Are you a New York (NY) property owner who needs a refinance or tax relief? You should certainly learn about and consider the CEMA (Consolidation Extension and Modification Agreement) loan.

Let’s go through what this loan is, those who qualify for it, and some of the things you must consider when applying for it.

What is the CEMA Loan?

As most New Yorkers already know, the state is not a tax haven for property investors, especially those who live in the southern part where property values and mortgage tax rates are considerably higher. The CEMA loan can best be defined as a contract between a new lender and an existing lender. Both lenders decide to create a unique, consolidated loan by combining two or more without filing any cancellation on the current mortgage.

After completing this process, the property owner’s credit report will appear in the new CEMA mortgage, and it will show that the existing mortgage has successfully been transferred. Then, the homeowner is allowed to pay the tax calculated on the additional amount above what they initially borrowed (the difference between the two loans), which consequently decreases their mortgage tax.

Who Qualifies for the NY CEMA Loan?

Only residents of New York are eligible for the CEMA loan. In most cases, the loan acts as a refinanced mortgage, even though there is a slight chance that you could use it to buy your dream property. The main challenge that NY residents encounter when applying for a CEMA loan is finding a lender who offers such loans if their current one does not provide such a loan. Besides, changing lenders is not always the best choice because it is time-consuming and it could also be expensive.

Upon realizing that you qualify for a CEMA loan, you must consider a few factors before beginning the application procedure. These include:

  • Time: CEMA loans take time to complete, usually 30-90 days. This could be because you have to switch lenders to get the best deal. The NY regulations may also slow down the approval process. If your case is dire, and you can’t wait that long to get a refinance, think about taking a conventional loan instead.
  • Fees: A CEMA refinance is not devoid of costs. How much fees you pay when applying for this loan boils down to your lender. If they have experience working with CEMA mortgages and are ready to process yours, count yourself lucky. The cost you’ll incur will be much less. With new lenders, you might have to part with a few more bucks than anticipated.

Why Is CEMA Loan Popular?

Hopefully, this piece enlightens you about the popular CEMA loan that can offer the tax relief you badly need as a property owner in New York. Note that CEMA is not an ideal option for loans perceived as second mortgages, Home Equities or HELOCs. CEMA loans also don’t mean that your mortgage will be discharged. Before you make up your mind about applying for this loan, make sure to consult a competent loan officer in the state. They can help you decide if the loan fits your current needs and guide you through the application process.