An FHA refinance for when a Streamline isn't the fit.
A full FHA refinance uses the same forgiving credit and equity guidelines that make FHA loans easier to qualify for — this time with an appraisal and standard documentation. It's the route when you're moving from a conventional loan into FHA, when your credit still has room to grow, or when you want to pull cash out. We compare it against your other options and only recommend it if it truly helps, in English or Spanish.
Who this is for
- Homeowners with a conventional loan who qualify more easily under FHA
- Owners whose credit has had some bumps but who are paying on time now
- People who want to refinance and take cash out under FHA's rules
- Anyone who can't use a Streamline because their current loan isn't FHA
How it works
Look at where you stand
We review your current loan, your credit, and your equity to see whether FHA is genuinely the best-fitting refinance — sometimes conventional wins, and we'll say so.
Choose your goal
Lower the rate, change the term, or take cash out — FHA can do all three. We map the numbers for each so you can see the trade-offs.
Order the appraisal and docs
A full FHA refinance needs an appraisal and standard income and asset documents. We give you a clear checklist and handle the back-and-forth with the lender.
Lock and close
When it pencils out, we lock the rate, move the file through underwriting, and keep you posted right up to signing.
Forgiving credit rules
FHA's guidelines make room for credit that isn't perfect, which can mean approval — or a better rate — than a conventional refinance.
Cash-out is on the table
An FHA refinance can let you tap equity, within FHA's limits, for a remodel or to pay off higher-interest debt.
A shot at a lower rate
Moving to FHA — or to a new FHA rate — can bring the payment down when your current loan is priced high.
An honest comparison
We put FHA side by side with conventional so you're choosing the cheaper long-run path, not just the easiest approval.
Today’s sample rates
Common questions
How is this different from an FHA Streamline?
A Streamline only works if you already have an FHA loan, and it skips the appraisal and income check. A full FHA refinance works from any loan type, includes an appraisal and documentation, and can offer cash out. If you already have FHA and just want a lower rate, the Streamline is usually simpler — we'll tell you which fits.
Can I refinance from a conventional loan into FHA?
Yes. That's one of the main reasons to use a full FHA refinance — its credit and equity rules can be easier to meet than conventional, which sometimes means a lower rate or an approval you couldn't get otherwise.
Does an FHA refinance have mortgage insurance?
Yes. FHA loans carry an upfront mortgage insurance premium and a monthly one, regardless of your equity. We factor that into the comparison so you're looking at the true cost, not just the rate.
Can I take cash out with an FHA refinance?
You can, up to FHA's loan-to-value limit, as long as you keep enough equity in the home. We'll show you how much is realistic and what it does to your payment before you commit.
Will I need an appraisal?
Yes — unlike a Streamline, a full FHA refinance requires an appraisal to confirm your home's value. We order it early so it doesn't slow the file down.
Is FHA always cheaper than conventional?
Not always. FHA's mortgage insurance can make it more expensive over time even when the rate looks lower. That's exactly why we run both side by side and recommend the one that costs you less in the long run.