Here is a scenario to show why it can be beneficial to Refinance your loan or loans into a safe, secure, fixed rate FHA Loan. Let's say you live in Seattle, Washington. Your home is worth $600K and you currently owe $460K on your first mortgage, and you have a second mortgage for $100K. Let's say that you used the $100K to completely remodel and upgrade your home. New Kitchen, Baths, flooring, windows, etc. You have put alot of love and effort into your home and want to stay there for a few more years. Your first mortgage is a 5/1 ARM that you got in 2005 or 2006, and you are worried about the rate and payment increasing, and what that may translate to in the future. You owe 93.3% of your homes value. (93.3% LTV or Loan to Value).
It is now time to refinance the two mortgages into one fixed rate mortgage. From all the headlines, it might seem like the government has set up a nice safety net for you. Here is the bad news: Your first mortgage doesn't qualify for HARP (Home Affordable refinance program) from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, since it was not a Fannie or Freddie loan in the first place. The next problem is that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Jumbo Conforming (aka high balance, or Super Conforming) limit new loans to 90% Loan to value. But that is not the end of the problems of qualifying for a Fannie Mae High balance refinance for your loan - Fannie Mae now considers the second mortgage payoff to be a "Cash Out Refinance". even thought you are not receiving cash, but that is how Fannie Mae now classifies it. So now for your scenario, the max Loan to Value is 75%, the Fannie Mae Cash out refinance limit. You may think you are Stuck. What did the government do to help me? (note - Freddie Mac guidelines mimic Fannie Mae in all of these areas, so they aren't much of a help either).
Don't despair, this is where FHA Jumbo comes to the rescue. The FHA Jumbo (aka FHA High Balance) allows you to refinance the first and second mortgage on your home without considering this a Cash out Refinance. You might be thinking " I don't want to pay Mortgage Insurance". The choices are clear: do nothing with your Adjustable rate mortgage and keep paying two mortgages, or Refinance into a fixed rate FHA Loan. The FHA Loan can help you get the security of knowing your rate and payment without rate increases for years to come. **FHA also allows true cash out refinances up to 85% LTV, as in debt payoff, cash for home improvement, etc.
Call the FHA Loan pros at VanDyk Mortgage to find out if you can benefit from a FHA Refinance. No cost, no obligation, just honest information and help. Brian Skaar 760-752-4480 or visit online at www.vandykfunding.com . In addition to being a FHA Lender, We are also a proud VA lender serving our veterans.
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