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Should I pay down my mortgage to qualify for refi?

Profile picture for user9161368
In order to qualify for a refi (low appraisal), I need to pay down my mortgage so that my LTV is 95%. My total out-of-pocket (principal pay down plus closing costs) would be over $10,000. I would break even on the closing costs in 9 months with the monthly savings. I know the principal payment goes to my principal and I'll likely get it back when I sell, just feels like a big chunk of change. My other option would be to try again with a different lender and hope for a better appraisal.
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December 09 2012 - US
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Answers (8)

Yes, you are eligible even if you pay PMI.  Contact your current lender as they should be the best to help you with this as it is a Freddie loan and you are currently paying PMI. 

Once you have received information from them come back to zillow and see if anyone here is able to help you with a HARP II refinance, freddie with MI.  Hope the best for you.
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December 10 2012
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Am I ineligible for HARP if I currently pay PMI?
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December 10 2012
You should contact your lender, get a quote for the interest rate and apr in writing and on the same day get quotes from competitors to find the lowest apr and rate with reasonable fees.
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December 10 2012
I had a hard time having my current lender give me the time of day. Basically I am asking them to loose money by reducing my interest bank. Find someone new to help.
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December 10 2012
most of us here can help with harps.
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December 09 2012
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Thank you for your responses. My loan is owned by Freddie Mac, so to find out if I qualify for a HARP Streamline Refinance, should I just contact my current lender? Thanks again.
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December 09 2012

I would check to see if you are eligible fora  HARP loan first.  You can check here to see if your loan is Fannie or Freddie.

 

https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/

https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup

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December 09 2012
Did you try to see if there is a refinance program with out a appraisal? I am applying for a streamline refinance that changes only the interest rate so there is no appraisal. It depends what kinda loan you currently have
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December 09 2012
 

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