Divorce is messy as it is. Throw in the recent changes within the mortgage industry and it may get even messier!
When divorce involves refinancing the marital home, divorcing borrowers typically are looking to pull equity out of the home in order to buy-out the other spouse’s equity ownership. Although the divorce settlement agreement may outline the details of the transfer of ownership, it does not determine what type of financing is available for the divorcing borrower.
Two Types Of Refinances:
The two types of refinances are either a Rate/Term refinance or a cash-out refinance. Rate/Term refinances typically have better terms with regards to lower interest rates and access to more equity. A cash-out mortgage, on the other hand, may carry a higher interest rate and typically only allows the borrower to access up to 80% of the home’s value, which can present a problem when the goal for the refinance is to actually access the equity, right?
The mortgage industry is currently shifting once again and cash-out refinances seem to be drying up as banks and mortgage lenders tighten underwriting standards to cover the risk of millions of borrowers seeking forbearance on their home loans. Many lenders and agencies have implemented a pricing adjustment on cash-out refinances equivalent to 5% of the loan amount while many have eliminated cash-out refinancing all together with loan-to-value ratios higher than 80%.
In 2019, roughly 13% of homeowners with loans owned by Freddie Mac took out roughly $91 billion through cash-out refinances, according to Freddie data. Cash-out refis hit a peak in 2006, when Freddie borrowers alone tapped $320.5 billion in home equity.
Divorcing Borrowers:
How does this affect divorcing borrowers needing to access the home’s equity in order to settle with their soon-to-be ex? The divorce settlement agreement needs to be structured in such a way that the divorcing borrower can refinance as a Rate/Term – equity buy-out. The loan structure will allow the divorcing borrower to access the equity in the home without the higher pricing adjustment or even the ability to refinance at all.
There are specific requirements that the divorcing borrower needs to meet; however, in order for the refinance to be structured as a Rate/Term equity buy-out. There may be title seasoning issues, specific wording in the divorce settlement agreement among other issues.
Involving a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP) early in the divorce settlement agreement can help divorcing borrowers set the stage for a successful refinance of the marital home.
Now more than ever, it is important to have a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP™) on your professional divorce team. A CDLP™ will not only understand these major changes within the mortgage industry but the impact they may play during the divorce process and obtaining mortgage financing.
If you’d like to start the process of getting a home, come see us at the Tammi Lindley Team. We are Portland’s premier mortgage lenders, offering hundreds of mortgage products so you can pick the mortgage that matches your needs. Contact us today and start the process of owning your dream home.
