In this article
Key Insights:
- The Moreira Team has deep experience with Interest Rate Reduction Refis (IRRRLs) and expects them to gain momentum as interest rates decrease.
- The VA Refinance (IRRRL) aids veterans and active-duty military to quickly and seamlessly reduce their VA loan interest.
- The IRRRL requires only a soft credit pull and no income check or appraisal to qualify.
- Borrowers can roll closing costs into the new loan, and many can defer up to two mortgage payments.
Veterans are more likely than non-veterans to own a home. However, the research also shows that millions of veterans spend more than half their income on housing costs. If you are an active-duty service member or a veteran in Georgia looking to shrink your monthly mortgage payment, the VA Streamline Refinance may be for you. This VHA refinance program also lowers the cost of refinance mortgage loans in Georgia. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this VHA refinance program is faster, easier, and less expensive than conventional refinance options. It can provide substantial financial relief from fluctuating interest rates for qualified candidates.
How the VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)Works
The minimal requirements make the IRRRL accessible and simple for veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses to reduce mortgage interest rates. It bypasses income verification, home appraisals, and other common hurdles that typically add expense. The loan reduces monthly mortgage payments by decreasing interest rates and transitioning adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed. Because the IRRRL requires only a soft credit pull, it does not affect credit scores. Finally, this VHA refinance method has no upfront costs, allowing closing costs to be rolled into the loan.
Get your fast and free rate quote. Start Here! (Nov 7th, 2024)Benefits of VA Streamline Refinance
The IRRRL program is part of the VA’s commitment to those who have served our country. Its goal is to alleviate the financial burden of homeownership. Not only does IRRRL skip some of the steps that make refinancing a hassle, but it also has substantial advantages, which include the following:
- Lower interest rate: Eligible veterans can secure lower interest rates through VHA refinance programs, yielding considerable savings in the long run.
- Faster closing and reduced closing costs: The IRRRL refinance process carries minimal closing costs as the usual fees are reduced or eliminated. Plus, the loan can absorb the closing and other upfront costs, requiring nothing out-of-pocket. By skipping the extra steps of a conventional loan, IRRRL can close much faster, within two to three weeks.
- Reduced monthly payment: The IRRRL can improve cash flow with an extended loan term, a lower interest rate, or both, thereby lowering monthly payments.
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI): PMI does not apply to VHA refinance programs, another way veterans can save monthly.
- Deferred mortgage payments: The IRRRL permits up to two deferred mortgage payments. These deferred payments typically become part of the new loan, which provides temporary respite, but ultimately, the borrower will pay them on the total cost of the loan plus interest. Terms vary by lender, so eligible candidates should review and understand them before deferring payment.
While there is no cash-out option with an IRRRL, homeowners can borrow as much as $6,000 against the loan to cover the cost of qualified energy-efficient improvements to be completed within 90 days before closing.
What to Expect in the Refinance Process
Qualified veterans and military personnel in Georgia who take advantage of the benefits of an IRRRL will find themselves in good hands with the Moreira Team. With years of successful VHA refinance deals, Moreira Team’s deep knowledge and experience make them a solid, trusted mortgage partner who can navigate a smooth, stress-free IRRRL process. Here’s what to expect.
- Initial consult: Contact a licensed VA mortgage advisor at Moreira Team to review the terms of your current loan term and determine eligibility for an IRRRL by completing a loan qualifier assessment.
- Rate and term review: Your licensed VA mortgage advisor will assess your unique circumstances and present you with a new rate and terms.
- Application process: A Moreira Team mortgage advisor will provide a streamlined application for completion through their expedited process.
- Loan closing and approval: Loan closing requires no upfront out-of-pocket costs as Moreira Team allows borrowers to roll the closing costs into the loan. However, if the borrower opts out, they must pay them upfront. Approval is the last step, followed only by savings.
Who Qualifies for a VA Streamline Refinance
A streamlined, efficient refinance program with reduced documentation and fast approval would sound great to everyone, but only some are candidates. While the terms and qualifications for a loan depend on the agency backing it, some basic prerequisites for eligibility include:
- Existing VA loan
- Minimum credit score of 620
- Up-to-date current mortgage with no late payments in the past 12 months
- Certificate of eligibility (COE) from the VA
Why Now Is a Great Time for a VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)
Because of their straightforward simplicity, IRRRLs are becoming increasingly popular. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), refinance applications are up 59% year-over-year in 2024, driven by a higher volume of VA applications. With interest rates trending downward and percentages improving for conventional loans and across the board, it’s an opportune time to lock in a lower interest rate to reduce monthly mortgage payments. While rates could drop again in the coming months, the market fluctuates and could go either way. Additionally, the faster you refinance, the quicker you realize the savings. If rates continue to fall, VHA refinance is still an option, and you can go through the process again. There is every reason to refinance now and no reason to wait, so go for it!
See exactly how much you can afford. Start Here! (Nov 7th, 2024)How to Get Started
Getting started with the Moreira Team on a VA Streamline Refinance is easy. Here’s how:
- Check your eligibility: Confirm that you meet the requirements for an IRRRL, including having an existing VA loan, a minimum credit score of 620, a COE from the VA, and no late payments in the last 12 months.
- Contact Moreira Team: A licensed VA mortgage advisor from our team can help you evaluate your situation and determine whether you are a good candidate for an IRRRL and the best option for you.
- Provide documentation: Have your mortgage statement and proof of insurance ready. Usually, that’s all you need since part of the allure of an IRRRL is the reduced paperwork.
- Lock in your rate: Your VA mortgage advisor at Moreira Team will help you lock in a competitive rate lower than what you currently pay so you can begin reaping your monthly savings.
Visit the Moreira Team’s VA refinance page for more details about the VA Streamline Refinance program and how to take advantage of it. Moreira Team’s mortgage refinance calculator can help you estimate your monthly payment, weigh your savings, and determine if refinancing is right for you.
Get custom rate and closing cost options in less than a minute. Start Here! (Nov 7th, 2024)There is no time like now to take advantage of the VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL) with the Moreira Team. The process is easy and hassle-free, requiring no income verification, home appraisal, or hard credit pulls. The cost to refinance is lower with this VHA refinance program, and you can benefit from reduced mortgage payments, lower interest rates, and better terms. The ability to roll closing costs into the loan and defer up to two mortgage payments sweetens the deal. This is an opportunity for financial relief.
Don’t miss out. Contact a qualified VA mortgage advisor at the Moreira Team to start saving today.