VA LOANS
What is a VA Loan?
The VA loan is a $0 down mortgage option available to Veterans, Service Members and select military spouses. VA loans are issued by private lenders, such as a mortgage company or bank, and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA Home Loan was created in 1944 by the United States government to help returning service members purchase homes without needing a down payment or excellent credit. This historic benefit program has guaranteed more than 24 million VA loans, helping veterans, active duty military members and their families purchase or refinance a home.
Today, the VA Mortgage is more important than ever. In recent years, lenders nationwide have tightened their lending requirements in the wake of the housing market collapse, making the VA loan a lifeline for Veterans and active Military homebuyers, many of whom find difficulty when faced with tough credit standards and down payment requirements.
Like all home loans, VA Mortgages have considerable details and information to review. We encourage you to use our website’s educational resources to learn about the specifics of this exclusive home loan benefit. To start your VA Loan, talk with a Home Loan Specialist today.
VA Loan vs. Traditional Mortgages
Regulations and Fees
Although the VA Loan is a federal program, the government generally does not make direct loans to veterans. Instead, private lenders including Veterans United Home Loans finance the loan while the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a guaranty.
This guaranty, which protects the lender against total loss should the buyer default, provides incentive for private lenders to offer loans with better terms.
Loan Limits
In most parts of the country, veterans who qualify for the VA Loan can purchase a home worth up to $484,350 without putting any money down; however, with the 2019 VA Loan Limits, borrowers in high-cost counties may be able to purchase homes far exceeding that amount without a down payment. To find out the VA Loan Limit in your area use our online Loan Limit Calculator.
Funding Fees
The VA Funding Fee goes directly to the VA to ensure the program keeps running for future generations of Veteran and military homebuyers by removing any additional burdens off tax payers and veterans. The fee varies depending on the borrower’s circumstances and does not apply for veterans with service-connected disabilities. For example, if this is your first time using the VA Home Loan Program, the funding fee is typically 2.15 percent of the purchase price of the home. For subsequent use of your VA Loan benefit, the fee is 3.3 percent.
VA borrowers can roll the funding fee into their overall loan amount. The VA also limits closing costs for veterans and allows sellers to pay most or all of those expenses. Many of our borrowers purchase a home with no money due at closing.
To calculate your VA Funding Fee, use Veterans United Home Loans’ Funding Fee Calculator, or learn more about VA Loan eligibility in our next section.