Question 1

What Is a Cash-Out Refinance?

Accepted Answer

A cash-out refinance replaces an existing mortgage with a new loan with a higher balance, sometimes with more favorable terms than the current loan. The difference between these two loans is distributed to the homeowner as cash.

Common uses of a cash-out refi include paying off credit card debt, financing a business, covering college tuition, managing unexpected expenses, and making improvements to one’s home.

A cash-out refi differs from a traditional mortgage refinancing, which simply replaces your current loan with a new loan that has a new set of terms and, in many cases, a lower interest rate. A cash-out refi also differs from a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which allows you to borrow cash using the home-equity as collateral. HELOCs function as a second mortgage, with the borrower withdrawing and repaying funds on a more flexible schedule, and the government allowing a tax deduction for interest payments.* Unlike traditional first or second mortgages, a HELOC interest rate is not fixed; the rate varies from month to month with the prime rate.

Question 2

What are the cash-out refinance options?

Accepted Answer

Conventional Cash-Out – Cash-out refinancing options are available to qualified homeowners with more than 20% equity in their homes.
FHA Cash-Out – This cash-out refinancing option is available to homeowners with more than 20% equity in their homes.
VA Cash-Out – If you are a US veteran or an active servicemember, choosing a VA Cash-Out Refinance often allows you to use even more equity from your loan.

Question 3

What are the reasons to take cash out of your home?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of common reasons homeowners choose cash-out refinancing over other options. Here are some scenarios in which it may be worth considering a cash-out refinance:

You would like to use your home equity to pay for improvements that will increase the property value of your home
You want to take advantage of the potential tax-deduction benefit associated with the interest paid on a mortgage loan*
You wish to pay off high-interest and/or high-balance credit cards or eliminate other high interest debts to save money
You run into unforeseen expenses, such as emergency medical bills or urgent and costly car repairs
You need extra assistance paying for your child’s college education

Question 4

Is Cash-Out Refinancing Right for Me?

Accepted Answer

Using the equity in your home is a great way to get quick access to cash, but it’s also important to decide whether a cash-out refinance makes sense for you overall. The most important question to ask is, “What are my goals?”

If you’re looking to use cash to fund an exotic vacation, cash-out refinancing may not be worth the potential long-term cost. However, if you’re planning to use the money to pay off high-interest debt or renovate your home, the monthly payment savings or home value might make long-term financial sense.

Question 5

Do I have enough equity in my home?

Accepted Answer

The maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for a cash-out mortgage varies based on many factors, including; the occupancy status of your property (owner-occupied or rental), your credit status, and the loan product you choose (conventional, FHA or VA). Maximum LTV for Conventional and FHA products range from 70%-80%, whereas the VA cash-out program allows you to increase your LTV up-to a maximum of 90%. This means you will need more equity in your home to make your cash-out refinance worthwhile if you plan to choose a conventional or FHA product.

Question 6

How will Cash-Out Refinancing affect my monthly payments?

Accepted Answer

A cash-out refi increases the total loan amount so your monthly payments will often increase as well. Your mortgage payment may be lowered by extending the term of the cash-out refinance.** Additionally, if you are using the cash to pay-off a high-balance credit card, the monthly payment savings from paying off your credit card may help offset a higher cash-out mortgage payment. Pennymac’s loan officers can discuss the best options for your individual situation.

Question 7

Will I pay more money over the entire length of the loan?

Accepted Answer

In most cases you will pay more money over the life of the loan when you reset the term on a cash-out loan. For example, if you’re five years into your current 30 year loan, and take out a cash-out loan with a 30 year term, then you will most likely pay more over the life of the cash-out loan. However, Pennymac provides you the flexibility to set the loan term on a cash-out loan, which can help offset the total amount paid over the life of the cash-out loan. Pennymac’s loan officers can discuss the best options for your individual situation.

Question 8

Is my FHA loan eligible for cash-out refinancing?

Accepted Answer

If you have an FHA-insured mortgage you may qualify for an FHA Cash-Out Refinance. However you may be better off refinancing into a conventional loan as it does not require mortgage insurance.

Question 9

As a US veteran, what are my cash-out options?

Accepted Answer

Mortgages backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs may be eligible for a cash-out refi, and they usually come with great rates and the flexibility to borrow up to 90% of the home’s value. Even if your original mortgage is not a VA loan, your veteran, service member, or military family status may make you eligible for VA Cash-Out Refinancing. Even if a VA Cash-Out is not an option for you, you still may be able to qualify for FHA or Conventional cash-out refinancing.

Question 10

What are the requirements for cash-out refinancing?

Accepted Answer

Similar to when you applied for your original mortgage, you will be required to provide all of the necessary documents to prove your borrowing worthiness and you will be responsible for closing costs, though you may have the option to roll some costs into your loan amount.

Some of the documentation required may include:

Pay stubs
Tax returns and W-2′s and/or 1099′s
A credit report
Bank statements

Question 11

Why Choose Pennymac as Your Cash-Out Lender?

Accepted Answer

Pennymac has earned the trust of more than one million homeowners. As a leading national mortgage lender, we take pride in catering to the unique needs of each and every homebuyer we serve. Whether you’re ready to purchase your first home, or you are looking to refinance, rest assured that our experienced loan officers will be there with you at every step of the mortgage process.

Pennymac is dedicated to making homeownership more affordable for everyone by offering a wide range of loan products with competitive rates and fees. We’re working every day to improve the experience of accessing the equity in your home. Want to learn more about what your home’s equity can do for you with a Pennymac Cash-Out Refinance? Call and speak with a Pennymac loan officer, today!

Question 12

Are There Additional Costs to Pay at Closing?

Accepted Answer

When you refinance your mortgage, including cash-out refinance, you must pay any associated closing costs—just like when you got the original mortgage. These costs may include escrow fees, an appraisal, and upfront private mortgage insurance fees (UFMIP). Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may have the option to roll your closing costs into your loan amount and not have to pay them at closing.

Question 13

Can I Really Use the Money for Anything I Choose?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to weigh the total costs of cash-out refinancing. If you’re using the money to fund a short-term goal (such as a new luxury car), you may want to consider other loan options. Put simply, a cash-out refinance shouldn’t enable bad financial habits.

Question 14

Will I Have to Pay Mortgage Insurance?

Accepted Answer

It depends. For conventional loans you will not pay private mortgage insurance, but for FHA you will pay an up-front and annual mortgage insurance, and for VA Loans, you will pay a Funding Fee.

Question 15

Can I Take Cash out with an FHA Streamline Refinance?

Accepted Answer

No, the FHA Streamline program does not allow borrowers to take out cash with a loan.

Question 16

What’s the Difference Between a Cash-Out Refinance and a Home Equity Loan?

Accepted Answer

A home equity line of credit (HELOC), is a credit-line secured by your home whereas a cash-out refinance is an entirely new first mortgage with cash back. Most HELOCs have an adjustable interest rate, whereas the ability to lock in a low fixed rate is an advantage of a cash-out refinance.

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