Is a VA Loan right for you?
Why Choose a VA Loan?
The VA mortgage is available to those who are serving in the US military, or have been discharged from service in the past. The VA loan is a great benefit for those who qualify. The hallmark of the VA loan is that it allows for 100% financing. No down payment! Additionally- the VA insurance is paid fully by the upfront funding fee, and there are NO monthly MI payments.
The rates are usually very competitive to FHA and Conforming. It beats the FHA because it allows for less down, and will carry a payment with no monthly mortgage insurance. The VA loan also has that upfront funding fee. But like the FHA and USDA loans, that fee is “financed” – added to the loan amount, and not out of pocket.
Unlike the other government insured loans, the VA funding fee can sometimes be waived! If you qualify for the VA loan AND are currently receiving ANY amount of VA disability, the funding fee is waived.
Quickly find out how much you qualify for. ⬇️
Types of VA Loans
The VA loan program offers several options to meet a range of home financing needs:
- Home Purchase Loan: For buying a home with no down payment and competitive rates.
- IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan): A “streamline” refinance option to reduce monthly payments by refinancing at a lower interest rate.
- Cash-Out Refinance Loan: Allows borrowers to access home equity in cash, which can be used for debt consolidation, education, or home improvements.
- Native American Direct Loan (NADL): A loan program specifically for Native American veterans to buy, improve, or build homes on federal trust land.
VA Loan Requirements
To qualify for a VA loan, applicants generally need:
- A minimum FICO credit score of 600 (may vary by lender)
- Adequate VA entitlement, which indicates the amount the VA will guarantee for the borrower
- Ability to repay, meeting residual income requirements
Exploring VA Loans
Created in 1944 as part of the GI Bill, the VA home loan program has supported over 25 million veterans and service members in achieving homeownership. It’s one of the longest-running and most impactful mortgage programs in the United States, giving eligible borrowers an affordable pathway to purchase or refinance a home without requiring stellar credit or a down payment.
VA Loan Limit
With full VA entitlement, qualified borrowers can secure a VA loan with no upper loan limit, provided the lender approves the loan. Loan limits only apply if a borrower has partial entitlement, such as from an existing VA loan or a foreclosure, which can affect the amount they can borrow without a down payment.
VA Guaranty
The VA guaranty ensures that lenders are protected against loss in case of borrower default. This guaranty—based on the borrower’s available entitlement—encourages lenders to offer favorable loan terms, making VA loans accessible and affordable.
VA Funding Fee
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid by borrowers that helps keep the VA loan program funded for future veterans. This fee varies based on factors such as down payment amount, loan type, and whether the borrower is using the VA loan benefit for the first time or as a subsequent use. Disabled veterans and certain other eligible applicants are exempt from this fee.
Can You Use a VA Loan More Than Once?
Yes, qualified borrowers can use their VA loan benefit multiple times. To restore entitlement for a subsequent purchase, the VA requires either that the property secured by the previous VA loan is sold and the loan paid in full, or that another qualified veteran assumes the loan, substituting their entitlement for the original borrower’s.
Restoration of Entitlement
Borrowers can apply to the VA to have their entitlement fully restored, allowing them to reuse their VA benefit for a new home purchase. Entitlement can generally only be restored one time, and conditions include:
- Selling the home bought with the previous VA loan and paying off the loan in full
- Having a qualified veteran buyer assume the original loan and transfer the entitlement accordingly
VA loans are an exceptional benefit for those who have served, providing affordable, accessible home financing options that honor their commitment to the country.
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