FHA Curbs Cash-Out Refi Limits

ldquo;Refinancing your mortgage to take cash out using your homersquo;s equity may not be as easy to do under new limitations on cash-out refinances >

The previous loan-to-value LTV limit on cash-out refinances was 85; effective for loans on or after September 1, 2019, HUD is lowering the requirement to 80. This change ldquo;seeks to mitigate riskshellip;associated with increasing levels of insured loan balances on cash-out refinance mortgages,rdquo; said HUD in a Mortgagee Letter announcing the change. ldquo;This new requirement is a prudent safeguard that permits FHA to ensure it stays ahead of any shift in housing stability.rdquo;

The last time HUD adjusted the max LTV for cash-out refinances was back in 2009, when they set the current benchmark of 85 ldquo;in response to the weakening housing marketrdquo; and in recognition of a rapid increase in ldquo;the share of cash-out refinanceshellip;as housing prices increased through the mid-2000s. Subsequent studies have shown that a significant increase in foreclosures may have been the result of a high number of cash-out refinances completed prior to the collapse of the housing market,rdquo; they said. Prior to that shift, homeowners could tap up to 95 of their home equity.nbsp;

The letter also noted that FHA cash-out refinances have swelled by more than 250 from 2013 to 2018, HUD reported. There were more than 150,000 of these transactions last year. ldquo;Cash-out refinances comprised 64 of all FHA-insured refinance transactions, up nearly 39 from the year prior,rdquo; said Realtor Magazine. ldquo;The increase in home prices has prompted more cash-out refis, according to the annual Report to Congress issued last fall.rdquo;

Cash-out refinances are a popular option among homeowners whose houses have appreciated because, while rates vary depending on many factors including the strength of the borrowerrsquo;s credit, the money is often less expensive than in other types of lending. And, if the money is used for smart updates or improvements, it can increase the homersquo;s value and provide some safeguards should there be market adjustments.

ldquo;This option can be beneficial to consumers who have seen the value of their home rise in recent years,rdquo; said Bankrate. While many financial experts caution against taking too much money out of your homemdash;and this move by the FHA is intended to help keep owners from ending up under watermdash;ldquo;Taking the money from the cash-out refi and putting it towards paying down high-interest debt or home repairs can be a financially sound decision.rdquo;

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