New mortgage refinance program helps borrowers save as much as $3,000 a year

More than 2 million homeowners who thought they couldn't afford refinancing — which can provide big savings over time but takes a bit of cash upfront — can get cheaper loans this summer through a new government option.

It allows more borrowers to refinance at today's historically low mortgage rates, and cut their monthly housing costs by hundreds of dollars.

New option allows borrowers to save up to $3K a year

Government-sponsored mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have launched a refinance program with reduced interest rates that could save financially disadvantaged borrowers as much as $250 a month.

"Last year saw a spike in refinances, but more than 2 million low-income families did not take advantage of the record low mortgage rates by financing," says Mark Calabria, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates Fannie and Freddie.

To qualify, borrowers must have a federally backed mortgage and earn no more than 80% of their area’s median income.

A lender will be required to cut a qualified borrower's monthly mortgage payment by $50 or more and provide at least a half-point (0.5) interest rate reduction — say, from 3.5% down to 3%.

“This new refinance option is designed to help eligible borrowers who have not already refinanced save between $1,200 and $3,000 a year on their mortgage payment,” Calabria said in a news release when the program was first announced.

The program cuts the cost of a refi

Refinancing costs vary by state and lender, but it’s not unusual to pay 3% or more of the amount you owe one your house in refinance fees: "closing costs."

If you qualify for the FHFA’s new program, your lender must provide a credit of up to $500 for an appraisal if you need one and waive the usual 0.5% fee for borrowers with loan balances at or below $300,000.

But to be eligible, you must not have missed a payment in the past six months and have no more than one missed payment in the past 12 months.

Plus, you must meet specific requirements related to how much debt you're carrying and how much equity you have in your home.

Finally, you can't have a credit score lower than 620. If you’re not sure if yours will make the cut, it’s easy to peek at your credit score for free.

Not eligible? You can still save with a refi

If you don’t qualify for the government’s new refi option, you may still want to consider trading in your loan for a cheaper one. Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates this week are averaging just 2.86%, according to Freddie Mac, and that's not too far from the all-time low of 2.65%.

Nearly half the homeowners who refinanced over the last year of rock-bottom rates are now saving $300 a month or more, a recent Zillow survey found.

The best refi candidates have 30-year mortgages and at least 20% equity built up in their homes, says the mortgage data and technology firm Black Knight. Those homeowners in the sweet spot also have credit scores of at least 720.

If you’re considering a refinance, check mortgage rates from at least five lenders to make sure you’re scoring the most savings.

To help with your closing costs, you might generate extra income in the stock market — even if you're not rich. One popular app helps you grow a portfolio merely by investing "spare change" from everyday purchases.

If a refinance won't work for you, there are other ways to save on housing costs. When it’s time to renew your homeowners insurance, get rate quotes from multiple insurers to be certain you’re getting the coverage you need at the best price.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.