There's a new FHA Streamline Refinance program coming on June 11, 2012 and lots of people are interested in it! It has a new "tier" for the FHA PMI rates - that is much lower than the current rates! Of course, FHA doesn't actually make loans, they just insure the Lender against default. Because most of the people we know call this kind of Insurance PMI - we refer to it that way.

In the Announcement for the New Streamline FHA Refinance Program, it states that the only people who qualify are people with "Mortgages that were ENDORSED By FHA Prior to May 31, 2009."

What does that mean?

This is NOT your closing date. It's the day that FHA actually reviewed the case, and approved it "Endorsed you" for Insurance Coverage.

The Process for Endorsement from FHA really depends on who you received your loan through. If it was a large bank, it's possible that they did an LI Endorsement, instead of sending information directly to FHA for review (which is what most lenders do). Either way, the documents are sent to FHA within 60 days of closing for them to endorse.

Bottom Line is this: you could have closed on your mortgage in March of 2009, and your loan might not have been endorsed by FHA on May 31, 2009!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT: When Your Loan Was Endorsed By FHA???

Things to Remember about Qualifying for the FHA Streamline Refinance Program in 2012

You must be current on your existing FHA Mortgage (USDA, VA and Conventional loans do not qualify)Your current FHA mortgage must have been endorsed prior to May 31, 2009.Additionally, FHA says that to qualify:Employment verification is not required with an FHA Streamline RefinanceIncome verification is not required with an FHA Streamline RefinanceCredit score verification is not required with an FHA Streamline Refinance* (See notes below regarding AUS findings)A new appraisal is not required with an FHA Streamline Refinance

FHA changed it's guidelines so that VERY little is required to qualify, however, in North Carolina, we have our own State mandated standards, so again - many NC Banks can not offer this program the way FHA intended for it to work - WE DO!

*Regarding No Credit Score. We use DU Automated Underwriting Systems. You will need an AUS approval. Otherwise, we need at least a 600 credit score with a Total Scorecard Approval (there are some additional guidelines that also apply).

The information contained on this website, NCFHAExpert or any other Steve Thorne, NC Mortgage Expert website is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement for products offered by RCBNA. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the policy or position of RCBNA, its officers, parent, or affiliates.