- FHA has permitted streamline refinances on insured mortgages since the early 1980's. The streamline refers only to the amount of documentation and underwriting that needs to be performed by the mortgage company, and does not mean that there are no costs involved in the transaction.
- The FHA cash out refinance was created to allow home owners the ability to borrower against the equity of their home. FHA will insure cash out refinances up to 95% of the home's current appraised value. Simply put; if your home appraises at $100,000 and you owe $70,000, then when you get an FHA cash out refinance you'll borrower $95,000 to pay off the original $70,000 and keep $25,000 for yourself before taking out any closing costs.