Tag: streamline refinance

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Streamline Refinance Guidelines


KENTUCKY USDA MORTGAGE STREAMLINE REFIANCE

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Lender: Top 5 Reasons To Apply For A Kentucky  USDA Rural Housing Streamline Refinance
Rate/Term Refinance
(with

Allows financing of
unpaid principal and
eligible costs subject
to available equity
Streamlined Refinance
(without

Allows financing of
unpaid principal
balance and upfront
guarantee fee along
with accrued interest

Debt ratios are
calculated
Streamlined
Assist
Refinance (no appraisal
effective 6/2/2016)

Allows financing of
unpaid principal
balance and eligible
costs

Debt ratios not
calculated

Streamline Refinance

A new appraisal is not required (unless the loan being refinanced is a Direct Loan and subsidy
recapture is required).

The new loan amount may not exceed the original loan amount of loan being refinanced.

The new loan is limited to:

The principal balance of the loan being refinanced

The upfront guarantee fee (if financed)

Accrued interest (current interest)

Reasonable and customary fee for reconveyance

Subsidy recapture due for Direct Loan borrowers may not be included in the new loan amount

A borrower may be removed from the loan as long as at least one original borrower remains on
the new loan.

All other rate/term refinance requirements, including debt ratio calculation and limits apply.
(Except as outlined above, all Rate/Term Refinance requirements also apply to Streamline Refinance. See the
HB 1 3555 for all three types of refinance transactions allowed.)

Streamlined
Assist Refinance (cont.)

The new loan amount is limited to:

The unpaid principal balance of the loan being refinanced

The upfront guarantee fee (if financed)

Accrued interest (current interest)

Eligible loan closing costs (not to exceed 2% of total loan amount)

Permissible bona fide discount points (not to exceed 2% of total loan amount).

Funds to establish an escrow account for real estate taxes and insurance.

Subsidy recapture due for Direct Loan borrowers may not be included in new loan amount; however,
the cost of any appraisal obtained for recapture purposes is an eligible closing cost and may be
included.
Note:
The maximum loan amount cannot exceed the balance of the loan being refinanced, plus the guarantee
fee and reasonable and customary closing costs (including funds necessary to establish a new tax and
insurance escrow account). Subordinate financing, such as home equity lines of credit and down payment
assistance “silent” seconds, cannot be included in the new loan amount. Unpaid fees, past due interest and
late fees/penalties due the servicer, cannot be included in the new loan amount.
(Except as outlined above, all Rate/Term Refinance requirements also apply to Streamline
Assist Refinance.)

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer
Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.10602 Timberwood Circle Louisville, KY 40223Company NMLS ID #1364
click here for directions to our office
Text/call:      502-905-3708fax:            502-327-9119
email:
          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Streamline Assist: Your USDA Refinance Solution in Kentucky



I now offer the USDA Streamline Product: ‘Streamline Assist’ for all USDA Kentucky Homeowners for refinances 
Take advantage of our Kentucky Rural Development USDA Streamline Refinance today!
 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Min 640 FICO
  • No appraisal
  • 30 year fixed only
  • Rate term only
  • No GUS run
  • No household income calculation
  • Mortgage only credit report
  • 2nd mortgage liens must be subordinated, but no max CLTV
  • Borrowers may be added but not removed from current loan
  • Max loan amount may include P&I balance of existing loan, eligible loan
    closing costs, funds necessary to establish tax and insurance escrow account
    and upfront guarantee fee
  • NTB must be met – $50 reduction in PITI plus annual fee payment
  • Seasoning required – 12 months timely payments prior to new application
    date
  • Streamlined application:
    * No income
    * Disclose assets only if needed to close
    * No liabilities listed other than mortgage to be refinanced
    * REO – list subject property only
 
New Product - New chalkboard with outlined text - on wood

 

.

Kentucky USDA Streamline Assist Refinance: No Appraisal Refinance for USDA Homeowners

If you currently have a USDA mortgage in Kentucky, the USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance may allow you to lower your payment without a new appraisal and without full debt ratio calculations. This can be one of the simplest refinance options available for eligible USDA homeowners who want a lower payment and a more efficient process.

The goal of this program is straightforward: reduce the borrower’s payment and simplify the refinance process for existing USDA loans.

What Is the USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance?

The USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance is a refinance option for borrowers who already have a USDA loan. It is designed to reduce the monthly principal, interest, and annual fee payment while avoiding many of the hurdles found in a traditional refinance.

Unlike a standard refinance, this option does not require a new appraisal and does not require debt ratio calculations. However, this is still a real mortgage refinance with USDA eligibility rules that must be met.

Updated USDA Streamlined-Assist Highlights

  • No new appraisal required
  • No debt ratio calculations required
  • 30-year fixed rate only
  • No cash out allowed
  • Existing loan must already be a USDA loan
  • Current loan must have closed at least 180 days before submission
  • No delinquency greater than 30 days in the previous 180-day period
  • Income limits still apply
  • Income and asset documentation must still be obtained
  • Borrowers may be added, but only deceased borrowers may be removed

Biggest Benefits for Kentucky USDA Homeowners

No Appraisal Required

A major advantage of the USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance is that a new appraisal is not required. That removes one of the most common obstacles in a refinance, especially for homeowners concerned about value, repairs, or added delays.

No Debt Ratio Calculations

This refinance option is not subject to debt ratio calculations. That is a meaningful advantage for borrowers whose debt-to-income profile may not fit a standard refinance very well.

Simpler Refinance Structure

Compared with many traditional refinance options, USDA Streamlined-Assist can be a cleaner path for current USDA borrowers who simply want a lower payment without overcomplicating the transaction.

Important Rules Most Pages Miss

Here is where a lot of older USDA refinance content online is outdated.

  • Income limits still apply. Even though the refinance is streamlined, USDA says income and asset documentation must still be obtained.
  • No cash out. Borrowers cannot receive cash back except for limited reimbursement of eligible prepaid closing costs or escrow overages where allowed.
  • Rate must create a real benefit. Borrowers must receive at least a $50 net tangible benefit reduction in total principal, interest, and monthly annual fee payment.
  • The new rate cannot exceed the rate on the loan being refinanced.

Who May Qualify for a Kentucky USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance?

You may be eligible if the following apply:

  • You already have a USDA loan
  • Your current USDA loan closed at least 180 days ago
  • Your mortgage history does not show a delinquency greater than 30 days within the previous 180 days
  • The refinance provides a net tangible benefit
  • Your household still meets applicable USDA adjusted annual income limits

This is one reason I recommend reviewing the full file before quoting terms too aggressively. The program is streamlined, but it is not a “skip all qualification” refinance.

Can Closing Costs Be Included?

The maximum new loan amount may include the unpaid principal and interest balance, eligible closing costs, and the upfront guarantee fee. In some files, that can reduce the amount of cash needed at closing.

Existing subordinate liens generally cannot be rolled into the new USDA loan balance. They typically must either remain subordinate or be paid by other funds, depending on the file structure.

Can You Remove a Borrower?

Usually, no. USDA guidance says borrowers may be added, but only deceased borrowers may be removed on a Streamlined-Assist refinance. That is a major detail, and it matters in divorce, separation, and title-cleanup scenarios.

USDA Streamlined-Assist vs. Standard Refinance

Feature USDA Streamlined-Assist Standard Refinance
Appraisal No Usually required
Debt Ratio Calculations No Usually required
Income Limits Apply Yes Depends on loan type
Income/Asset Documentation Yes Yes
Cash Out No Sometimes allowed
Borrower Removal Only deceased borrowers Depends on program and underwriting

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance require an appraisal?

No. A new appraisal is not required for this refinance option.

Do USDA income limits still apply on a Streamlined-Assist refinance?

Yes. USDA says the borrower must still meet applicable adjusted annual household income requirements.

Are income and asset documents still required?

Yes. USDA specifically states that income and asset documentation must still be obtained.

Do debt-to-income ratios have to be calculated?

No. Streamlined-Assist refinance transactions are not subject to ratio requirements.

Can I get cash back at closing?

No, not as a cash-out refinance. Only limited reimbursement of eligible prepaid costs or escrow overages may apply where allowed.

Can I remove my ex-spouse from the loan with this program?

Usually no. USDA guidance says only deceased borrowers may be removed from a Streamlined-Assist refinance.

Why This Matters for Kentucky USDA Homeowners

If you have an existing USDA mortgage and your current rate is no longer competitive, this program may be one of the cleanest ways to improve your payment without taking on the stress of a full traditional refinance. The no-appraisal feature is strong. The no-ratio-calculation feature is strong. But the file still has to meet USDA eligibility, payment history, and income-limit rules.

That is the right way to position this page: helpful, accurate, and conversion-focused without overstating the product.

Get a Kentucky USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance Review

If you already have a USDA mortgage in Kentucky and want to see if this refinance makes sense, I can review your current loan, payment history, and income-limit eligibility and give you a direct answer.

Call or text 502-905-3708, email kentuckyloan@gmail.com, or start your review online today.

Start Your Free Kentucky Mortgage Review


Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA
NMLS #57916
Licensed in Kentucky
Equal Housing Lender

This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, USDA eligibility, and program guidelines. Terms and conditions may change without notice. Not affiliated with USDA or any government agency.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@graph”: [ { “@type”: “MortgageLoan”, “name”: “Kentucky USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance”, “description”: “USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance for eligible Kentucky homeowners with an existing USDA mortgage. No appraisal, no debt ratio calculations, 30-year fixed rate, and no cash out.”, “loanType”: “USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance”, “category”: “Mortgage Refinance”, “url”: “https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/kentucky-usda-streamline-refinance/”, “provider”: { “@type”: “MortgageBroker”, “name”: “Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA”, “telephone”: “+1-502-905-3708”, “email”: “kentuckyloan@gmail.com” }, “areaServed”: { “@type”: “State”, “name”: “Kentucky” } }, { “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does a USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance require an appraisal?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. A new appraisal is not required for a USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do USDA income limits still apply on a Streamlined-Assist refinance?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. The borrower must still meet applicable adjusted annual household income requirements.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Are income and asset documents still required for USDA Streamlined-Assist?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. USDA guidance says income and asset documentation must still be obtained.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Are debt-to-income ratios required on USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance loans?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. Streamlined-Assist refinance transactions are not subject to ratio requirements.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can I get cash out with a USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. This is not a cash-out refinance program.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can I remove a borrower from the loan with a USDA Streamlined-Assist refinance?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Generally no. Borrowers may be added, but only deceased borrowers may be removed.” } } ] }, { “@type”: “MortgageBroker”, “name”: “Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA”, “url”: “https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/”, “telephone”: “+1-502-905-3708”, “email”: “kentuckyloan@gmail.com”, “areaServed”: “Kentucky”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressRegion”: “KY”, “addressCountry”: “US” } } ] }

Can you refinance a Kentucky Rural USDA Housing Loan?


You can refinance your existing USDA Rural Housing Loan. See details below:

 

 

unnamed-51
Can you refinance a Rural Housing Loan? The short answer is yes. See below for qualifying criteria

 

images (1)

KENTUCKY  USDA LOAN GUARANTEED RURAL HOUSING REFINANCE FEATURES

  • Loan must be secured by the same property as the original loan. The original loan must be Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) or USDA Section 502 Direct only. The Program may not be used to refinance FHA, VA, or other government or conventional mortgages.
  • Term of the new loan will be 30 years.
  • Interest rate of the new loan cannot exceed the interest rate of the loan being refinanced. However, the interest rate of the new loan does not have to meet the interest rate requirements established in RD Instruction 1980-D, §1980.320 Interest rate.
  • Property must be owned and occupied by the borrowers as their principal residence.
  • The guarantee fee is 1.00% of the total principal obligation of the new loan.
  • The 1.00% guarantee fee may be always financed into any GRH refinancing transaction. As usual, borrowers may finance other closing costs and fees up to 100% of the current appraised value. However, it is possible for the loan-to-value (LTV) of the new loan to reach 101% if the 1% guarantee fee is financed. Loans may exceed 100% LTV only to the extent that the excess represents a financed guarantee fee of no more than 1.00%.
  • Total household income cannot exceed the moderate level for the area as established in RD Instruction 1980-D, Exhibit C.
  • GRH refinance loans are permitted for properties in areas that have been determined to be non-rural since the existing loan was made.
  • Applicants are not eligible to receive “cash out” from the refinancing transaction. However, applicants may receive reimbursement from loan proceeds at settlement for their personal funds advanced for eligible loan purposes that are part of the refinance transaction, such as an appraisal fee or credit report fee. At loan closing, a nominal amount of “cash out” to the applicants (beyond reimbursement of these “prepaid” items) may occasionally result due to final escrow and interest calculations. This amount, if any, must be applied to a principal reduction of the new loan.
  • Subordinate financing such as home equity seconds and down payment assistance “silent” seconds cannot be included in the new loan amount. Any existing secondary financing must be subordinate to the new first lien.
  • Maximum loan amount cannot exceed the balance of the loan being refinanced, plus the guarantee fee, and reasonable and customary closing costs, including funds necessary to establish a new escrow account.
  • Unpaid fees, such as late fees due the current servicer, are not eligible to be included in the new loan amount.
  • eligible areas on USDA Rural Development’s web-site at:
  • http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.govhttp://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov

 


For commitments issues on or after October 1, 2016:

USDA charges the lender, who can pass the charge to the borrower, a one-time up-front cost, which is known as a Guarantee Fee. The Guarantee Fee can be financed in addition to the maximum base loan amount. The Guarantee Fee is calculated as follows as of October 1, 2016:
PURCHASE TRANSACTION CALCULATION:

  • 1.00% of the TOTAL loan amount for commitments issued on or after 10/1/16.
  • Calculation: Base loan amount divided by .99 = Total loan amount (round down to nearest dollar). Total loan is then multiplied by 1.00% to get the amount of the guarantee fee.
  • A Guarantee Fee & Annual Fee (monthly) Calculator can be found on the USDA training resource website.

CALCULATION FOR REFINANCE TRANSACTIONS:

  • 1.00% of the TOTAL loan amount for commitments issued on or after 10/1/16.
  • Calculation: Base loan amount divided by .99 = Total loan amount (round down to nearest dollar). Total loan is then multiplied by 1.00% to get the amount of the guarantee fee.
  • A Guarantee Fee & Annual Fee (monthly) Calculator can be found on the USDA training resource website.

ANNUAL FEE:
All loan transactions will include an annual fee of .35%

 

 

 

REPAYMENT RATIOS REFINANCE FOR BOTH GUARANTEED LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN AND DIRECT LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN:
USDA – GUS Approved
USDA – Manual Underwrite – Must meet USDA guideline maximum debt ratios of 29 & 41%–No Exceptions Allowed.
TERM OF NEW LOAN FOR BOTH GUARANTEED LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN AND DIRECT LOAN TO GUARANTEED LOAN:
TERM OF THE NEW LOAN WILL BE A 30 YEAR FULLY AMORTIZED FIXED RATE MORTGAGE ONLY.
INTEREST RATE
  • Interest rate of the new loan must be a fixed rate.
  • The interest rate must be lower than the existing loan to be refinanced.
  • Funded buy down accounts are not permitted.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME Total adjusted income for the household cannot exceed the moderate level for the area as established in HB-1-3555.
LOAN SECURITY
  • Loan security must include the same property as the original loan.
  • The security property must be owned and occupied by the applicants as their principal residence.
RURAL / NONRURAL AREAS SFHGLP refinance loans are permissible for properties in areas that have been determined to be non-rural since the existing loan was made.
PROPERTY VALUATION
  • The value of the new mortgage loan request must be supported by a new appraisal. The loan amount cannot exceed the present market value plus the one-time 2 percent guarantee fee. The new loan amount can include closing costs or lender fees if supported by market value.
INSPECTIONS
  • The lender must confirm the property meets or continues to meet the current requirements of HUD Handbook 4150.2 and 4905.1.
  • No further inspections or repairs required by Rural Development.
  • Lender may require inspections or repairs. Expenses related to inspections or repairs may not be financed.
NET TANGIBLE BENEFIT Every refinance
52798-academy-mortgage-apply-now

The view and opinions stated on this website belong solely to the authors, and are intended for informational purposes only.  The posted information does not guarantee approval, nor does it comprise full underwriting guidelines.  This does not represent being part of a government agency. The views expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer. Not all products or services mentioned on this site may fit all people