VA Home Loans for Military Veterans

VA Home Loans are the premier option for Military Veterans for mortgage financing

50+ Ratings

Understanding VA Loans

As an aspiring homeowner, understanding your financing options is a critical step in the journey towards finding your dream home. If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or an eligible family member, VA Loans could be your pathway to homeownership.

VA Loans, or Veterans Affairs Loans, are part of a program established for those who have devoted their lives to service. These loans come with numerous benefits, making homeownership more accessible for those who have served our country.

With our expertise in VA Loans, we’re here to help you navigate this beneficial home financing option. We’ll explain all the advantages, eligibility criteria, and guide you through the application process. Our goal is to simplify the complexities, answer your queries, and equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about VA Loans.

The Benefits of VA Loans: A Path to Homeownership for Our Heroes

VA Loans are more than just another type of home loan — they represent the gratitude and commitment of our nation to those who have served or are serving. These loans come with an array of unique benefits that can make your journey to homeownership smoother and more affordable. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:

No Down Payment Required

One of the most significant hurdles to homeownership is accumulating enough savings for a down payment. With VA Loans, eligible borrowers can finance up to 100% of the home’s value, meaning you can secure a home loan without having to make any down payment.

No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Unlike conventional loans that require private mortgage insurance when you put less than 20% down, VA Loans do not require PMI. This benefit can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each month, making your mortgage payment more affordable.

Competitive Interest Rates

VA Loans typically come with lower interest rates than those of conventional loans due to the government guarantee. A lower interest rate means you pay less over the life of your loan, saving you substantial money in the long run.

Flexible Credit Requirements

VA Loans have more lenient credit requirements than conventional loans, offering more flexibility for veterans who may have experienced credit hardships in the past.

No Prepayment Penalty

If you decide to pay off your VA Loan early, there is no prepayment penalty. This allows you the flexibility to manage your mortgage on your terms.

Assumable Mortgages: If you decide to sell your house, the buyer may be able to take over your mortgage, which can be particularly attractive if the loan has a low-interest rate.

Lifelong Benefit

Once you have earned the benefit of a VA Loan, it’s yours for life, even if you’ve used it in the past. It’s a benefit that continues to serve you, as a small token of appreciation for your service.

These are just some of the advantages that make VA Loans an exceptional home financing option.

While there are certain eligibility requirements to meet, the benefits are well worth exploring for veterans and eligible family members.

Takes less than 1 minute to see what you qualify

VA Loans vs. Other Home Loan Programs: Making the Right Choice

Understanding the different types of home loan programs available to you is critical in making an informed decision.

Let’s compare VA Loans with Conventional Loans, FHA Loans, and USDA Loans to help you understand which might be the best fit for your needs.

VA Loans vs. Conventional Loans

Conventional Loans are typically offered by private lenders and are not insured by the government. Here are some key differences:

Down Payment: VA Loans typically don’t require a down payment, while conventional loans often require a down payment of at least 5%, with 20% being the benchmark to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Mortgage Insurance: VA Loans do not require PMI, even without a down payment. However, with conventional loans, if you put down less than 20%, you’ll have to pay PMI.

Interest Rates: VA Loans generally have lower interest rates compared to conventional loans due to the government guarantee.

Credit Requirements: VA Loans tend to have more flexible and forgiving credit requirements compared to conventional loans.

VA Loans vs. FHA Loans

FHA Loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are popular among first-time homebuyers. Here’s how they differ from VA Loans:

Down Payment: FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5%, while VA Loans typically require no down payment.

Mortgage Insurance: VA Loans don’t require PMI, whereas FHA loans require both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an annual MIP.

Loan Limits: FHA Loans have specific loan limits that vary by region, while VA Loans do not have a maximum loan limit.

VA Loans vs. USDA Loans

USDA Loans are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture and are intended for rural homebuyers. Here’s how they compare to VA Loans:

Geographical Restrictions: USDA Loans are limited to eligible rural and suburban areas, while VA Loans have no geographical restrictions.

Income Limits: USDA Loans have income restrictions, meaning your income cannot exceed a certain amount to qualify. VA Loans, on the other hand, do not have income limits.

Down Payment: Like VA Loans, USDA Loans also offer 0% down payment options.

Mortgage Insurance: While VA Loans do not require PMI, USDA Loans require an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee.

Today's VA Loan Interest Rates

Eligibility for VA Loans: Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

While VA Loans offer substantial benefits, they also come with specific eligibility requirements that borrowers must meet. This section will guide you through the various criteria to help you assess whether you are eligible for a VA Loan.

Service Requirements: Generally, VA Loans are available to individuals who have served:

90 consecutive days of active service during wartime,
181 days of active service during peacetime,
More than six years of service in the National Guard or Reserves,
Or are the spouse of a service member who has died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related disability.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE): To prove your eligibility to lenders, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can apply for this online through the VA’s eBenefits portal, by mail, or through your lender.

Credit and Income Requirements: While the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, most lenders typically look for a score of 620 or higher. Moreover, lenders will examine your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio – the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying off debts.

While the VA prefers a DTI of 41% or less, higher ratios may be acceptable with compensating factors.

Primary Residence Requirement: VA Loans are intended for primary residences, meaning you must intend to live in the home you’re buying with a VA Loan.

Property Type: VA Loans can be used to finance a variety of property types, including single-family homes, VA-approved condominiums, manufactured homes, and multi-unit properties (up to four units).

Keep in mind that while these are broad guidelines, each individual’s situation is unique, and requirements may vary slightly based on different factors. It’s important to speak with a VA-approved lender to discuss your circumstances and verify your eligibility.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a VA Loan

Securing a VA Loan can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the process:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Determine your eligibility based on the criteria discussed in our ‘Eligibility for VA Loans’ section. If you meet these requirements, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your COE is a document that verifies to lenders that you meet the initial qualifications for a VA Loan. You can apply for this online, by mail, or through your lender.

3. Preapproval: Preapproval is a more in-depth look at your financial situation. It involves completing a mortgage application, providing documentation to verify your income and assets, and allowing the lender to check your credit. Once this process is completed, you’ll have a clearer idea of the exact loan amount you qualify for.

4. Property Search & Offer: With a pre-approval in hand, you can confidently search for a home within your budget. Once you find a property you love, you’ll make an offer and negotiate with the seller.

5. Home Appraisal and VA Loan Underwriting: Once your offer is accepted, your lender will order a VA appraisal of the home. An appraiser will assess the home’s value and ensure it meets the minimum property requirements for VA Loans. Concurrently, your lender will start the underwriting process, where they’ll examine your financial situation and the appraisal in detail to make a final decision on your loan.

6. Closing: After underwriting, you’ll move to closing, where you’ll sign paperwork, finalize your VA Loan, and receive the keys to your new home!

Here are a few things you should know about VA Loans

Here is a comprehensive summary of things to keep in mind when getting a VA loan.

If you are buying a home...

If you are refinancing your mortgage...

Apply for a VA loan at Andes Mortgage LLC

With the amount of misinformation spread out there and the volatility in interest rates in the market, you definitely want to put your biggest asset (and liability) in the hands of a professional.

With over 15 years of experience in home lending and access to some of the lowest rates in the market, Andes Mortgage LLC is a boutique brokerage with the ability to offer a variety of conventional loan products that many other lenders don’t.

We don’t put you on a switchboard and we promise that you are not going to speak to a customer service rep in a boiler room looking to make you fill out an application and run your credit. We give you personal, tailored information that is unique to you and your financial situation.

Give us a call at 770-740-4050 or simply click the button below to get in contact with us.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Loans

What is a VA Loan?

A VA Loan is a type of mortgage loan in the United States guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The program is designed to offer long-term financing to eligible American veterans or their surviving spouses.

Who is eligible for a VA Loan?

VA Loans are available to active duty service members, veterans, certain members of the National Guard and Reserves, and certain surviving spouses. Eligibility is based on service history and duration.

Do VA Loans require a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI)?

No, one of the significant benefits of VA Loans is that they do not require a down payment or private mortgage insurance. This makes homeownership more affordable for those who have served or are serving.

Can I use a VA Loan more than once?

Yes, the benefit of a VA Loan is reusable. You can use your VA Loan benefit again if the previous loan has been paid off and the property sold, or under certain conditions, you may have remaining entitlement to use for another VA Loan.

Can I use a VA Loan to buy a rental property or vacation home?

No, VA Loans are intended for primary residences only. This means you must intend to live in the home you’re buying with a VA Loan.

What kind of property can I buy with a VA Loan?

VA Loans can be used to buy a single-family home, a unit in a VA-approved condominium, a manufactured home, or a multi-unit property (up to four units), among other types of properties.

What if I’ve had a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past?

Bankruptcy or foreclosure doesn’t automatically disqualify you from a VA Loan. However, you’ll typically need to wait two years from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or foreclosure before you can apply for a VA Loan.

What is the VA Loan limit?

As of 2023, the VA does not cap how much you can borrow to finance your home. However, there are limits on the amount of liability the VA can assume, which may affect the amount of money a lender will let you borrow.

Can I refinance a VA Loan?

Yes, there are specific programs available for individuals who want to refinance a VA Loan, such as the VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL) and the VA Cash-Out Refinance.

Where do I start with the VA Loan process?

The first step in the VA Loan process is to confirm your eligibility. Once you’ve done that, you can obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and then reach out to a VA-approved lender to begin the prequalification process.

Loan Resources

Mortgage Calculator

Use our tool to help estimate your payments based on your unique financial details.

View Calculator