FHA Cash-out Refinance Mortgages

Sometimes It Pays to Refinance

The FHA cash-out refinance option allows homeowners to pay off their existing mortgage, and create a larger home loan that provides them with extra cash. The amount of money that can be borrowed depends on the amount of equity that's been built up in the home's value. To be eligible for an FHA cash-out refinance, borrowers will need at least 20 percent equity in the property based on a new appraisal. Equity is the difference between the current value of a property and the amount owed on the mortgage.

In the following example, a borrower obtained an FHA loan of $275,000 to purchase a home. He makes his monthly payments as agreed. As of today, the value has increased to $350,000 with a balance of $250,000 owed on the mortgage. In this example, a loan of up to 80 percent of the appraised value of the home would be permissible ($350,000 x .80 = $280,000). When subtracting the amount that is still owed on the existing mortgage ($250,000) leaves a maximum “cash-out” amount of $30,000 (less closing costs).

Pros and Cons of FHA Cash-out Refinancing

Turning Some of Your Home Equity Into Cash

A cash-out refinance can be a smart option for many homeowners. Whether it’s for home improvement, college tuition, debt consolidation (to pay off other high interest rate loans), student loan debt, or home remodeling, you can access money that you have in an illiquid asset. Many homeowners even choose to get a cash-out refinance to create a personal cash cushion, or put the money to work by investing.

Pros:

• You Can Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates
  

  A big plus for FHA cash-out refinances are the universally low interest rates. Mortgages, in general, offer lower rates than credit card companies or student loan providers, which is why borrowers choose to consolidate their debt with a single, replacement loan in the form of a mortgage.

• Your Home Equity Can Be Turned Into Cash
  

  Using the equity you have on your home for immediate cash allows you to pay for expenses of all kinds, whether it be home renovations, college tuition, or medical bills. You can access money that you have in an illiquid asset in order to accommodate those costs. Many homeowners even choose to create a personal cash cushion, or put the money to work by investing it.

• FHA Loans Are Assumable
  

  An assumable loan means that the terms and conditions of the mortgage loan can be transferred from the existing owner to another buyer. The lender, who is the holder or servicer of the mortgage, determines the creditworthiness of the Assumptor, in accordance with standard mortgage credit analysis requirements.

• Qualification After Financial Missteps Happens Sooner
  

  Time needed to qualify after a bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale is reduced to two or three years for FHA loans. The FHA allows you to qualify in as soon as two years after the discharge of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or short sale, and after one year of making payments on a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. For bankruptcies the date starts at the time of discharge - not filing.

Cons:

• You'll Need to Get Your Paperwork Ready
  

  Remember the pages and pages of documents you printed out when you got your home loan? Get ready to do it all over again. The cash-out refinance is treated just as any other mortgage transaction, where you’ll need bank statements, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and much more.

• Maximum FHA Lending Limits May Not Meet Your Needs
  

  The FHA has a maximum loan amount that it will insure for each county in the United States. This is called the FHA lending limit. It may not be enough if you need a large cash-out. Your type of home, such as single-family or duplex, can also affect these numbers.

• Mortgage Insurance Requirements Can Complicate Your Costs
  

  If you are refinancing from a conventional for an FHA cash-out, keep in mind the issue of mortgage insurance. Upfront Mortgage Insurance and ongoing monthly premiums are required by the FHA loans (regardless of the down payment amount), which can run up your costs.