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Lisa Kagy

Sr. Loan Consultant

NMLS: 459157

The Exciting Possibilities of a VA Cash-Out Refi

If you’re a veteran, you have several options for refinancing --ones that work differently than a streamline refi. With a VA cash-out refi, veterans like you can take out some of the equity and use it however you want.

Just like any other big financial decision, you'll want to understand it fully to see if a VA cash-out refi is what you need to reach your financial goals. Read over this guide for a quick overview and contact our office for more details.

Not a veteran? No problem! There are many refi programs available. Contact us today to find out how we can lower your rate or your monthly payment, or get some cash out from your equity to help pay for those future college expenses.

Why you should consider a VA cash-out refinance

The biggest draw of a VA cash-out refi is the cash, of course! How much cash depends on how much equity you have on your home. For example, if your mortgage is $200,000, but you've paid off $60,000, then the full $60,000 is available to you (less closing costs).

It gets even better! Refinancing your loan could also mean getting a lower rate or even lowering monthly payment. You aren't required to take out the full amount with a VA cash-out refi. You can take out much less. Perhaps 10k is all you need, and that's okay!

How do veterans use their cash-out equity?

The choice is yours! Everything from remodeling your kitchen to buying a car to taking a vacation to paying for school expenses is allowed with a VA refi. If you have a lot of credit card debt and the interest rates are higher than your refi rate, you may even want to use that cash to pay off your debt.

Here's another benefit: if you're a veteran with a conventional or FHA loan, a VA cash-out refi can erase the mortgage insurance that is required with those types of loans. Mortgage insurance isn't required with VA loans and veterans are eligible to get a VA cash-out refi regardless of what their current home loan is.

What if you don't need the cash?  

If you don't need the cash but are looking to lower your rate, then take a look at an IRRRL.  Interest rates with this type of refi tend to be lower, potentially saving you money in the short term as well as the long run.

The goal of an IRRRL is to refi into a lower rate and it's also a requirement. So if your current home loan rate is lower than an IRRRL, then you will not qualify. Note that with a VA cash-out refis don't have that "lowered rate" requirement.

Things you'll need to apply for a VA cash-out refinance:

A VA appraisal may be required as well as a current copy of your credit. Of course, you'll also want your VA certificate of eligibility. The only thing left is to apply! We've made it easy. You can get started right on our website. Click on the "apply now" buttons found throughout our site, and we'll take care of the rest!





* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.