What is a VA IRRRL?
VA IRRRL stands for Veteran Affairs Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan. Also known as the VA Streamline Refinance Program, it was created by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to assist service members in refinancing a previously existing VA loan without having to pay extra costs. The bottom line of this loan is clear and concise: it turns a preexisting VA loan into a brand new one, typically resulting in a diminished interest rate. This type of loan also requires significantly less documentation, making it a quick and simple process.
When to Use a VA IRRRL
Talk of lower interest rates is what usually gets people to consider refinancing. These are not only a great way to lower your interest rate, but also to shorten the duration of your mortgage. This is a great opportunity to increase home equity quickly. Using this type of mortgage can potentially help one:- Diminish their interest rate
- Secure a predictable mortgage payment
- Shorten the duration of their loan
Less Paperwork
VA IRRRLs require less documentation than initial VA loans making them quick and painless. VA IRRRLs do not require:- A Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- A credit report (although your credit history may be checked to verify that you are current on all payments)
- Appraisal
- Employment verification
- Income verification
- Copies of your bank statements
VA IRRRL Requirements and Restrictions:
- You may only us a VA IRRRL if the new loan’s interest rate is smaller than the initial loan’s interest rate (1).
- You cannot take out money using a VA IRRRL. Proceeds can only be used to pay the initial VA loan, and/or the costs for the new loan. “Out of pocket costs” can be prevented by putting them toward the new loan, or having them paid for by accepting a higher interest rate.
- VA IRRRLs can only be used to refinance an already existing VA loan previously set up by the borrower using their VA entitlement.
- VA Funding Fees have been marked down to .05%.
- VA IRRRLs cannot be used to refinance commercial properties
- Should you be refinancing an investment property, documentation proving that you previously occupied the property is required.
- VA loans must take priority over all other home loans.
- Any practical number of points can be purchased by the borrower, but no more than 2 points may be rolled into the new loan.
Lender Overlays
Since private lenders are the ones who take the risk by funding the money, they have special underwriting latitude and may ask for additional requirements, such as asking for an appraisal despite the loan not requiring it. Any added lender-imposed requirements are known as overlays.VA IRRRL Loan Limits
The Department of Veteran Affairs does not establish the highest possible loan amounts for VA loans. Having said that, the VA Loan Guarantee allows all VA loan programs to have an organic high-price price threshold. Like other VA loan programs, VA IRRRLs promise 25% of the loan amount. Because of this, lenders will fix the amount of extra risk they undertake by adjusting their specifications based on the amount of money the VA IRRRL backs. Although the VA loan limit varies by county, the limit is generally $417,000.Death or Divorce with VA IRRRL?
Typically, those obligated to pay the initial VA loan are obligated to pay the second loan, but sometimes that’s not possible. Things happen, and it’s important to understand what happens when obligations change. Contact a VA associate for more information on obligation changes.VA Refinance Fees
Although refinancing a VA loan can save you money in the long run, they do come with a price. In order to figure out your potential total savings, you should consult your loan officer. Everybody’s financial situation is unique, and must be evaluated by a professional. “Out of pocket costs” can be avoided by rolling closing costs and fees from the initial loan into the new loan. VA IRRRL fees include:- Title Insurance
- Title Examination
- VA Funding Fee
- Recording
- Prepaid Taxes and Hazard Insurance
- Origination (limited to 1%)