Program Features
First-time buyer | Primary home purchase | Primary home refinance |
Second home purchase | Second home refinance | Investment purchase |
Investment refinance | Short-term solution | Long-term solution |
Less-than-perfect credit | Recent financial hardship | Self employed |
Program Overview
The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) sounds like it's one of those crazy Government programs that has more acronyms than benefit to homeowners, but that's not the case with this incredible Veteran's only streamline refinance loan.
Typically, streamline programs offer homeowners the opportunity to take advantage of lower interest rates without the cost and paperwork typically associated with refinancing your home mortgage. The IRRRL is no exception.
Benefits of a VA Streamline Refinance
Reduced Appraisal Requirements - In most cases, an appraisal is not required for a Streamline refinance. In some cases however, an exterior only appraisal may be required to make sure the home is still there, and there are no obvious health or safety issues. If this type of appraisal is required, there should be little to no cost to the Veteran.
No Income Verification - Eligible Veterans are determined by the payment history on your current home loan, not your income. As a result, your Debt to Income Ratio is not a factor when refinancing using a VA IRRRL, and only your employment will be verified, not your income.
Reduced Funding Fee - As a Veteran, part of your home loan benefit is that you can borrow up to 100% of the value of a home without paying mortgage insurance. The VA does charge a Funding Fee equal to a percentage of the loan amount. The funding fee is greatly reduced with a Streamline Refinance, and be waived with an eligible service related disability.
VA IRRRL Qualifying Quiz
The Veterans Administration will only allow a lender to offer a refinance if it benefits you. Here's a quick quiz to determine if a VA IRRRL might be a good option for you.
- Do you currently have a VA mortgage?
- Have you made all of your payments on-time for the past 12 months?
- Is your current interest rate higher than what's available on the market today?
If you answered "YES" to all of these questions, then a streamline refinance is probably going to save you a boatload of money!
Qualifying Basics
AUS | Both DU and LPA |
Manual Underwriting | Yes |
Mortgage Insurance | Not required |
Maximum Loan | VA Loan Limits |
Minimum Credit Score | 580 |
Minimum Down Payment | No down payment |
Maximum DTI | Determined by program |
Special Features | Not specified |
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