Not necessarily. In order to qualify for an IRRRL, the VA requires you to obtain a lower interest rate if you are going from a one fixed rate mortgage to another fixed rate mortgage, but if you are going from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage, the VA will allow you to refinance to a higher interest rate.

If it is called an Interest Rate Reduction Loan, why does the VA allow me to refinance my ARM to a higher interest rate?

Since you are refinancing your adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate mortgage the interest rate may be higher initially, but you will save money over time. With adjustable rate mortgages you may get a lower interest rate than a fixed rate mortgage for the first few years, but after that your interest rates increase and you are paying higher rates than you would with a fixed rate mortgage. This is why the VA allows you to refinance into a higher fixed rate of interest on your mortgage before your adjustable rate on your current mortgage increases.

Can I refinance with the VA if I am already using my Loan Guarantee entitlement with my current mortgage?

Yes. As long as you are refinancing your VA-guaranteed mortgage, then you can use this program to get more favorable loan terms and save money over the long run. If you’re ready to get started with your VA Refinance, contact a VA Refinance Specialist now.

What out-of-pocket expenses will I have when refinancing?

None. The VA allows you to finance all closing costs associated with refinancing into your new mortgage. Your lender may have some fees, but you will need to consult them to find out what they expect you to pay up front, if anything.

Do I have to use my current lender to refinance?

No. If you want a new lender, you can choose from any mortgage lender on the VA-approved lender’s list. Make sure that you shop around for your refinancing loan. By going to several lenders, you will get more offers and you can choose the best loan terms for you and your family. Be careful of lenders that try to deceive you into thinking they are the only lender that can finance a VA IRRRL. The VA has a long list of approved lenders, and you should shop around.

Do I have to go through the credit check and appraisal process again when refinancing?

The VA does not require another credit check and appraisal because it has already approved you for the loan guarantee in the first place. However, lenders usually do require a credit check and appraisal when refinancing because they need to make sure you are still credit worthy and the property still has a higher market value than their maximum loan amount. For more information about this, check out VA Appraisal, Qualification and Approval FAQ’s.

Do I have to get another Certificate of Eligibility?

No. You have already been approved by the VA for your home loan guarantee, and refinancing does not require a Certificate of Eligibility.

Keys with a VA Loan

What fees does the VA charge for an IRRRL?

The VA only requires a 1.5% funding fee of the value of your new loan. There are no other fees involved with the VA. If a lender tries to tell you that the VA charges extra fees you should contact the VA to see if something has recently changed and, if not, you should find a new, ethically responsible lender.

Does the VA have any requirements for me to get an IRRRL?

The VA has the following eligibility requirements for an IRRRL:

  • You must be refinancing an existing VA Loan into a new VA Loan in order to use this program.
  • You need to certify that you have been occupying the property. For your original loan you had to sign an agreement stating you would be the primary occupant of the home, and now you will have to sign an additional agreement saying that you have been the primary occupant.
  • You cannot take more out on your new loan than what you currently owe. The loan can be more only as a result of fees and closing costs being financed into the mortgage.

Can I include the cost of home improvements in my IRRRL?

You are allowed to include up to $6,000 in your refinancing loan for the purpose of energy efficient home improvements. Any other home improvements are not eligible.

Can I take cash out of an IRRRL?

No. An IRRRL from the VA is only for the purposes of obtaining a better interest rate on your mortgage loan in order to save you money over time.

What is a VA Cash Out Refinancing Loan?

This is the type of refinancing loan the VA offers for those Veterans who want to take cash out of the equity in their homes. You must be refinancing an existing VA Loan in order to use the VA Cash Out Refinancing Program.

What can I use the cash I take out of my home for?

Anything you want. Make sure you consult your lender to see if they have any restrictions on what you can use the money for.

Can I consolidate debt with a Cash Out Refinance Loan?

Yes. As a matter of fact, many lenders prefer that you do consolidate all of your debt into your new loan because it makes you less of a credit risk for them.

How much cash can I take out of my home equity?

Your home’s value is on a Certificate of Reasonable Value, and you are allowed to take up to 90% of this amount. On top of this you are also allowed to finance the VA funding fee and include up to $6,000 for energy efficient home improvements.

I am delinquent on my current mortgage. Can I still get a VA Cash Out Refinance Loan?

This depends on your lender. The VA allows it, and many lenders will also allow you to refinance as long as you are financially able to make the new payments. If you are a delinquent on your current mortgage because of excess debt, the lender will probably require you to consolidate that debt into your new mortgage loan in order to lower you interest rates on your unsecured debt and give you a more affordable monthly payment.

How much does the VA guarantee my loan for with a VA Cash Out Refinance?

The highest amount the VA will guarantee a Cash Out Refinance mortgage for is $36,000.

Still have questions?

More information on refinancing options is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs or by contacting your VA Regional Loan Service Center.

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