VA Loans
A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) that is available to most US service members. It offers some very great benefits to those that have served our country.
You can buy a home with no money down, refinance your home up to 100% of its value, and you never have to pay PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). These loans are usually easier to get because the Government insures the loan, reducing risk to the lender and providing exceptional opportunities for our veterans.
Who is Eligible for a VA Loan?
As a rule of thumb, almost all active duty or honorably discharged service members are eligible for a VA loan. These loans represent our nation's commitment to supporting those who have served our country.
You may be eligible if any of these apply:
- You served 181 days during peacetime (Active Duty)
- You served 90 days during wartime (Active Duty)
- You served 6 years in the Reserves or National Guard
- You are the spouse of a service member who was killed in the line of duty
- You currently receive disability payments from the VA
VA Funding Fee
The VA Funding Fee is required and paid directly to the Department of Veteran's Affairs so they can guarantee your loan and provide you with the opportunity to receive a loan with little to no money out of pocket. The fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on factors like service type, first-time or subsequent use, and down payment amount. The good news? You can include this fee in your loan rather than paying it out of pocket.
Special Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Disabled Veterans may qualify for a waiver of the Funding Fee if they receive any disability payments from the VA or if they are considered to be at least 10% disabled. This can result in significant savings.
VA Streamline Refinance
If you already have a VA mortgage, you might be eligible for a VA Streamline Refinance to lower your interest rate with little or no out-of-pocket closing costs. You don't have to provide bank statements, W2s, job verification, or paychecks—making it an incredibly simple process.
VA loans represent one of the most valuable benefits available to our veterans and service members. With no down payment required, no PMI, and the ability for sellers to pay closing costs, these loans provide an exceptional path to homeownership for those who have served our country.
No Down Payment
Buy a home with no money down - 100% financing available
No PMI Required
Never pay Private Mortgage Insurance, saving you money monthly
Easier Qualification
Government backing reduces lender risk, making approval easier
If you or your spouse have served in the military, congratulations, you may qualify for a VA loan! VA loans are often considered the best loans for homeowners. VA loans offer some of the lowest, fixed interest rates–lower than a conventional loan.
You can get a VA loan with $0 down! If your credit score is below 580, you will need to put 10% down (with a minimum credit score of 550).
VA loans do not have PMI. There is, however, a VA funding fee; the amount varies a bit depending on some factors, but it can be rolled into the loan amount. (Disabled veterans are exempt from the funding fee.) There are loan limits for VA loans, and they can only be used for a primary residence.
Tip: To prove you qualify for a VA loan, you’ll need to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans will also need to provide DD Form 214. You can save some time later by requesting these forms early on.
Want to own more properties?
Each borrower may qualify for up to 10 total conventional and FHA loans. (A married couple can have 20 loans combined, 10 each in their own name if they can qualify.)
If you’re a real estate investor looking to buy more properties or commercial properties, or you’re self-employed or can’t meet the lending criteria for the loan types we have discussed, don’t worry. There’s another type of loan called a “nonQM,” or non-qualified mortgage, that can open up more options. We can help you with those, too.
Looking for a VA Loan?
VA loans offer unmatched benefits for veterans and service members: no down payment, no PMI, sellers can pay your closing costs, and easier qualification due to government backing. Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing with a VA Streamline, these benefits represent our nation's commitment to supporting those who have served. Don't let these exceptional benefits go unused.