Take Equity Out Of Your Home In Cash With An FHA Refi Loan

FHA mortgages include a refinance option that allows you to pull equity from your home in cash. The FHA cash-out refinance loan allows the borrower to take the difference between what remains to be paid on the home and the amount of equity built up. 

The FHA loan program has some competition in this area, but how do your other government-backed refinance loan options measure up?

There are different types of cash-out refi loans, and among the most popular options are the FHA cash-out option and the VA loan option. Let's break down how they work and who they're best for.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which makes lenders more likely to offer them better terms to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit or who are new to the job market.

How FHA cash-out refinancing works:

You apply for a new mortgage loan: This new loan pays off your old mortgage and gives you the extra cash.

The cash can be used for almost anything: home improvements, debt repayment, college tuition—any purpose acceptable to the lender.

You make payments on the new loan: Like your old mortgage, you'll have monthly payments and mortgage insurance to cover.

Who's a good fit for an FHA cash-out refi?

Homeowners with some equity: You must have built up some equity in your home to borrow against it.

Decent credit score: While FHA loans are more forgiving than some other types, your borrower takes more risk with transactions that involve cash back to the borrower.

Steady income: Lenders want to see that you can afford the new loan payments.

VA Cash-Out Refinance

The Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees VA loans for veterans, qualifying military, and eligible surviving spouses. Not all house hunters qualify for this option.

Here's how VA cash-out refinancing works:

Similar to FHA, you get a new, larger mortgage: This pays off your current loan and gives you cash back.

You can use the cash for almost anything: Just like with FHA, you have flexibility in using the funds.

You repay the new loan: You'll have a new loan term and monthly payments.

Who's a good fit for a VA cash-out refi?

Eligible military personnel and their families: This is a key requirement.

Sufficient home equity: You'll need equity to borrow against, so it's wise to own your home for several years before applying.

Meeting VA requirements: There are specific requirements for service history and creditworthiness.

FHA loans have limits that differ by county, but VA loans generally don't have limits for those with full entitlement.

Regarding credit score requirements, FHA loans tend to be more lenient, while VA loan requirements can vary based on the lender and other factors. A significant advantage of VA loans is that they don't require mortgage insurance, which FHA loans do. However, VA loans may have a funding fee, although some borrowers are exempt from this.