VA guaranteed loans are made by lenders and guaranteed by the U.S
. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you fail to repay the loan. In most cases, no down payment is required on a VA guaranteed loan and the borrower usually receives a lower interest rate than is ordinarily available with other loans.
Other benefits of a VA loan include:
Negotiable interest rate.
Closing costs comparable and sometimes lower - than other financing types.
No private mortgage insurance requirement.
Right to prepay loan without penalties
Mortgage can be taken over (or assumed) by the buyer when a home is sold.
Counseling and assistance available to veteran borrowers having financial difficulty or facing default on their loan.
Although mortgage insurance is not required, the VA charges a funding fee to issue a guarantee to a lender against borrower default on a mortgage. The fee may be paid in cash by the buyer or seller, or it may be financed in the loan amount.
There are 5 easy steps to apply for a VA Loan
1.Make sure that your lender is participating in the VA loan program.
2.Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
3.Decide on a home to buy and sign a purchase agreement or a contract with the builder to build the home. Make sure to include in the contract a provision that makes the contract void if you are unable to obtain a VA direct loan.
4.Contact a VA Lender to apply for the loan. An appraisal of the property will be ordered, and you will be asked to provide information needed to verify your income and credit history.
5.Close the loan and move into your new home.
A VA direct loan may also be used to simultaneously purchase and improve a home or to refinance another VA direct loan made under this program in order to lower the interest rate. VA direct loans are generally limited to the cost of the home, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation single-family conforming loan unit, whichever is less. Contact a VA office with loan activities for information regarding the current loan limit and any other questions you may have concerning VA direct home loans.