What is trending right now in the mortgage business

Didier Malagies • October 20, 2025

🟩 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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By Didier Malagies December 4, 2025
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