Is a RefiNow refinance different than a HomeReady Refinance?

At a high level, RefiNow would be a better refinance option for borrowers with higher DTIs and income up to 100% of the applicable area median income (AMI) limit who have limited funds to pay for upfront appraisal costs. A detailed comparison between HomeReady and RefiNow can be found on the Fannie Mae website.

Can existing mortgage insurance be transferred to the new loan?

Mortgage insurance coverage for RefiNow loans is not restricted to the current mortgage insurer on the existing loan. However, DU will identify the insurer that is currently providing coverage. Lenders should consult their mortgage insurer to determine their eligibility guidelines for RefiNow loans. The appropriate level of mortgage insurance must be obtained in accordance with B7-1-02, Mortgage Insurance Coverage Requirements of the Selling Guide. Standard coverage and minimum coverage (with corresponding LLPAs) are both permissible subject to Selling Guide requirements.

Will the lender receive the full $500 credit even if the cost of the appraisal is less than $500? When will it be reimbursed?

Fannie Mae will provide a $500 credit to the lender for RefiNow loans when an appraisal was obtained, regardless of the exact cost of the appraisal. The $500 must be passed to the borrower in full. Whole loans will receive the $500 credit immediately upon sale to Fannie Mae, while loans delivered into an MBS pool will receive the credit as part of a monthly settlement of proceeds.

How must the lender provide the $500 credit to the borrower when an appraisal is obtained?

Fannie Mae requires that the full $500 benefit be provided to the borrower but does not specify how that must be operationalized provided the lender complies with regulatory requirements.

Can RefiNow be combined with HomeReady?

No, RefiNow is a standalone offering and may not be combined with HomeReady. A summary comparison of HomeReady and RefiNow can be found on the Fannie Mae website.

How is a Refi Possible mortgage different from a Freddie Mac Home Possible® mortgage refinance?

At a high level, a Refi Possible mortgage would be a better refinance option for borrowers who may not qualify for Home Possible; this could include borrowers with higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratios or who have limited funds to pay for upfront appraisal costs. However, both offerings provide benefits to serve lower-income borrowers. Check out our Refi Possible and Home Possible Refinance Comparison grid to view a side-by-side comparison of product features. In addition, the complete requirements of each offering may be found in the Freddie Mac Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide (Guide).

Can a Refi Possible mortgage be amortized for a period other than 15, 20, or 30 years?

Refi Possible mortgages are available for all eligible fixed-rate mortgage terms.

What property types are permitted under Refi Possible?

All property types eligible under the Guide, including manufactured homes.

Can Refi Possible be combined with Home Possible?

No, these are two distinct Freddie Mac product offerings with each having benefits to serve lower-income borrowers. These offerings cannot be combined. The Seller should review complete requirements for Refi Possible and Home Possible to determine which of the two offering suits the borrower best.

Can a borrower who has a low credit score qualify for Refi Possible?

Yes. There is no minimum indicator score required for eligibility for Refi Possible mortgages. However, the seller must identify and deliver an indicator score for all Refi Possible mortgages in accordance with the requirements of Guide Section 5203.2(e) If the seller determines that there is no usable credit score due to insufficient information or inaccurate information, the mortgage is not eligible for sale to Freddie Mac.

Can a borrower who does not have a usable credit score due to insufficient or inaccurate information qualify for Refi Possible?

No. If no borrower has a usable credit score, then the mortgage does not have an Indicator Score and is not eligible for delivery to Freddie Mac as Refi Possible.

Can a mortgage with a recent history of forbearance be refinanced as a Refi Possible mortgage?

If the borrower makes all payments while the loan is in forbearance, a mortgage can be refinanced as a Refi Possible mortgage. The mortgage must meet Refi Possible payment history requirements, which does not allow recent missed payments.

Programs Conventional Loans

Fannie Mae RefiNow

FICO per AUS Up to 97% CLTV

The Fannie Mae RefiNow program is a refinance option for lower-income homeowners with Fannie Mae-held mortgages. It aims to make refinancing easier and more affordable by simplifying the process and offering potential interest rate reductions.

Program features

FICO as per AUS
Up to 97% LTV
DTI as per AUS
Min 12-month seasoning requirement
1-unit primary residence

Why choose our Fannie Mae RefiNow?

Reduced documentation requirements
$500 credit will be provided if an appraisal has been obtained for the transaction
Income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income

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Program details

Reduced documentation

DTI per AUS

Owner-occupied, 1-unit primary residence

LTV up to 97%

The current loan must be owned by Fannie Mae

No high-balance loans

May not be combined with a HomeReady refinance transaction

A reduction in interest rate of at least 50 basis points

$500 LLPA credit if appraisal obtained

Current income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI)

No missed payments on their current mortgage loan in the past six months and no more than one missed payment in the past 12 months

New loan amount may include cash out limited to less than or equal to $250

Reserves per AUS

Standard MI requirements and coverage levels; MI coverage is not restricted to the current mortgage insurer on the existing loan

Eligible property types: All eligible property types are permitted

Fixed-rate only

Eligible citizenship: US citizens, Permanent Residents, Non-permanent Residents

Eligible borrowers: Individuals, Revocable & Land Trusts

Fast turnaround times

As fast as

24 hr

Disclosure

As fast as

24 hr

Underwriting

As fast as

48 hr

Fannie Mae RefiNow

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VA Standard

1Y or 2Y Full Doc Non-QM