Your VA Rate Might Be Higher Than It Needs to Be

If you closed your VA loan when rates were above 6%, you may be eligible for a streamlined rate reduction — no appraisal, no income verification, and a close in as few as 30 days.

What the VA IRRRL Does

The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) is a VA-specific program designed to make rate drops fast and simple.

When It Makes Sense

  • Your current rate is above approximately 6%
  • You want to reduce your monthly payment
  • You do not need cash from your equity
  • You have met the 210-day seasoning requirement

When It Does Not

  • Your rate is already low (under 5%)
  • You need to pull equity — use a cash-out refinance instead
  • You closed recently and have not met seasoning
  • The rate drop is less than 0.5% and savings are minimal

The Seasoning Queue

If you cannot act right now because of the 210-day requirement, you are not stuck. You are in the queue.

Count 210 days from your first mortgage payment date. If you have made at least 6 payments by that point, you are eligible. We can get your file prepped beforehand so you are ready to close the day the window opens.

Hypothetical: E-7 With a 6.4% Rate

Current Rate
6.4%
New Rate
~6.0%
Monthly Savings
~$180
Close Time
35 days

No appraisal ordered. No income documents requested. The veteran submitted a single application, signed closing docs electronically, and the payment dropped the following month.

This is a hypothetical illustration. Actual rates, savings, and timelines depend on individual loan details and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a VA IRRRL?

Any veteran with an existing VA loan who has made at least 6 monthly payments and is at least 210 days past the first payment date. You must be current on your mortgage with no more than one 30-day late payment in the past 12 months.

How long does a VA IRRRL take to close?

Typically 30-45 days. Because no appraisal or income verification is required, the process moves faster than a standard refinance.

What does a VA IRRRL cost?

Closing costs are generally lower than a full refinance — typically $2,000-$5,000 depending on the loan amount. The VA funding fee is 0.5% of the loan amount but is waived for veterans with a disability rating. Costs can be rolled into the loan.

What is the difference between a VA IRRRL and a VA cash-out refinance?

The IRRRL only lowers your rate and payment on an existing VA loan. You cannot pull equity. A VA cash-out refinance replaces your loan with a new, larger one and gives you the difference in cash — useful for debt consolidation or other needs.

Find Out if a Rate Reduction Makes Sense

Start with the brief to see your recommendation, or schedule a call to review your numbers directly.

Take the Brief Schedule a Call