Refinancing Loan

One of the current major headline topics concerning mortgage refinance is revolving around the continued tightening by lenders. In fact, underwriting guidelines have become more restrictive by the month in 2008, including credit score qualification standards. The change to tougher lender guidelines is stemming from our national credit liquidity crisis and the continued decline in housing prices. With increased risk on the lender’s part, they are requiring a much cleaner loan application to fund loans.

What many people refinancing do not know, is that the squeeze in home loan qualifications are related to prime conventional home loans. FHA refinancing on the other hand, is a bit different, and guidelines are aimed to help as many homeowners refinance as possible. In years past, one could refinance into a decent interest rate with a 600 credit score and possibly finance 95 percent to 100 percent of their home’s appraised value. Those days are unfortunately gone for homeowners that can really benefit by a current refinance, if they choose to go the prime conventional route for their new mortgage. Fortunately, for many not qualified under a conventional mortgage, FHA refinance loans are filling the void.

An FHA refinance is not credit score driven, but there is a proverbial catch. Most lenders that underwrite and fund FHA refinance loans will require a 580 mid FICO score for eligibility purposes. Now, let’s be honest here, a 580 credit score is a pretty low score for the benefits of FHA refinancing. One of the many FHA loan benefits relate to the low refinance rates qualified for those with low credit scores. FHA interest rates are pretty much in line with equivalent mortgage rates offered to those with excellent credit scores. This is a huge advantage for those with poor credit. Another big benefit relates to how much a homeowner can finance, relative to the value of their home. Most FHA lenders will allow up to a 97 percent loan-to-value ratio. That means if your home is valued at $150,000, you can refinance up to $145,500 and still get low competitive refinance rates. In fact, many borrowers with great credit scores are going the FHA refinance route, as they are finding that interest rates are lower with an FHA loan as compared to the equivalent high loan-to-value conventional loan.

What’s more is that an FHA underwriter will listen to a borrower’s story relating to blips on their credit report. They will accept letters of explanation and supporting documentation aimed toward issuing a loan approval. In a day when is seems that numbers alone dictate a home loan approval or denial, it’s refreshing to see a refinance program that is more directed toward people and their needs.

By: Jim Bisnett

A downturn in the United States economy has increased the demand for  mortgage loan modification assistance. With a large amount of homeowners being upside down, the opportunity to refinance into a better mortgage term has become impossible.

For those who are stuck with the adjustable rate mortgage, a high interest rate, etc. the chances of qualifying for a new loan are very slim. First, if you qualified for a stated income lenders no longer allows such type of loan. Therefore, borrowers in this situation will have to stay in their current position no matter how high the interest may become. Second, the lenders requirement for debt to income ratio’s have changed. Some lenders use to let you go up to 65% dti and now good luck with getting 55%(only if you have 80% or below loan to value). Third, lenders now requires borrowers to have reserves. In this economy how many people really have reserves? The likelihood of these people having reserves when the economy was at it’s best is probably slim. Finally, let’s not forget about the distressed area’s which is nationwide. To this day maybe 99.9% lender will not do a 100 percent financing (who can blame them?). Now, with all this in mind, what options are these homeowners left with?

The answer?

Loan modification can be beneficial for homeowners when refinancing is no longer an option. With foreclosure filings increasing up over 80 percent higher than 2007, it has forced lenders to cooperate with assisting homeowners by modifying non performing mortgage loans. Lender are willing to work with homeowners a long as they feel that the loan can perform. Though, in some cases homeowner are denied for the simple reason that no matter what modification the lender has to offer; the borrower just cannot afford the home.

Can a homeowner do their own loan modification?

Yes, homeowners can choose modify their current mortgage terms with their current lender. Though, keep in mind that the lender at times may give you what is more beneficial for them and not the homeowner. Hiring professionals can be very costly but, it has its benefits. Keep in mind that their are many loan modification companies out there and choosing the right one can be difficult. When choosing a company make sure to research who they are and what their reputation is. Loan modification prices vary depending on how much work needs to be done. When working with a company, make sure that you are aware that there is no guarantee that the loan modification can be done. There are loan modification software’s available for these companies such as Casi Mod to determine if there is a possibility that a loan modification can be made. By inputting the current financial situation, it will give them a general idea on the possibilities of attaining a loan modification. Be aware of organizations that collect money before taking all financial (income, expenses, assets, etc.) information and consulting you with a plan that they will try to conquer. Make sure that they take a really good look at the file, consult you and give that you a proposal before paying for their services. Again, this can be costly but highly suggested as long as you are dealing with a superior company.

In conclusion, owning a home is an American dream. Homeowners do not want to lose their homes because no matter what they will have to live elsewhere. Though, with the decrease in home values and income, deterioration of credit, and strict lender guidelines it is almost impossible to refinance and put themselves in a better position. Therefore, doing a loan modification could be the best option for most people.

By: Miko Del Rosario

If you’re a veteran who currently owns your home financed through the VA loan guaranty program you may be able to drastically reduce your monthly mortgage payment, easily and inexpensively.

The IRRL (Interest Rate Reduction loan or VA Streamline Refinance Loan) allows veterans to refinance a VA loan if current interest rates drop lower than when you originally purchased the home.

Better yet, you need no qualifying FICO score, appraisal, or income verification, and the .5% fee can be rolled into the cost of the loan.

This program truly has the Veterans best financial interests in mind. The IRRL allows many military personnel the opportunity to refinance, drop their interest rates and lower their payments when it would be impossible to do so otherwise.

Take a look at how you can save over one hundred dollars monthly when the interest rate drops by half a point.

If you your original loan was at 6.5% for 30 years on a $200000 you were paying about $1264 (principal and interest).

After 3 years you notice VA refinance rates are around 6.0%. You owe $192,822 on the loan after 36 months – 3 years – so you decide a refinance might save you some monthly cash flow.

You must add on the .5% fee – $192,822 x .5%= $193,786 which is the amount you must refinance.

If the interest rate is 6% your new monthly payment reduces to $1,161 or you save about $103 every month.

Had this been a conventional loan your credit score would be an issue – which can be a problem if you are an active duty service member. Many times sudden calls of duty can wreak havoc with family finances – fortunately the IRRL program does not penalize military service men or women when it comes to credit issues which are many times beyond their control.

So veterans, why not take advantage of falling interest rates and lower your monthly mortgage – you truly deserve the benefit!

By: Leslie Collins