Utah Cash Out VA Refinance

Mortgage Mike Mortgage Mike | June 30, 2024

If you are a veteran, military service member, or eligible surviving spouse in Utah who needs money for renovations, catching up on bills, or other things, you might consider a VA cash-out refinance loan. These mortgages are available to qualifying individuals who have current VA mortgages or conventional loans and want to tap into the equity they’ve built in their homes. Here’s what to know about VA cash-out refinance mortgages and the benefits they provide from the experts at City Creek Mortgage.

What is a Utah VA Cash Out Refinance Loan?

A Utah VA cash out refinance loan is a new mortgage homeowners can take out to replace their existing mortgage. This loan is backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and allows eligible borrowers to receive cash back from the equity they have built in their homes.

Unlike other cash-out refinance mortgages, the VA allows borrowers to borrow up to 100% of their home’s fair market value. However, some lenders will require people to have a loan-to-value ratio of 90%. By contrast, a conventional cash-out refinance mortgage typically requires you to maintain an 80% loan-to-value ratio, which means you’ll have access to less of the equity you have built in your home.

For example, if you purchased your home for $450,000 and currently have a mortgage with a balance of with a mortgage for $350,000 and the value of the home is now $500,000, you could potentially take out a new VA cash-out refinance loan for $500,000 and receive $150,000 back at closing minus the VA funding fee and closing costs.

On the other hand, a conventional cash out refinance would limit you to a loan amount of $400,000, which would limit your cash-out amount to $50,000 minus closing costs.

Eligibility for Utah VA Cash Out Refinance Mortgages

Only homeowners who meet specific eligibility criteria established by the VA are eligible for any type of VA-backed mortgage, including a VA cash-out refinance loan. To qualify, you must meet the following guidelines:

We’ll take a look at these requirements below.

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility

You must obtain a COE before you can apply for a VA cash-out refinance loan in Utah. To qualify for a COE, you must meet the following requirements:

If you don’t meet the minimum service requirements, you might still be eligible if you were discharged because of one of the following:

If you received an other-than-honorable, dishonorable, or bad conduct discharge, you likely will not qualify. However, you can apply for a discharge upgrade.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can request a COE online through the VA, through your lender, or by mail.

Meeting Minimum Credit Score Requirements

While the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, most lenders require borrowers to have at least 580 to 620 credit scores. Some lenders will approve you with a credit score between 580 and 620. However, most will only approve borrowers with minimum credit scores of at least 620.

Meeting Your Lender’s DTI Requirements

Banks look at your debt-to-income ratio when deciding whether to approve you for a mortgage. Most lenders rely on an automated underwriting system to determine your maximum debt ratio. While it may be much higher, some will require you to have a DTI of no greater than 41%.

Your DTI is the percentage of your monthly income used to pay credit cards, medical bills, student loans, auto loans, and housing costs, including your new mortgage payment.

Equity in Your Home

You need to have equity in your home to refinance. If you aren’t looking to tap into your equity but want to reduce your interest rate or obtain more favorable terms than your existing mortgage, you might consider a VA interest rate reduction refinance loan (VA IRRRL) loan instead.

Show You Have a Reliable, Regular Income Source

Your lender will require documentation showing you have a reliable and regular source of income. They might require you to submit the following documents:

You’ll also need to show a valid and current government-issued identification.

Plan to Live in the Home

The VA requires you to live in the home you intend to refinance. You can’t get a VA cash-out refinance mortgage on a second home.

Benefits of a VA Cash Out Refinance vs. a Conventional Cash Out Refinance Loan

A VA cash out refinance mortgage offers several benefits vs. a conventional refinance loan, including the following:

If you’re eligible for a VA cash-out refinance, it makes sense to choose this type of loan to access more of your equity while enjoying a lower rate of interest.

Cons of a VA Cash Out Refinance Loan

Utah VA cash out refinance loans do have a few cons, including:

How to Secure a VA Cash-Out Refinance Mortgage

To get a Utah VA cash out refinance loan, take the following steps:

1

Obtain a COE


Request a COE. You’ll need this before you can apply for a VA cash-out refinance loan. You can request it online or by mail or ask your lender to get it for you. The professionals at City Creek Mortgage can help you with this.

2

Choose a Lender


You’ll need to choose a lender that offers VA cash-out refinance loans. Once you’ve identified several, compare their rates and terms. The professionals at City Creek Mortgage can help you with this.

3

Submit Documents


You’ll need to submit documents requested by your lender. While this can vary, you can expect to be asked for two years of income tax returns, one year of bank statements, recent pay stubs, a copy of your COE, and other requested documents. The lender will verify your income and employment and will run a credit report. It will also evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to make sure you meet its minimum requirements.

4

Have Your Home Appraised


Your lender will schedule a home appraisal, which will be completed by an independent appraiser. Lenders do this to verify your home’s fair market value and determine the amount of equity you have in your home.

5

Attend Closing


You’ll attend closing and will need to sign multiple forms. You’ll also need to pay closing costs and the VA funding fee applicable to you, which can be taken out of your cash-back payment.

6

Receive Your Funds


You’ll receive the equity you want to take out of your home as a lump sum at closing minus your closing costs and fees. You can then use the money for whatever you want.

Talk to the Mortgage Professionals at City Creek Mortgage

If you want to access the equity you have in your home and believe you are eligible for a Utah VA cash out refinance, contact the professionals at City Creek Mortgage. We can help you identify lenders with the best rates and walk you through the process. Call us at (801) 501-7950 to schedule an appointment.

FAQ

1. What can I use the money for from a Utah VA cash out refinance?

There are typically no restrictions on what you do with the money from a VA cash-out refinance. Most people choose to use the money to consolidate debts, complete home renovations, pay higher education expenses, or pay for unexpected emergencies. However, you can spend the money on anything you wish.

2. If I own my home free and clear, can I get a VA cash out refinance loan?

To qualify for a VA cash-out refinance, you’ll need to have a current VA or conventional mortgage on your property. If you own your home free and clear, you won’t be eligible for this type of loan. However, there might be other types of loans you can get.

3. What is the VA funding fee?

The VA doesn’t charge PMI, but it does charge a funding fee. This varies, but it typically is 2.15% for first-time VA borrowers and 3.3% for repeat borrowers. However, there are a few exemptions. Borrowers who have service-connected disabilities do not have to pay a funding fee, those who would receive disability benefits if they weren’t retired, Purple Heart recipients, surviving spouses, and others may be exempt from the funding fee.