The Mortgage Sensei

The Mortgage Sensei
FHA streamline refinance

FHA Streamline Refinance

Already have an FHA loan? A streamline refinance can lower your rate with less paperwork. Check the monthly savings and the break-even point.

  • Existing FHA loans
  • Reduced paperwork
  • No meaningful cash out

Your FHA loan and the new one

Sample figures, edit freely
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yrs
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New loan term
Years you will keep the loan

An upfront MIP of 0.55% is added to the new loan. Annual MIP depends on loan size, term and loan to value, so use your actual figure. Closing costs are treated as paid at closing, since many streamlines cannot add costs to the balance.

Estimated monthly savings

$0/mo

Current payment
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New payment
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Break-even
$0
Net after 5 yrs
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Estimate only. Payments include principal, interest and annual MIP on the starting balance, not taxes or insurance. The net figure compares total cost over your time horizon, including the balance still owed. Actual terms depend on the lender and your loan.

How an FHA streamline works

  • Existing FHA loan. The loan being refinanced must already be an FHA loan.
  • Less paperwork. Many streamlines skip a new appraisal, and some do not require income documents or a new credit check. Lenders can add their own rules, so ask.
  • Net tangible benefit. FHA wants the refinance to help you. For a fixed to fixed loan, a common test is a combined rate, interest plus annual MIP, at least 0.5 points lower.
  • Seasoning. Typically about 210 days since closing, six payments made and a clean recent payment history.
  • Limited cash out. A streamline is for lowering your rate or payment. It does not provide meaningful cash back.

At a glance

A shorter path for current FHA borrowers

The numbers have to show a real benefit. Duane can check the combined rate test and the break-even point for you.

  • Existing FHA loan
  • About 210 days and 6 payments
  • Combined rate test
  • Upfront MIP about 0.55%

When it can make sense

  • Rates dropped. A lower combined rate is the main reason to streamline.
  • You will stay past break-even. Divide closing costs by your monthly savings. Keep the loan longer than that to come out ahead.
  • You want less paperwork. Reduced documentation can help if your income changed or paperwork is hard to gather.
  • Compare alternatives. With enough equity and solid credit, a conventional refinance could remove mortgage insurance. Duane can compare both.

FHA streamline FAQ

Do I need an appraisal?

Many FHA streamlines do not require one, but it depends on the lender and whether the loan is credit qualifying.

Can I take cash out?

No. A streamline is for lowering your rate or payment, with very limited cash back.

Will my mortgage insurance change?

You pay the upfront premium again, though FHA may credit part of the old upfront premium on a recent refinance. Annual MIP depends on the new loan. Ask for an itemized estimate.

Can I switch to a conventional loan instead?

If your equity has grown and your credit is solid, a conventional refinance may drop mortgage insurance. That is a separate refinance with its own qualifying rules.

What if my payment goes up?

Choosing a shorter term can raise the payment while cutting total interest. FHA has its own test for this, so ask before you choose.

How long does it take?

Often a few weeks, depending on the lender and how many items are required.

More refinance and equity options

Where Duane lends