For many people, a bad credit mortgage refinance loan could mean the difference between keeping their house and going into foreclosure. However, finding such loans are not always easy. The majority of lenders want applicants with good credit, especially as the economy continues to worsen. This does not mean you should give up your quest for a home refinance. In fact, if you follow the four steps below you can pretty much guarantee you will get the loan you need.
1. Negotiate with Your Existing Lender
If you want a bad credit mortgage refinancing loan, your lender should be the first company you turn to. The reason why is because they have already entered into a relationship with you. In addition, if you have made an effort to pay your bills on time, usually they will be more understanding about a refinance. This is especially the case if you acquired bad credit through job loss, medical bills or other factors you could not control.
A mortgage counselor can provide additional assistance if you cannot reach negotiation on your own. They will take the process a step further by discussing any applicable legal concerns. Some may even conduct an investigation for fraud if they suspect wrongdoing on the part of your lender.
2. Apply for Fannie Mae’s Refi-Plus Program
Refi-Plus is Fannie Mae’s solution to the mortgage crisis. It is available to anyone with credit scores below 600. The only caveat is that your loan must be serviced by Fannie Mae. If you do not know this information, you can visit their homepage and use their mortgage lookup tool.
If your loan qualifies, your new bad credit mortgage refinance could boost your home’s value. This is because Refi-Plus refinances typically have a loan-to-value ratio of over 100 percent. Such a high LTV would make your refinance worth more than your home. As a result, your property value increases, even if it had previously been underwater.
3. Consider a Streamlined Arrangement
Streamlined home refinances are an option if you are a Veteran or a holder of an FHA mortgage. Through them, you can apply without a credit check or an appraisal. What really matters is your existing payment history. If it looks decent enough, you can qualify without providing any other financial information.
However, keep in mind that there are a couple of downsides to streamlined arrangements. If you have an underwater mortgage, these refinances will not help you, as they do not exceed the amount of your original loan. In addition, streamlined refinances usually charge very high interest rates.
4. Get a Quote from Subprime Lenders
Trying to get a bad credit refinance loan from a traditional bank is futile. Instead, focus your search on subprime lenders. They can be found through sites offering subprime mortgage quotes. Simply enter in your information, making sure you are honest with each response. The resulting listings will give you the name of the lender, the amount of interest you will be charged and an estimated monthly payment. If everything seems acceptable, you can either call the lender or follow the link to apply online. Should you do the latter, you will receive a response in a few days.
In conclusion, getting a bad credit mortgage refinance loan is not impossible. With the tips provided in this article, you should be well on your way towards getting a decent refinance. In the process, you will save your home and regain your peace of mind.
