Can a VA refinance lower your monthly payment?

Find out if refinancing your VA loan could help you save money today.

Schedule your no-obligation consult to get personalized guidance for your financial situation.

What is the difference between a VA IRRRL and a cash-out VA Refinance?

IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)

  • Lower interest rate or payment

  • Minimal paperwork

  • Appraisal usually not required

  • Limited credit and income review

  • Keep same loan term in most cases

Traditional VA Refinance

  • Take cash out or change loan terms

  • Full application + documentation

  • Appraisal Required

  • Full review of credit, income, and assets

  • Choose new loan term; access cash from equity

Other Common Questions about Refinancing VA Home Loans

What is a VA IRRRL (Streamline refinance)?

VA IRRRL refinancing makes it easier to lower your interest rate with less paperwork and faster closings. IRRRL stands for “Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan.” These VA loan refinances are also called streamline refinances.

What are the benefits of the VA IRRRL?

Benefits to refinancing your VA loan with a streamline loan include:

Lower rates. We can help lower your rate and reduce your payments or save money on interest over the life of the loan. We offer VA IRRRL rates with and no hidden costs.

Better terms. You can switch to a fixed-rate loan or change the number of years you have to pay off your mortgage with streamline refinancing.

Easier application. VA streamline refinancing applications are easier to complete, compared to Conventional refinancing. If you're a Freedom Mortgage customer, you can apply over the phone.

Easy credit qualification. We can usually accept lower credit scores for VA refinances.

Faster closings (often in 30 days). We make refinancing easy, fast, and hassle free. Our experienced loan advisors have helped Veterans close VA streamline refinances in 30 days or less.

No home appraisal. In most cases, you do not need a new appraisal. This saves you time and the appraisal fee.

No income verification. In most cases, you don't need to send us pay stubs, W2 forms, tax returns, or other income documents when you refinance.

Refinance multiple times. You can refinance your VA loan as many times as it makes financial sense for you to do so.

How much you might save with a VA IRRRL depends on your current rate, the new rate we may be able to offer, how much you owe on your loan, your closing costs, how many years you have left on your mortgage, and other factors. Use the VA refinance calculator on this page to estimate your savings.

What are the requirements for the VA IRRRL?

You'll need to complete an application for a VA streamline refinance. This application is simpler and faster than other refinance applications. Our loan advisors can help you complete it over the phone.

You'll need to sign loan disclosures and attend a closing to finalize your refinance. Other requirements include:

Having an existing VA loan. To be eligible for streamline refinancing, you'll need to replace an existing VA loan with a new VA loan.

Getting a financial benefit from refinancing. VA guidelines require you to receive a net tangible benefit (NTB) by refinancing your VA loan.

This requirement can be met with a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, or switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage. For many loans, your interest rate must drop by at least one-half percentage point to qualify for an IRRRL.

Meeting seasoning requirements. The due date of the first payment of the VA loan you refinance must be 210 days or more prior to the closing date of your new loan refinance. You'll also need to have made six consecutive monthly payments on the VA loan you refinance.

Being up to date on your monthly payments. You'll need to be current on your VA mortgage payments to be eligible for streamline refinancing.

Meeting the minimum credit score requirements. VA IRRRLs offer easier credit qualification, compared with other mortgage refinances. We are is able to work with Veterans and service members who have lower credit scores.

Taking no cash from your home equity. You can't get cash from your home's equity with a VA streamline refinance.

Certifying you've lived in the house. You don't need to currently live in the home you refinance with the IRRRL program, according to current VA rules. You'll just need to certify that you've lived in the house in the past.

What are your VA refinance rates today?

The VA IRRRL rate we may be able to offer is personal to you. Your rate is affected by your credit score, your income and finances, and the value of your home's equity, as well as the current mortgage market environment.

We may be able to offer you a rate that is lower—or higher—than the rate you've seen advertised by other lenders. Ask us today about the VA streamline rate we can offer you by calling (707) 208-5106

Verify your VA Home Loan Eligibilty Today!

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Travis Smart

Pay-it-Forward Home Loans® Partner

VA Home Loan Sepcialist & Licensed Loan Officer Guild Mortgage NMLS# 1471121

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