1) How I know if I need an Obama Refi (more than 80 LTV) if I have not yet had an appraisal?

2) Will Fannie Mae will be dropping their fees like Freddie did?  (see http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN0548455620090305)

3) Should I be shopping around for a better rate with a broker vs. going directly to my loan servicer? 

Thanks.

1) There are some free site that you can use to get a ballpark value of your home, but they are not always very accurate. Try www.cyberhomes.com or www.zillow.com  For the best results, talk to a broker and they may have other resources to get a motre accurate value.

2) We have to wait and see.

3) Of course.  You will get the benefit of experience and the broker will shop for you.

Thanks for the reply.

In regards to #3, my question really is - *can* brokers offer the obama refi or do I *have* to go through my current loan servicer?

Also, does the obama refi have streamline characteristics (lower fees, etc.) that make it advantageous to go through my current loan servicer rather than a broker? 

If all other things are equal I would defintely want to shop around with a broker. 

Can anyone clarify this?

Many thanks.

Brokers are able to offer the same type of stimulus refi as your current servicer.  We are waiting to see exactly how these programs will roll out, but a broker will be able to give you a competative program. 

I have been told by my broker that for people attempting these (maybe just in reference to people with home equity loans also) 'Obama Refi's' that the date of reckoning is April 4th.

Is that the case?  You mention waiting for the details/prg to rollout any idea of an ETA?

Also i have found that my loans are not owned by Freddie or Fannie.... no obama refi?

Unfortunately you are correct....not currently owned by Fannie or Freddie...no Obama refi.  You can contact your lender directly and attempt a loan modification but that is about it. Sorry for the bad news.