Veterans
The VA loan will save you thousands of dollars over the life of a loan, yet, many Veterans are not utilizing this benefit. As a fellow Veteran who have personally used and implemented the VA loan for my customers, I encourage you to not be guided away from this hard earned benefit.
I have partnered with lenders who are experience with the VA loan and are committed to making it work for your home purchase.
VA Loan Basics
WHAT IS A VA LOAN?
Created in 1944 as part of the GI Bill
“Provide more affordable, no down payment program to assist veterans, active duty and qualified state militia, or their surviving spouse with the purchase of a primary residence”
VA makes a loan guarantee to the lending institution (i.e. insurance) of 25% of the loan amount
VA does not lend money
Funding fees – a self-insurance pool of funds
No mortgage insurance
Foreclosure rate is 1/10th of all loans
Entitlements
COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
DD214
Less than 2% have one!
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Veterans
Active Duty members (from time of entry in the fleet)
National Guard
Reserve members
Minimum service time requirement:
War-time: typically 90 total days
(1980-Present: 24 continuous months OR at least 181 days active)
Peace-time: typically 181 continuous
Active duty: 90 continuous days
Reserves/National Guard = 6 years of continuous active drilling
PROPERTY INFORMATION
- Energy-efficient items (cost rolled into the loan):
- Agricultural zoning is OK
- Heat source must be validated
- Must meet standards of safety, sound, and sanitation and be free of hazards
- Appraisers must report evidence of termites, fungal growth, and dry rot
- Termite and water inspections
- Brand new properties (<1 year) are eligible but the builder must be approved
- Condo/townhouse
- Affixed to permanent foundation
- 1-4 unit
- Up to $3000: only need an invoice
- $3000-$6000: increase in the payment cannot be greater than utility savings