1. FHA Streamline Refinance

Purpose:
Simplify refinancing for homeowners who already have an FHA loan — lowering their rate or switching from an ARM to a fixed rate with minimal paperwork and cost.

Key Features:

No income verification usually required

No appraisal required in most cases (uses the original home value)

Limited credit check — just to confirm good payment history

Must benefit financially (lower rate, lower payment, or move to a more stable loan)

Basic Rules:

You must already have an FHA-insured loan

No late payments in the past 12 months

At least 6 months must have passed since your current FHA loan was opened

The refinance must result in a “net tangible benefit” — meaning it improves your financial situation

Appraisal Waiver:
Most FHA Streamlines don’t require an appraisal at all — it’s based on the original value when the loan was made.
👉 So, the loan amount can’t exceed your current unpaid principal balance plus upfront MIP (mortgage insurance premium).

🟦 2. VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)

(IRRRL = Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)

Purpose:
For veterans, service members, or eligible spouses who already have a VA loan, this program allows them to lower their rate quickly and cheaply.

Key Features:

No appraisal required (uses prior VA loan value)

No income or employment verification

Limited or no out-of-pocket costs (can roll costs into new loan)

No cash-out allowed — it’s only to reduce the rate or switch from ARM to fixed

Basic Rules:

Must have an existing VA-backed loan

Must show a net tangible benefit (like lowering monthly payment or rate)

Must be current on mortgage payments

Appraisal Waiver:
VA Streamlines typically waive the appraisal entirely, meaning your home value isn’t rechecked.
This makes the process much faster and easier.

🟨 3. The “90% Appraisal Waiver” Explained

This term often shows up when:

A lender chooses to order an appraisal, but wants to use an automated value system (AVM) or

When the lender uses an appraisal waiver (like through FHA/VA automated systems) up to 90% of the home’s current estimated value.

In practice:

It means the lender or agency allows the loan amount to be up to 90% of the home’s estimated value without a full appraisal.

It’s a type of limited-value check — often used when rates are being lowered and no cash-out is being taken.

It helps borrowers avoid delays and costs tied to a new appraisal.

Example:
If your home’s estimated value (per AVM or prior appraisal) is $400,000, a 90% waiver means your loan can go up to $360,000 without needing a new appraisal.

✅ Summary Com

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