VA IRRRL Guidelines For VA Streamline Refinance

VA IRRRL guidelines allow homeowners with a VA loan to refinance to a new VA loan with low mortgage rates without an appraisal or income documents. However, VA IRRRL guidelines have been misinterpreted. In this blog, people detail the VA interest rate reduction loan and VA IRRRL guidelines. We will cover what sparked the change in the VA interest-rate reduction loan and how to apply for this loan product. GCA Forums Mortgage Group has been completing VA IRRRL loans for years!  In the following sections of this guide, we will cover VA IRRRL guidelines on VA streamline refinance loans.

What Is a VA Streamline Refinance (VA IRRRL)

A VA loan is an unbelievable mortgage product designed to help our military heroes obtain homeownership. No down payment is required to enter into a VA loan. We close many VA mortgages without any additional LENDER OVERLAYS. While the VA does not have a minimum qualifying credit score, the higher your credit score is, the better interest rate you will receive. Many of our veteran clients worked through credit issues when they purchased their houses. Once your mortgage is reporting with a few on-time payments to the credit bureaus, you should see your credit score skyrocket.

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Waiting Period To Refinance

When a veteran enters a VA mortgage, after making six payments and 210 days have elapsed, the veteran may apply for an interest rate reduction loan. This amazing loan product allows you to refinance the current balance of your VA mortgage into a lower interest rate. You will not need to verify income like when you purchased your home. This program is set up through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and designed to help v achieve a lower monthly payment. When completing an interest rate reduction loan, all mortgage payments must be on time for the previous 12 months. As stated above, you must make six payments on your current VA mortgage as long as all tho apply for a VA interest rate reduction loan. Speak With Our Loan Officer for VA Streamline Refinance

VA Mortgage Guidelines on New Appraisal Requirements on VA IRRRL Refinance

An appraisal is optional when you complete a VA IR. You do not need an appraisal because the home was appraised at the time of purchase, and you must add the principal balance to your loan. So, your home more than likely has the required equity.

Below are a few more rules for the interest rate reduction loan:

• The rate may increase if you are going from an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage
• A lower principal and interest payment must be achieved to pass NET TANGIBLE BENEFIT
• A lender may offer a no out-of-pocket expense loan by raising your interest rate than enough to cover the closing costs
• The veteran may not receive cashback from the loan proceeds
• All closing costs must be recouped within 36 months

Net Tangible Benefit on Recouping Fees on VA IRRRL Refinance

Causing a change in the loan to lower the VA interest rate. The guidelines cover many investors and insurers. If you are trying to complete a rate and term refinance with an interest rate reduction loan, all fees must be recouped within 36 months. According to this clarification from HUD, lenders were not forcing the veteran to recoup the cost within 36 months when lowering the term on their VA mortgage. For example, the result will be a higher mortgage payment when going from a 30-year fixed loan to a 15-year fixed loan. Even though the overall savings are there over the life of the loan when lowering your term, technically, the veteran does not recoup the closing cost within 36 months. Up until about two weeks ago, lenders are letting this slide. Since then, investors will no longer accept the loan because HUD has clarified the guidelines.

Starting The VA IRRRL Guidelines on Mortgage Process

How to start a VA IRRRL loan:

• The process is quite simple
• You will need your driver’s license (or government-issued photo ID) and a current mortgage statement to start the process
• The lender will then complete verification of the mortgage to verify all payments have been on time

Since there is no appraisal or income verification, these loans close quickly!

Mortgage Rates To Be Eligible For VA IRRRL

Remember, this is called an INTEREST RATE REDUCTION Loan. Your rate must be lowered! See below:

• ARM to FIXED – rate must be lowered at least .50%
• TERM REDUCTION – rate must be lowered at least .125%
• FIXED to FIXED – rate must be lowered at least .50%
• NO TERM REDUCTION – rate must be lowered at least .50%

Is A VA IRRRL a VA Streamline Refinance?

VA loans are the best home loan program available in the United States. However, only veterans of the U.S. Armed Services with a certificate of eligibility (COE) are eligible to qualify for VA loans. VA mortgages allow 100% financing with no money down on a home purchase. The VA insures and partially guarantees private lenders on VA loans in the event the borrower defaults and/or forecloses on their VA loans.

Mortgage Rates on VA Loans

VA loans have the lowest interest rates than any other loan program. However, credit scores do matter when lenders price out mortgage rates. The higher the credit scores, the lower the mortgage rates. Borrowers can refinance their VA loans with a VA IRRRL six months after closing their original VA mortgage. The VA has no maximum loan limits on VA home loans. In the following paragraphs, we will cover and discuss Understanding VA IRRRL Guidelines On VA Home Loans.

VA IRRRL Guidelines: What is the Max LTV for VA Streamline Refinance?

Understanding VA IRRRL Guidelines On VA Home Loans is very simple. The maximum loan to value on VA streamline refinance is 110% LTV at GCA Forums Mortgage Group. The VA allows borrowers with a current VA loan to refinance their loan via the IRRRL streamline the process. What this means is no appraisal and/or income documentation is required. The credit scores are what determine the new mortgage rates on the new VA loan. Borrowers need to meet the IRRRL Net Tangible Benefits Policy. Speak With Our Loan Officer for VA Streamline Refinance

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Timely Housing Payments in the Past 12 Months

VA IRRRL guidelines on timely payments require borrowers need to have been timely on all of their mortgage payments for the past 12 months. There is no appraisal required. Only primary owner-occupant properties qualify. Manufactured homes that are permanently affixed to the foundation meeting VA IRRRL requirements are eligible. Incidental cashback may not exceed $500. Borrowers cannot do a cash-out refinance mortgage with a VA IRRRL. Cash-out refinance is allowed but is full credit qualifying mortgages.

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Net Tangible Benefits Policy

All IRRRL borrowers need to meet the net tangible benefits policy, Circular 26-18-13. This was passed on March 14, 2018, to protect borrowers and prevent loan officers from churning. In order for lenders to do an IRRRL, the borrower needs a net tangible benefit that benefits the homeowner. The borrower needs to recoup the costs and fees of the refinance within a 36-month recoupment period.

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Break-Even Point on Closing Costs on VA Loans

The borrower needs to recoup all costs, fees, closing costs within the 36-month recoupment period. The new mortgage rate needs to be lower by 0.5% on fixed-rate mortgages. Net tangible benefits include refinancing an ARM to a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Fixed to adjustable-rate mortgages need to have an interest rate that is 2% or lower to meet the net tangible benefits test. Excluded are the funding fee, taxes, and escrow amount. Lender credits can offset these fees, which can be given depending on the mortgage rate.

Loan Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPAs) on VA Mortgage Rates

Mortgage companies can adjust rates depending on the borrower’s risk levels. Loan Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPAs) are based on the following factors:

• Credit scores
• Loan amount
• Occupancy type
• The number of units
• The county and state the property is located
• Debt to income ratios
• Manual versus automated underwriting system approval
• Other levels of risk

Not all lenders have the same LLPAs on VA loans. It is recommended that borrowers shop with various different lenders for the best pricing when thinking of a VA IRRRL.

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Who Qualifies For A VA Streamline Refinance?

Below is a list of the many benefits a VA IRRRL can benefit homeowners:

• No closing costs and/or fees
• Borrowers do not have to bring money to the closing table
• In most cases, borrowers will walk away with a refund of their existing escrow account
• Potentially skip one to two mortgage payments
• Lower mortgage rates mean lower monthly payments which mean tens of thousands in interest expense savings
• Streamline process: Most VA Streamline IRRRL refinances close in two to three weeks with very minimal paperwork and documentation

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Funding Fee

The VA IRRRL funding fee of 0.5% of the total loan amount is part of the closing costs. The mortgage lender determines if the borrower qualified for a Funding Fee exemption. The following factors are reasons why funding fees are exempt:

• Receiving compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected disability.
• Entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability
• Not presently in receipt because they are on active duty and entitled to receive compensation
• Surviving spouses of a Veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability

VA IRRRL Guidelines on Closing Costs on a VA Streamline Refinance?

Per VA IRRRL guidelines, VA streamline refinance loan is a fast-tracked streamlined refinance mortgage loan program for homeowners with a VA Loan. Under VA Mortgage Guidelines, borrowers with a current VA Loan can do an IRRRL with no home appraisal, no income documentation, and limited documentation in as little as three weeks. There are two types of IRRRL: Credit Qualifying and Non-Credit Qualifying. Borrowers with higher credit scores should opt for the credit qualifying VA IRRRL and take advantage of the lower mortgage rates. Speak With Our Loan Officer for VA Streamline Refinance

Take Advantage of Low VA Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates hit the lowest levels in 2018 since the 2008 Real Estate Meltdown. The housing market has been stronger than ever in the past three years. Homeowners who closed on their VA Home Loans in 2018 can definitely take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates on VA Loans and benefit from an IRRRL. Mortgage Rates hit an 18 month low today with par rates at 6.125%. Any borrower with mortgage rates higher than 4.0% on their VA loans may benefit from an IRRRL. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the benefits of IRRRL for those with a current VA Loan.

Is Refinancing To A VA IRRRL A Good Idea?

IRRRL stands for VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan. Per VA IRRRL guidelines, the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan is available to qualified homeowners who have a current VA home loan. It offers great benefits in refinancing a rate and term on a current VA Loan with limited documents and paperwork. VA Cash-Out is not allowed with an IRRRL. Only rate and term refinance are allowed.

Save Tens of Thousands of Dollars By Refinancing with VA IRRRL

The purpose of the IRRRL is to lower the existing VA mortgage rate and lower the monthly mortgage payments by refinancing it to a new VA Loan with a lower interest rate. Homeowners with an adjustable-rate mortgage can refinance their VA Loan to a fixed-rate mortgage with very limited paperwork. There is no home appraisal requirement. The normal documents required for a full mortgage process are often not necessary. A new Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is not required with a VA Streamline Refinance Mortgage. In order to qualify for a VA IRRRL, the borrower needs to meet the net tangible benefit test.

Does VA IRRRL Guidelines on Closing Costs on VA Loans

VA Loans require borrowers to pay a VA Funding Fee. There are instances where the VA Funding Fees can be waived for borrowers with service-connected disabilities. If a veteran is 100% disabled, then the VA Funding Fee is fully waived. Closing costs can be rolled into the loan balance. Lenders can offer lender credit for closing costs in lieu of a higher mortgage rate. In general, most homeowners do not have to pay a dime out of pocket. Most homeowners often get to skip two months’ mortgage payments when they do a VA Streamline Refinance Mortgage. Homeowners who closed on their VA Loans in 2018 can benefit from doing a VA Streamline Mortgage Refinance. As mentioned earlier, only rate and term refinance loans are allowed. Cash-Out refinance is not allowed with IRRRL.

VA IRRRL Guidelines: VA Streamline Refinance is a Fast-Track Refinance Loan Program with Limited Docs Required

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss and cover IRRRL for veterans or also known as the VA streamline refinance mortgage loan. Per VA IRRRL  guidelines, VA streamline refinance is a fast-track refinance mortgage loan program for homeowners with a current VA loan. Homeowners can refinance their current VA loan to a new VA mortgage at a lower rate with no income verification and/or income docs and no appraisal. Most IRRRL for veterans is simple, easy, and can close in two weeks or less. Speak With Our Loan Officer for VA Streamline Refinance

What Is The VA IRRRL For Veterans and How Does It Work?

VA IRRRL guidelines state all VA streamline refinance loans are for veterans. VA IRRRL refinance stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan on VA loans. Borrowers who currently have a VA loan can refinance to another lower rate VA loan with the IRRRL For Veterans. VA Streamline Refinance Loan is the IRRRL for Veterans. Or Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan. VA Streamline, or IRRRL, is when a homeowner with a VA Loan with a 30 year fixed rate mortgage refinances to lower mortgage interest rate VA loan. They do this to lower the monthly principal and interest payments of their VA loan.

VA IRRRL Guidelines and Mortgage Process

With the IRRRL for Veterans, Lenders do not require a home appraisal nor credit scores, or income documentation. As long as the borrower has been current with their current Loan for the past 12 months, they can do an Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan. The Veteran’s Certificate Of Eligibility is not mandatory. A lender will utilize the Department of Veteran’s Administration email confirmation procedure for the IRRRL instead of the Certificate Of Eligibility for the Veteran. In this article, we will discuss and cover IRRRL for veterans homeowners And the VA mortgage process.

Closing Costs On VA IRRRL

An Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan can be refinanced where borrowers do not have to come up with their own money for closing costs. The closing costs on the VA IRRRL can be paid through a lender credit. The lender can cover most or all of the closing costs of the IRRRL in lieu of a higher interest rate on the new loan. In order for borrowers to be able to do a VA Streamline Refinance, the borrower needs to get a lower mortgage interest rate on the new loan. This holds true unless the borrower does a VA mortgage refinance loan from an adjustable-rate mortgage, ARM, to a fixed-rate VA mortgage loan. Borrowers do not have to use their current lender to do an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan.

VA IRRRL Guidelines: Lenders With No Overlays

They can choose any lender to do an IRRRL For Veterans. VA Streamline Refinance Mortgage Loans have closing costs. Closing costs include the VA Funding Fee. The funding fee can be paid through a lender’s credit. It may be rolled into the new Loan. Or paid cash by the borrower. IRRRL borrowers cannot get any cashback from the proceeds of the new IRRRL. A VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan is only doable if the Veteran homeowner has already utilized their Certificate Of Eligibility in a home that the veteran is intending to refinance. The refinance needs to be from a VA Loan to another VA Loan refinance mortgage loan. The new Loan will reuse the entitlement the veteran has originally used.

VA IRRRL Guidelines and Requirements

There are different IRRRL Occupancy requirements on Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans than other mortgage loans. When a home buyer first buys a home with a VA Loan, homeowners certify that they will occupy the home they are purchasing. Homebuyers certify it will be an owner-occupant property. The good news and benefit with a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan are that all that needs to be done is just certify that the homeowner has previously occupied it. They do not have to occupy it. The VA IRRRL guidelines cannot go over the balance of the current balance of the original loan balance.

What Are The Costs on VA IRRRL Refinance Loans

In addition to allowable costs and fees as well as closing costs which include the VA Funding Fee and up to two discount points. Borrowers are allowed up to six thousand dollars of energy efficiency home improvements into the new VA mortgage loan. Borrowers interested in doing a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, please contact us at GCA Forums Mortgage Group at 800-900-8569 or text us for a faster response. Or email us at gcho@gustancho.com. We are available 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to take your inquiries and answer all of your questions.

Can You Do A VA IRRRL Refinance With Any Mortgage Lender?

As interest rates have dropped, now is a great time to reach out to see if a VA interest rate reduction loan will benefit you and your family. GCA Forums Mortgage Group are experts in all VA financing. Our support staff is able to close interest rate reduction loans quickly. The veteran will also skip an entire month of mortgage payments when completing this transaction. If you are a veteran who thinks a lower interest rate would benefit your family, please call GCA Forums Mortgage Group on 800-900-8569 or text for a faster response. Or send an email to gcho@gustancho.com. The team at GCA Forums Mortgage Group is available seven days a week to answer any questions you may have. Speak With Our Loan Officer for VA Streamline Refinance