Waiting weeks for an appraisal and paying $500–$700 for one used to be unavoidable when refinancing. Not anymore. Several loan programs and lender tools now let qualifying Virginia homeowners skip the appraisal entirely, cutting both time and cost from the process. Whether you’re in Richmond, Chesterfield, Fredericksburg, or Virginia Beach, understanding these options helps you refinance faster, protect your equity position, and avoid unnecessary fees.
This guide covers the most reliable no-appraisal refinance options available in 2026, from government-backed streamline programs to automated valuation tools used by lenders. Each option is evaluated on eligibility requirements, cost savings, and realistic timelines so you can match the right path to your situation. No promotional framing here: this is a straightforward educational breakdown of what’s available, how each works, and who qualifies.
1. ShopMortgageRates.com — Multi-Lender No-Appraisal Matching
Best for: Virginia homeowners who want to compare no-appraisal refinance programs across hundreds of lenders without a credit hit.
ShopMortgageRates.com is a multi-lender mortgage shopping platform that matches Virginia homeowners with no-appraisal refinance programs using a soft credit pull — zero impact on your credit score during exploration.
Where This Tool Shines
Most lenders give you access to their own programs only. ShopMortgageRates.com shops hundreds of lenders simultaneously, which means if one lender’s automated system doesn’t grant an appraisal waiver on your loan, another’s might. That distinction matters enormously when your loan profile sits in a gray zone.
The platform also handles situations that banks and credit unions routinely decline — lower credit scores, non-traditional income, or high LTV ratios — by routing those files to lenders whose guidelines actually fit. For Virginia borrowers in markets like Short Pump, Midlothian, Henrico, or Hampton Roads, where home values and loan structures vary widely, this flexibility is a practical advantage.
Key Features
NoTouch Credit (Vantage Score 4.0): Soft pull only during pre-qualification — your credit score is not impacted when you explore options.
Hundreds of Lenders Simultaneously: Not limited to one bank’s programs; your file is matched across a broad lender network in a single workflow.
Credit Scores Accepted to 500: Qualifying programs available for borrowers who don’t meet conventional credit thresholds.
Cash-Out Refinances to 90% LTV: Higher cash-out availability than many single-lender platforms, which typically cap at 80%.
24/7 Availability and Fast Close Times: Pre-qualification available around the clock, with some no-appraisal programs closing significantly faster than traditional refinances.
Bank and Credit Union Turndown Conversions: Borrowers who’ve been declined elsewhere often find qualifying programs through the multi-lender matching process.
Best For
Homeowners in Virginia who want to compare multiple no-appraisal refinance paths in one place without committing to a single lender’s rate sheet. Particularly useful for borrowers with credit scores below 680, high LTV situations, or those who’ve already been turned down by a bank or credit union.
Pricing
Free service. There is no cost to shop and compare lenders through the platform. Standard lender closing costs apply once you select a loan program.
2. VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)
Best for: Veterans and active-duty service members in Virginia with existing VA-backed loans seeking a lower rate or payment.
The VA IRRRL is the Department of Veterans Affairs’ official streamline refinance program, designed to help eligible borrowers reduce their interest rate or monthly payment with minimal documentation and no appraisal required in most cases.
Where This Tool Shines
The IRRRL is arguably the most borrower-friendly refinance program available. No income documentation is required in most cases, no appraisal is needed, and the VA funding fee is reduced to just 0.5% — a fraction of standard VA purchase fees. For Virginia’s large veteran community, particularly in Hampton Roads, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, this program is frequently the fastest path to a lower payment.
The streamline nature of the program means lenders can often close these loans significantly faster than a standard refinance. You’re not re-qualifying from scratch — the VA is extending existing loan benefits rather than underwriting a new purchase.
Key Features
No Appraisal Required: Per VA guidelines, most IRRRL transactions do not require a new property appraisal.
No Income or Employment Verification: Standard IRRRL guidelines do not require income documentation in most cases, reducing paperwork significantly.
Reduced VA Funding Fee: The funding fee drops to 0.5% for IRRRL transactions, compared to higher fees on VA purchase loans.
Net Tangible Benefit Requirement: Borrower must demonstrate a clear benefit — typically a lower interest rate, lower monthly payment, or a move from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage.
Existing VA Loan Required: The IRRRL is only available to borrowers who already have a VA-backed mortgage on the property being refinanced.
Best For
Veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses in Virginia with an existing VA loan who want to reduce their rate or payment quickly. Especially relevant for borrowers near Hampton Roads, Stafford County, and Spotsylvania who financed at higher rates in recent years.
Pricing
0.5% VA funding fee on the loan amount. Standard lender closing costs apply. No appraisal fee saves $500–$700 compared to a standard refinance. (Source: VA.gov)
3. FHA Streamline Refinance
Best for: Existing FHA borrowers in Virginia looking to reduce their rate without a full income review or new appraisal.
The FHA Streamline Refinance is HUD’s program for current FHA borrowers to refinance into a lower rate with reduced documentation requirements and no new appraisal on the non-credit-qualifying version.
Where This Tool Shines
The FHA Streamline is particularly valuable for borrowers whose credit profiles have changed since their original loan or who have limited equity. Because no appraisal is required on the non-credit-qualifying path, a decline in home value doesn’t disqualify you. The existing FHA loan balance and original appraised value guide the transaction instead.
For Virginia borrowers in markets like Fredericksburg, Hanover, or Chesterfield who financed with FHA in the past few years, the streamline path can deliver meaningful payment relief without the full underwriting overhead of a conventional refinance. Credit scores as low as 500 are accepted with participating lenders, per HUD guidelines documented in HUD Handbook 4000.1.
Key Features
No Appraisal Required: The non-credit-qualifying version does not require a new property appraisal — existing loan data is used instead.
No Income Documentation in Most Cases: Full income verification is not required for the non-credit-qualifying streamline path.
Credit Scores Accepted to 500: Participating lenders can work with borrowers down to a 500 credit score on FHA streamline transactions per HUD guidelines.
Net Tangible Benefit Requirement: The new rate must be meaningfully lower — typically at least 0.5% below the existing combined rate for ARM-to-fixed conversions, per HUD guidelines.
Current Payment History Required: No 30-day late payments in the prior 12 months on the existing FHA loan.
Best For
Current FHA borrowers in Virginia who want to lower their rate without a full underwriting process. Ideal for borrowers with lower credit scores, limited equity, or those who simply want to reduce paperwork and avoid the appraisal fee.
Pricing
Upfront MIP of 1.75% of the loan balance applies, along with annual MIP. No appraisal fee represents a $500–$700 savings compared to a standard refinance. (Source: HUD.gov)
4. Fannie Mae High LTV Refinance Option (HIRO)
Best for: Conventional borrowers in Virginia with limited or negative equity who don’t qualify for standard refinancing.
Fannie Mae’s High LTV Refinance Option (HIRO) is designed for borrowers whose loan-to-value ratio exceeds 97.01% and who therefore can’t access standard conventional refinance programs. An appraisal waiver is available when Fannie Mae’s automated valuation model has sufficient data on the property.
Where This Tool Shines
HIRO removes the LTV ceiling that blocks most high-LTV borrowers from refinancing. There is no maximum LTV cap, which means even underwater homeowners may qualify. In Virginia markets where values have shifted — such as certain areas of Roanoke, Lynchburg, or rural counties — this program addresses a real gap that standard refinancing cannot.
The appraisal waiver component is granted through Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter (DU) system when sufficient comparable sales data exists in the AVM database. Urban and suburban Virginia markets like Short Pump, Glen Allen, and Henrico tend to have rich AVM data, improving waiver eligibility in those areas.
Key Features
No Maximum LTV: Designed for borrowers above 97.01% LTV — including those who are underwater on their mortgage.
Appraisal Waiver Available: DU can issue an appraisal waiver when AVM data is sufficient, eliminating the appraisal fee entirely.
Fannie Mae Loan Required: The existing loan must be owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae — borrowers can verify this at the Fannie Mae loan lookup tool.
Payment History Requirement: Borrower must have made at least 15 payments on the existing loan before HIRO eligibility applies.
Documented in Fannie Mae Selling Guide: Program guidelines are published in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide under section B5-3.1-02.
Best For
Virginia homeowners with conventional Fannie Mae loans who have high LTV ratios due to limited equity accumulation or market value shifts, and who want to refinance into a lower rate without the barrier of a standard appraisal requirement.
Pricing
Standard conventional closing costs apply. Pricing adjustments vary based on LTV and credit score. Verify current rate adjustments with a participating lender — Fannie Mae pricing grids are updated regularly.
5. Freddie Mac Enhanced Relief Refinance (FMERR) with ACE Waiver
Best for: Conventional borrowers with Freddie Mac loans and high LTV ratios seeking appraisal-free refinancing.
Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance (FMERR) is the parallel program to Fannie Mae’s HIRO, designed for borrowers whose loans are owned by Freddie Mac. The Automated Collateral Evaluation (ACE) waiver through Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor (LPA) can eliminate the appraisal requirement for qualifying transactions.
Where This Tool Shines
FMERR serves the same borrower population as HIRO but for Freddie Mac-held loans. The ACE waiver system evaluates property value using existing data in Freddie Mac’s database, and when data is sufficient, the appraisal is waived entirely. For Virginia borrowers in data-rich suburban markets — Midlothian, Chesterfield, Henrico — ACE waivers are frequently available.
One practical advantage: borrowers often don’t know whether their loan is held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Checking both lookup tools takes only a few minutes and determines which relief refinance program applies to your situation.
Key Features
ACE Appraisal Waiver: Freddie Mac’s Automated Collateral Evaluation can waive the appraisal requirement when sufficient property data exists in LPA’s database.
No Maximum LTV Ceiling: Like HIRO, FMERR is designed to serve borrowers who exceed standard LTV limits for conventional refinancing.
Freddie Mac Loan Required: The existing mortgage must be owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac — verifiable through Freddie Mac’s loan lookup tool.
Benefit Requirement: Borrower must demonstrate a clear financial benefit from the refinance — typically a lower rate or reduced monthly payment.
Best For
Virginia homeowners with Freddie Mac-backed conventional loans who have limited equity and want to refinance without a full appraisal. Particularly useful in suburban Virginia markets with strong comparable sales data supporting AVM accuracy.
Pricing
Standard conventional closing costs apply. ACE waiver eliminates the appraisal fee. Verify current Freddie Mac pricing adjustments with a participating lender, as LTV-based pricing grids are subject to change.
6. USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance
Best for: Rural Virginia homeowners with existing USDA-guaranteed loans who want to lower their payment with minimal documentation.
The USDA Streamlined-Assist Refinance is one of the most permissive no-appraisal programs available. It requires no appraisal, no credit review, and no debt-to-income calculation in most cases — making it accessible to borrowers who might struggle with standard underwriting criteria.
Where This Tool Shines
USDA Streamlined-Assist is uniquely borrower-friendly because it strips out nearly all the traditional underwriting hurdles. The core requirements are straightforward: you must have made 12 consecutive on-time payments on your existing USDA loan, and the refinance must reduce your monthly payment by at least $50. That’s it for most borrowers.
For Virginia, this program is directly relevant to rural counties including Goochland, Louisa, Caroline County, portions of Albemarle, and rural areas of Hanover and Ashland. These communities often have USDA-eligible properties where this program delivers real, immediate payment relief without the friction of a full refinance process.
Key Features
No Appraisal Required: Property value is not reassessed — the existing loan data is used for the transaction.
No Credit Review: Credit score and credit history are not evaluated in most Streamlined-Assist transactions.
No DTI Calculation: Debt-to-income ratio is not calculated, removing a common disqualifier for borrowers with higher monthly obligations.
12 Consecutive On-Time Payments Required: Borrower must demonstrate a clean payment history on the existing USDA loan for the prior 12 months.
$50 Minimum Payment Reduction: The refinance must result in at least a $50 reduction in the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance payment.
Best For
Homeowners in rural Virginia counties — including Goochland, Louisa, Caroline, and portions of Albemarle and Hanover — with existing USDA-guaranteed loans who want to lower their monthly payment with minimal documentation and no appraisal.
Pricing
A 1% USDA guarantee fee applies to the new loan balance. Standard lender closing costs apply. No appraisal fee saves $500–$700 compared to a standard refinance. (Source: USDA Rural Development)
7. Fannie Mae DU Appraisal Waiver (Conventional Rate-and-Term)
Best for: Conventional borrowers in Virginia with strong equity positions and sufficient AVM data who want to skip the appraisal on a standard rate-and-term refinance.
Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter (DU) system can issue an appraisal waiver on qualifying conventional refinance loans — not just high-LTV situations. When DU has sufficient comparable sales data and the loan profile meets automated underwriting criteria, the appraisal is waived entirely.
Where This Tool Shines
This is the most common path to a no-appraisal refinance for conventional borrowers with healthy equity. DU evaluates the loan file against Fannie Mae’s database of property values and comparable sales. In data-rich Virginia markets — Short Pump, Glen Allen, Midlothian, and Henrico — DU waivers are issued regularly because there is abundant comparable sales data supporting AVM accuracy.
The waiver is not guaranteed and is issued at DU’s discretion based on the specific property and loan profile. Borrowers in rural areas with fewer comparable sales may not receive a waiver, which is one reason why working with a multi-lender platform that can run multiple AVM scenarios is advantageous.
Key Features
DU-Issued Waiver: The appraisal waiver is granted automatically through Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter when the loan file qualifies — no separate application required.
Property Data Requirements: Sufficient comparable sales data must exist in Fannie Mae’s AVM database for the subject property’s area.
Equity Position Matters: Waivers are more commonly issued for lower-LTV loans where the risk of value discrepancy is lower.
Rate-and-Term Refinances: DU waivers are available on standard rate-and-term refinances, not just high-LTV relief programs.
Documented in Selling Guide: Fannie Mae’s appraisal waiver guidelines are published in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide for lender reference.
Best For
Conventional borrowers in suburban Virginia markets with meaningful equity — typically LTV ratios below 80% — who want to refinance at a lower rate without the time and cost of a full appraisal. Most effective in high-data-density markets like Henrico, Chesterfield, and Richmond proper.
Pricing
Standard conventional closing costs apply. When DU issues the waiver, the appraisal fee ($500–$700 in Virginia) is eliminated entirely. No separate fee for the DU waiver itself.
8. Freddie Mac LPA ACE Waiver (Conventional Rate-and-Term)
Best for: Conventional borrowers with Freddie Mac-eligible loans in Virginia seeking an appraisal waiver through automated underwriting on a standard refinance.
Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor (LPA) offers its own Automated Collateral Evaluation (ACE) waiver for qualifying conventional refinance loans. Like DU, LPA evaluates the property using Freddie Mac’s data models and issues a waiver when confidence in the automated value is sufficient.
Where This Tool Shines
The LPA ACE waiver operates in parallel to Fannie Mae’s DU waiver but through Freddie Mac’s separate data infrastructure. In practice, some loan files that don’t receive a DU waiver may receive an ACE waiver through LPA, or vice versa — because the two systems draw on different property databases and comparable sales inputs.
This is a practical reason why working with a lender who can run both DU and LPA on your file is valuable. A single-lender shop may only run one automated system. A multi-lender platform can identify which AUS path yields the better outcome for your specific property and loan profile.
Key Features
ACE Automated Collateral Evaluation: LPA’s proprietary system evaluates property value using Freddie Mac’s data — no manual appraisal required when confidence thresholds are met.
Separate from DU: ACE and DU draw on different data sources, meaning ACE may issue a waiver when DU does not, and vice versa.
Available on Standard Refinances: ACE waivers are available on conventional rate-and-term refinances, not just relief refinance programs.
LTV Considerations: Lower LTV loans generally have higher waiver approval rates, though ACE evaluates each file individually based on data availability.
Best For
Conventional borrowers in Virginia whose loan files are Freddie Mac-eligible and who want to explore whether LPA’s ACE system will issue an appraisal waiver where DU may not. Most effective when working with a lender who actively runs both automated underwriting systems.
Pricing
Standard conventional closing costs apply. ACE waiver eliminates the appraisal fee when granted. No separate charge for the ACE evaluation itself.
9. Property Inspection Waiver (PIW) for Investment Properties
Best for: Virginia real estate investors refinancing 1–4 unit investment properties who want to avoid the appraisal requirement on qualifying conventional loans.
Fannie Mae’s Property Inspection Waiver (PIW) extends appraisal waiver eligibility to certain investment property refinances, not just primary residences. When DU issues a PIW on an investment property file, the appraisal is waived — a meaningful cost and time savings for investors managing multiple properties.
Where This Tool Shines
Investment property appraisals are often more expensive and take longer than primary residence appraisals because they require income analysis and rental comparables in addition to standard valuation. A PIW on an investment property eliminates all of that friction. For Virginia real estate investors in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, or Hampton Roads managing rental portfolios, this can meaningfully accelerate refinance timelines.
PIW eligibility for investment properties is more restrictive than for primary residences — LTV limits are tighter, and the property must have strong comparable sales data in Fannie Mae’s system. But when it’s available, it’s one of the most efficient refinance paths for investors operating with conventional financing.
Key Features
Investment Property Eligible: PIW can be issued on 1–4 unit investment property refinances when DU determines sufficient data exists.
DU-Issued Automatically: The waiver appears in the DU findings — no separate application or request process is required.
LTV Restrictions Apply: Investment property PIW eligibility typically requires a lower LTV than primary residence waivers — verify current Fannie Mae guidelines with your lender.
Eliminates Full Appraisal Cost: Investment property appraisals in Virginia can run $600–$900 or more — the PIW eliminates this cost entirely when issued.
Rate-and-Term or Limited Cash-Out: PIW availability varies by transaction type; rate-and-term refinances have broader eligibility than cash-out transactions on investment properties.
Best For
Virginia real estate investors with conventional Fannie Mae-eligible investment property loans who want to refinance efficiently without the time and cost of a full investment property appraisal. Most applicable in high-transaction markets like Richmond, Henrico, and Hampton Roads where comparable rental data is abundant.
Pricing
Standard conventional investment property pricing applies, including applicable loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs). PIW eliminates the appraisal fee — typically $600–$900 for investment properties in Virginia. Verify current LLPA grids with a participating lender.
Breakeven Math: What Skipping the Appraisal Actually Saves You
Understanding the real financial impact of an appraisal waiver requires looking at the full picture, not just the appraisal fee in isolation. Here’s a worked example using illustrative numbers for educational purposes. Actual rates and costs vary based on creditworthiness, loan type, and market conditions.
Scenario: Virginia homeowner, $350,000 loan balance, refinancing from 7.25% to 6.50% on a 30-year fixed.
Payment Comparison (P&I only — does not include taxes, insurance, or PMI):
Old payment at 7.25%: approximately $2,388/month
New payment at 6.50%: approximately $2,213/month
Monthly savings: approximately $175/month
Closing Cost Comparison:
Total closing costs with appraisal: approximately $3,400
Total closing costs without appraisal (waiver saves ~$600): approximately $2,800
Breakeven Calculation:
With appraisal: $3,400 ÷ $175 = approximately 19.4 months to break even
Without appraisal: $2,800 ÷ $175 = approximately 16 months to break even
Appraisal waiver saves approximately 3.4 months on your breakeven timeline.
The table below illustrates estimated P&I payments at various rate and balance combinations. These are for educational illustration only and do not represent a rate quote or commitment to lend.
Illustrative Rate and Payment Table (30-Year Fixed, P&I Only):
$250,000 Loan Balance: 7.25% = $1,706/mo | 6.75% = $1,622/mo | 6.50% = $1,580/mo | 6.25% = $1,539/mo
$350,000 Loan Balance: 7.25% = $2,388/mo | 6.75% = $2,271/mo | 6.50% = $2,212/mo | 6.25% = $2,155/mo
$450,000 Loan Balance: 7.25% = $3,070/mo | 6.75% = $2,919/mo | 6.50% = $2,844/mo | 6.25% = $2,770/mo
Note: P&I only. Does not include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or mortgage insurance. For illustration only. Rates change daily.
Frequently Asked Questions: No-Appraisal Refinancing in Virginia
What is a no-appraisal refinance?
A no-appraisal refinance is a mortgage refinance transaction where the lender does not require a new independent property appraisal. Instead, the lender relies on an automated valuation model (AVM), existing loan data, or a government program’s streamline guidelines to determine property value eligibility.
Who qualifies for a VA IRRRL in Virginia?
Veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses with an existing VA-backed mortgage on the property being refinanced. The loan must demonstrate a net tangible benefit — typically a lower interest rate or monthly payment. Virginia borrowers near Hampton Roads, Stafford, and Spotsylvania frequently qualify given the region’s large military population. Full eligibility details are available at VA.gov.
Can I do an FHA streamline if my credit score is below 600?
Yes. Per HUD guidelines documented in HUD Handbook 4000.1, participating lenders can accept credit scores as low as 500 on FHA streamline refinance transactions. Not all lenders participate at that floor — working with a multi-lender platform increases your chances of finding one that does.
What is the difference between a DU appraisal waiver and an FHA streamline?
A DU appraisal waiver applies to conventional loans run through Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter — it’s a data-driven decision based on AVM confidence. An FHA streamline is a government program available only to existing FHA borrowers, with its own separate guidelines and mortgage insurance requirements. They serve different loan types and operate through entirely different systems.
Does ShopMortgageRates.com pull my credit when I apply?
No. ShopMortgageRates.com uses a NoTouch Credit soft pull (Vantage Score 4.0) during pre-qualification. This does not impact your credit score. A hard pull only occurs if and when you formally apply with a specific lender after reviewing your options.
How fast can I close a no-appraisal refinance?
Timelines vary by program and lender. Streamline programs (VA IRRRL, FHA Streamline, USDA Streamlined-Assist) can often close faster than standard refinances because the documentation requirements are reduced. Eliminating the appraisal also removes the scheduling and turnaround time that typically adds one to three weeks to a standard refinance timeline.
Can I get cash out without an appraisal?
In limited cases, yes. ShopMortgageRates.com offers cash-out refinances up to 90% LTV on qualifying programs. However, most government streamline programs (VA IRRRL, FHA Streamline, USDA Streamlined-Assist) are rate-and-term only and do not permit cash-out. DU and ACE waivers on cash-out transactions have more restrictive eligibility than rate-and-term refinances.
What Virginia counties qualify for USDA Streamlined-Assist?
USDA eligibility is determined by property location within USDA-designated rural areas. In Virginia, counties frequently associated with USDA eligibility include Goochland, Louisa, Caroline County, portions of Albemarle, and rural areas of Hanover and Ashland. Eligibility should be verified at the USDA property eligibility tool, as boundaries are updated periodically. (Source: USDA Rural Development)
How does ShopMortgageRates.com compare to Rocket Mortgage for no-appraisal refinancing?
Rocket Mortgage is a single-lender platform — it offers its own loan programs and uses DU and LPA to determine appraisal waiver eligibility on its own product set. ShopMortgageRates.com shops hundreds of lenders simultaneously, which means if one lender’s AUS doesn’t issue a waiver, another’s might. Additionally, Rocket Mortgage does not offer a soft-pull pre-qualification that protects your credit score during the comparison phase. ShopMortgageRates.com’s NoTouch Credit (Vantage Score 4.0) allows full rate and program exploration with zero credit impact. Neither platform is denigrated here — the distinction is structural: one lender vs. a multi-lender marketplace.
Which Path Is Right for You
The right no-appraisal refinance path depends on your existing loan type, current equity position, credit profile, and location within Virginia. Here’s a quick-match guide:
Existing VA loan: VA IRRRL is almost always the first path to evaluate — lowest funding fee, no appraisal, minimal documentation.
Existing FHA loan: FHA Streamline Refinance. Especially valuable if your credit score is below 680 or your equity is limited.
Existing USDA loan in a rural Virginia county: USDA Streamlined-Assist. No credit review, no DTI calculation, no appraisal — the most permissive streamline program available.
Conventional loan with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, strong equity: Request DU or LPA run to determine if a DU waiver or ACE waiver is available. High-data markets like Short Pump, Henrico, and Chesterfield have strong waiver approval rates.
Conventional loan with high LTV (above 97%): HIRO (Fannie Mae) or FMERR (Freddie Mac) depending on who holds your loan.
Investment property in Virginia: Fannie Mae PIW through DU — available on qualifying 1–4 unit investment property refinances.
Not sure where you stand, or been turned down elsewhere: Start with ShopMortgageRates.com. The NoTouch Credit soft pull lets you explore all of these paths simultaneously across hundreds of lenders without any credit impact. Securely pre-qualify in minutes and see which no-appraisal programs you qualify for before committing to any lender.
The 2026 conforming loan limit in Virginia is $806,500 (Source: FHFA). For most Virginia borrowers in markets like Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Williamsburg, and Hampton Roads, standard conforming programs apply — which means DU and ACE waivers are fully available on qualifying files.
Legal Disclaimer: All rates shown in this article are for illustrative and educational purposes only. Rates change daily and are subject to creditworthiness, loan type, property type, and market conditions. This article is not a commitment to lend and does not constitute a loan offer. ShopMortgageRates.com is operated by Duane Buziak, NMLS#1110647. Licensed in Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. Equal Housing Lender. Not available in all states. Program availability and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Borrowers should verify current program guidelines with a licensed mortgage professional.
Duane Buziak, Mortgage Maestro | NMLS: 1110647 | Licensed in VA · FL · TN · GA | VA Broker of the Year 2024–2025 | Top 1% Nationwide | Coast2Coast Mortgage | ShopMortgageRates.com | (804) 212-8663