Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
The VA loan was created to offer financing to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses with no down payment.
Advantages
No down payment required
Reduced or no funding fee for qualifying disabled veterans
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) allowed
Less restrictive qualification guidelines
Streamline refinance loan programs available
Access to low VA mortgage rates
Does not allow for extraneous loan charges
Disadvantages
One-time funding fee (which can be financed into the loan)
Sellers may be hesitant to sell to a buyer using a VA loan
Strict appraisal process making “as is” sales more difficult
Must be current or ex-military personnel to qualify (Certificate of Eligibility required)
Complex loan process as compared to other mortgage types
Who is Eligible for a VA Loan?
Veterans
Active Duty Personnel
Current or Former Reservists/National Guard members
Some Surviving Spouses
What are the Benefits of a VA Loan?
Purchase a home at a competitive interest rate often without requiring a down payment or private mortgage insurance, which gives you more savings.
Cash Out Refinance options allow you to take out cash out of your home equity to take care of concerns like paying off debt, funding school, or making home improvements.
If you have a service-related disability, you may qualify for waived funding fee, reducing closing costs.
Borrowers can often refinance to a lower rate within the VA program without requalifying for the program.