VA Streamline Refinance
A VA refinance is a mortgage refinancing option for homeowners who have an existing VA loan, provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This program allows homeowners to refinance their mortgage and potentially lower their monthly payments, improve their interest rate, or change their loan term.
There are two types of VA refinance options available: Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) and Cash-Out Refinance.
IRRRL enables borrowers to obtain a lower interest rate by refinancing their existing VA loan. With an IRRRL, the original loan’s terms, interest rates, and monthly payments may change, but no cash may be taken out of the loan balance.
On the other hand, Cash-Out Refinance can be used to access the home's equity and use it to pay off debts or fund expenses. The amount of cash a borrower can obtain in a Cash-Out Refinance varies, but the maximum amount is typically 100% of the home's appraised value.
Throughout the process, borrowers will be required to meet specific eligibility requirements, including residency and income verification, credit score minimums, and debt-to-income ratio limits.
A VA refinance can provide an opportunity to help homeowners reduce monthly payments, lower interest rates, change the length of the loan terms, or access home equity, making it a popular option among VA loan holders.