VA Loans

VA Loans are VA-guaranteed loans designed to help military families, active-duty military members, and veterans purchase homes on favorable terms. Unlike conventional mortgages, these loans often offer better loan rates and easier loan requirements.

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VA Loan Basics

We are here to provide you with the essential information about VA loans. A VA loan is a mortgage loan backed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically designed for eligible veterans, military members, reservists, and select surviving spouses, VA loans offer numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to purchase various types of properties without a down payment and without the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). This makes VA loans an attractive option for those who have served our country and want to achieve their homeownership goals.

How VA Loans Work

Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and guaranteed by the federal government, VA loans provide a range of benefits for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.

Qualified veterans and those with active service during wartime or service during peacetime can apply and loan entitlement varies based on days of service and character of service. It’s essential to have a valid Certificate of Eligibility to establish your loan eligibility.

With a VA loan, you can secure up to 100% financing on the value of your home, allowing you to purchase, refinance, or make home improvements without a down payment. It's important to note that while the VA sets the qualifying standards, VA loans are provided by private lenders. This means you can rely on our expertise and dedication to guiding you through the loan process and finding the best loan options that meet your unique needs. Trust Good News Lending to help you navigate the world of VA loans and make your homeownership dreams a reality.

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Types of VA Loans

When it comes to VA loans, there are several types available to eligible borrowers. The most common type is the VA purchase mortgage, which allows veterans and active-duty service members to finance their primary residence with no down payment required. Purchase loans are straightforward—helping you buy a home at a sales price within the maximum loan amounts determined by your regional loan center.

VA also provides renovation loans, which are larger loans designed to cover both the home's cost and renovation expenses.

Another option is the cash-out refinance loan, which allows borrowers to take out a new mortgage that is larger than their existing loan balance and receive the difference in cash.

Interest rate reduction refinance loans (IRRRLs), on the other hand, are designed to help borrowers lower their monthly mortgage payments by refinancing their existing VA loan to a new loan with a lower interest rate.

Lastly, the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program provides eligible Native American veterans and their spouses the opportunity to purchase, construct, or improve a home on federal trust land. These various types of VA loans offer flexibility and benefits that cater to the unique needs of those who have served our country.

Interest Rates on VA Loans

Our VA loan program offers various types of rates to accommodate your specific goals, including fixed rates, streamline rates, cash-out rates, and jumbo rates. Mortgage rates for VA loans are often lower than Conventional mortgage rates, making it a better financial decision in many cases. In addition, our VA loans come with flexible terms, allowing you to choose between 15-year or 30-year repayment plans. With our attractive interest rates and customizable options, getting a VA loan has never been more appealing. Let us assist you in finding the right loan product and interest rate that best suits your unique needs.

VA Loan Limits

Understanding the importance of VA loan limits and how they impact borrowing options for eligible borrowers is what we do. While there are no set limits on how much can be borrowed on a VA loan, there are limits on the amount that can be financed without a down payment. This means that borrowers can borrow more than the limit, but they would need to make a down payment for the portion that exceeds the limit. It's important to note that the VA loan limits can vary depending on the county and state. Recently, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 brought significant changes to the VA loan limits, enabling eligible veterans to borrow more without a down payment. By keeping up-to-date with these changes, we can provide our borrowers with the most suitable options to meet their financing needs.

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Property Requirements

At Good News Lending, we understand the importance of finding a home that meets your needs and provides a safe and comfortable living environment. With a VA loan, there are certain property requirements that must be met.

The property you’re interested in must meet Minimum property requirements. This can include stick-built homes and even manufactured homes.

The property must comply with local building codes and have proper road access, drainage systems, and access to clean water. Additionally, it is important to note that the borrower or their spouse must move into the home within 60 days and make it their primary residence. These property requirements help to ensure that you find a home that not only meets your needs but also provides a secure and enjoyable living space for you and your family.

What are the Required Documents for a VA loan?

To apply for a VA loan, there are several documents that are typically required. These include the Certificate of Eligibility, which is provided by the VA for eligible military members and surviving spouses. In addition, there may be other restrictions and documents that need to be obtained, depending on your individual circumstances. That's why it's crucial to work closely with our experienced mortgage loan officers who can guide you through the process and ensure all necessary documents are obtained. We are here to support you every step of the way as you embark on your journey to homeownership.

Application Process

At Good News Lending, we know that applying for a VA loan can seem overwhelming. That's why we're here to guide you through the application process and make it as smooth as possible. The first step is to get pre approved, which is crucial when making an offer on a house. This step involves providing necessary documents such as proof of military service, income documentation, and credit history. Once you're pre approved, you'll receive a letter of pre approval, which shows sellers that you're a serious buyer. This letter is important in making an offer that stands out from the competition. We'll assist you in gathering all the required documents and help you every step of the way to ensure a successful and hassle-free VA loan application.

Wendy personally took care of our loan. I submitted an application prior to 7AM and she called me at 7! I have gone through 4 mortgage processes and have never had a better experience. She was on point with her estimates and the process proceeded with such ease. I was actually calling HER asking "do you need anything?" because it was almost TOO smooth from my prior experience.

Talia Fulton

VA Loan

Wendy and her team are absolutely amazing! My home purchase (and future refinance when rates dropped) went smoothly and were effortless on my part. Wendy answered all my questions and gave insightful advice throughout the process. I highly recommend Wendy and her team with all your home financing and refinancing needs!

Justine Farrow

VA Loan

I have never experienced the level of professionalism and courtesy than I did with Wendy Thompson's team. They go out their way to ensure that everything is done to the best that it can. They were always there to answer any questions and provide assistance to any problems that we had. I will say that I will never use anyone else again as long as Wendy is in business.

Kevin Tharpe

Conventional

Funding Fee

VA loans do come with certain costs, such as the funding fee. The funding fee is a one-time payment that helps support the VA loan program and allows us to offer competitive loan options to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. The cost of the funding fee can vary depending on factors such as the type of service, down payment or equity, first-time use, and whether it's for a purchase or refinance. If you don't have the funds to pay the funding fee upfront, don't worry – it can be rolled into your mortgage. It's important to note that some individuals, such as veterans with service-related disabilities and Purple Heart recipients, may be exempt from paying the funding fee altogether. We strive to provide our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their VA loans, so if you have any questions about the funding fee or any other aspect of the loan process, our team is here to help.

What are the closing costs associated with a VA loan?

Closing costs associated with a VA loan can include various expenses that need to be paid at the time of closing. These costs typically include real estate commissions, brokerage fees, loan origination and underwriting fees, appraisals, title fees, home inspection fees, and mortgage discount points. Additionally, seller concessions can be used to cover some or all of the closing costs. It's important to note that the VA funding fee is typically required for VA loans and should also be factored into the overall closing costs. At Good News Lending, we strive to provide transparent and comprehensive information about VA loans, including a breakdown of the closing costs involved. We are here to help eligible veterans and active-duty service members navigate the loan process and make informed decisions about their home purchase.

PMI and VA Loans

VA loans offer several advantages over other loan options, including the absence of private mortgage insurance (PMI). Unlike conventional loans, VA loans do not require borrowers to pay PMI, which can significantly impact monthly payments. PMI is typically required by lenders when borrowers put less than 20% down on a home purchase, but VA loans eliminate this additional cost. This benefit not only reduces the financial burden on our valued clients but also makes homeownership more affordable and accessible for veterans and active-duty service members. With our VA loan program, you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your monthly payments will be more manageable, allowing you to focus on other priorities in your life.

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opaque blue blob that sits behind a photo for decorative effect

Using Home Equity with VA Loans

By leveraging their home equity, homeowners can potentially lower their monthly payments, access funds for important expenses or investments, or consolidate debt. However, it is important to consider the advantages and limitations of utilizing home equity. Factors such as loan-to-value ratios, potential risks, and the maximum percentage of home value that can be refinanced should be taken into account.

One major advantage of using home equity with VA loans is that it allows homeowners to potentially access funds at lower interest rates compared to other financing options. This can result in significant savings over time. Additionally, VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance, which can further reduce costs for borrowers.

To determine the maximum percentage of home value that can be refinanced, borrowers should consider the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio requirements set by the VA. The LTV ratio is calculated by dividing the total loan amount by the appraised value of the property. Each VA loan program may have different LTV ratio requirements, and it is important to consult with our experienced loan officers to fully understand the options available.

Good News Lending is dedicated to providing personalized guidance to help borrowers make informed decisions regarding their home equity and VA loan options.

Conventional vs VA Loans

VA Loans, specifically designed for military service members and veterans, offer a range of benefits that set them apart from Conventional Loans. One of the major advantages of a VA loan is that it requires no down payment. This means that eligible borrowers can finance 100% of the home's purchase price, making homeownership more accessible. In contrast, Conventional Loans typically require a 20% down payment, which can be a significant financial obstacle for many buyers.

Another significant difference is that VA Loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance is typically required for Conventional Loans when the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. By eliminating the need for PMI, VA Loans can save borrowers hundreds of dollars each month.

Additionally, VA Loans often come with lower interest rates. This is because they are guaranteed by the government, making them less risky for lenders. In contrast, Conventional Loans do not have government backing, resulting in potentially higher interest rates for borrowers.

At Good News Lending, we are committed to helping you navigate the loan process and find the best option for your unique needs. Whether you're a service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse, we're here to provide personalized guidance and walk you through the VA loan process step by step. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of VA Loans and how we can assist you in achieving your homeownership goals.

Frequently Asked VA Loan Questions

What is a VA-backed home loan?

A VA-backed home loan is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which helps reduce the risk for lenders and offers eligible Veterans more favorable terms than they might otherwise be able to get on the open market.

How does continuous service and creditable service affect my eligibility?

If you can show at least two years of continuous and creditable service, this can help demonstrate that you are a reliable borrower and that you have a steady income.

What documents do I need to apply for a VA loan?

If you are considering applying for a VA loan, there are certain documents you will need to provide in order to be approved. These documents include proof of military service, proof of income and employment, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and other financial documents.

What are the credit score requirements and credit requirements?

The credit score requirements for a VA loan vary by lender, but typically range from 620 to 660. In order to qualify for a VA loan, you must meet certain credit requirements, such as having no more than one 30-day late payment in the past 12 months. Additionally, any derogatory marks on your credit report must be at least two years old.

Can anyone qualify for a VA loan?

Yes, VA Loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. Our team can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the loan application process.

Can a VA loan be used for more than one property?

Yes, you can use a VA Loan for multiple properties, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each property. We can help you navigate the requirements and ensure you make the most of your VA entitlement.

Are VA loans assumable?

Yes, VA Loans are assumable, which means that if you decide to sell your home, the buyer can take over your existing VA loan. This can be a significant advantage when it comes to selling your home.

How long does it take to close a VA loan?

The timeline for closing a VA loan can vary based on individual circumstances, but on average, it takes around 30 to 45 days. Our experienced team will work diligently to ensure a smooth and timely process.

At Good News Lending, we are dedicated to helping our clients make the most of their VA loan benefits. Contact us today to learn more about VA Loans and how we can assist you in achieving your homeownership goals.

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