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A no-down-payment loan option created especially for qualified veterans, service members and their spouses.
If you answered “YES” to either of the first two questions and a resounding “NO” to questions three and four, you most likely meet the basic VA home loan requirements.
Other VA home loan requirements have to do with military service time. Specifically, you must have serve for 90 or more days in wartime or 181 or more days in peacetime. In both cases, the stipulation is waived if you are discharged due to a service-related disability. Reserves and National Guard soldiers must serve for at least 6 years to be eligible.
Spouses of deceased service members are eligible for VA loan benefits, provided they have not remarried and that the deceased either (children of deceased veterans are not eligible for VA loan benefits):
VA loans are fully backed by the government and offer many advantages for your home purchase or mortgage refinance. Here are the six biggest:
No money down
While conventional loans generally require down payments that can reach up to 20%, no such thing is required with a VA home loan at or under the local conforming limit. Down payments are still an option, of course, but they are not a requirement. The VA allows you to purchase jumbo loans, but requires you to supply 25% of the difference between the loan amount and the loan limit.
No PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance (or PMI) is a requirement when you put less than 20% down on the purchase of a home and typically adds 0.2-0.9% of expenses to your monthly mortgage. With a VA loan, you can say goodbye to PMI!
Competitive interest rates
Since VA loans are guaranteed by the federal government this can provide lenders with a greater sense of safety and flexibility. This can ultimately lead to a more competitive interest rate than you may otherwise receive.
Easier to Qualify
Similarly to the interest rates, the VA loan being backed by the government also lets the banks assume far less of the risk. This can lead to less stringent qualification standards, once the aforementioned qualifications are met.
Fewer credit restrictions
Reduced restrictions mean easier qualification. With a VA loan, you’re allowed a higher debt-to-income ratio and afforded more leniency with your credit score.
Easy refinance
Borrowers can refinance their homes with a VA streamline or cash-out loan. The streamlined version lowers the mortgage rate of an already existing VA loan, usually for less than the current principal and interest. This means it doesn’t require a credit check or appraisal. The cash-out option involves a credit check and appraisal, since the home’s value represents the maximum loan amount and the new loan will be larger than the existing loan.
At Qualified Home Loans, the well being of US vets and active duty personnel is our top priority. Our team of experts have the experience, technology and personal touch to help you find a great loan at a low rate. While your service to your country can never be truly repaid, QHL would like to help make your own American dream come true.