Over the past few years banks lending standards have increased for VA Mortgages or (Veterans Affairs) mortgages.
The VA Loan program is available for to more than 22 million active and veteran military member. VA loans can also be easier to qualify for than a conventional loans because they are a government backed loan.
Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is not a direct lender. Loans made through private lenders and can be partially guaranteed by the VA, if specific guidelines are followed. Mortgage Network is a lender that offers VA loans for those who qualify.
Here is what you need to know to qualify for the program:
Eligibility
Most members of the military, veterans, reservists and National Guard are eligible to apply for a VA loan. Spouses of military members who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability may also apply.
Active-duty members generally qualify after about six months of service. Reservists and members of the National Guard must wait six years to apply, but if they are called to active duty before that, they gain eligibility after 181 days of service.
Reservists, members of the National Guard and active-duty members generally are eligible after 90 days of service during war periods.
Potential borrowers must obtain a certificate of eligibility before applying for a loan.
Advantages of a VA loan
For most people, the days of no-down-payment mortgages are long gone, but not for veterans. Loans guaranteed by the VA can be obtained without any down payment.
"This is incredibly power and helps many Military personnel who otherwise do not have a down payment get a loan. This is a huge plus." say Wes Sellew, Branch Manager, Mortgage Network.
Another plus: A VA loan doesn't require mortgage insurance, as do Federal Housing Administration and conventional loans with less than 20 percent down payment. The benefit translates into significant monthly savings for VA borrowers. For instance, a borrower who takes a $200,000 FHA-insured mortgage could pay more than $200 a month for mortgage insurance alone." With a VA loan, the reserves required are lower than all the money you would have to save for a conventional loan," Sellew says.
Fees
Although the costs of getting a VA loan are generally lower than other types of low down payment mortgages, they still carry a one-time funding fee that varies, depending on the amount of the down payment and the type of veteran.
A borrower in the armed forces getting a VA loan for the first time, with a zero down payment, would pay a fee of 2.15 percent of the loan amount, Sellew says. The fee is reduced to 1.25 percent of the loan amount if the borrower makes a 10 percent down payment. Reservists and National Guard members normally pay about a quarter of a percentage point more in fees than active-duty members pay.
Those using the VA loan program for the second time, without a down payment, would pay 3.3 percent of the total loan amount.
"However, Military members receiving disability compensation could have the fee waived," Sellew says.
Underwriting requirements
While Veterans Affairs does not require a minimum credit score for a VA loan, Lenders generally have their own internal requirements. Most lenders ask for a credit score of 620 or higher, Sellew says.
Borrowers must show sufficient income to repay the loan and shouldn't have excessive debt, but the guidelines are usually more flexible than for conventional loans.
"Since this is a benefits program there is some flexibility, however, our underwriters still have to do their due diligence" Sellew says. VA guidelines allow veterans to use their home-loan benefits a year or two after bankruptcy or foreclosure. "We will look at the whole credit picture, what was the reason for the credit bankruptcy and where the borrower is now," Sellew says. VA loans are available only to finance a primary home. A VA loan cannot be used to purchase or refinance vacation and investment homes. The limit on VA loans vary by county, but its $417,000 in most parts of the country and up to $1,094,625 in high-cost areas.
To see if you qualify for VA Loan in the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina area, contact Wes Sellew at Mortgage Network today for a Free Consultation.
(843) 800.3003
Whether you are just starting your family, or looking for a new place to call home, it is one of the most beautiful locations in S.C. Sitting just across the Ashley River from the city of Charleston, SC, fifteen minutes from West Ashley, and so c ...
Released On: 2/9/2016
Views: 4961
Wes takes great joy in being able to provide the best loans possible in Mount Pleasant, SC to the men and women who have sacrificed for our Country. As a Mount Pleasant, SC resident, Wes is proud to be able to call these esteemed Veterans neighbo ...
Released On: 2/9/2016
Views: 4989
Whether you are just starting your family, or looking for a new place to call home, it is one of the most beautiful locations in S.C. Sitting just across the Ashley River from the city of Charleston, SC, fifteen minutes from West Ashley, and so c ...
Released On: 2/9/2016
Views: 4848
Mortgage Network and Wes Sellew are featured in the Jan/2016 "Best Of" Edition. The family values, and personal interest Wes takes in each Loan and mortgage is what continues to define him as the Best Loan Officer, and also what makes Mortgage Ne ...
Released On: 2/1/2016
Views: 5513
Wes Sellew of Mortgage Networks has been Helping Charleston residents fund their home purchases for over 14 years.
Released On: 1/14/2016
Views: 5112
Released On: 1/4/2016
Views: 4900
VA Loan are available for active and veteran military personnel. In Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Wes Sellew NMLS #71583of Mortgage Network is a leader in VA Loans.
Released On: 12/16/2015
Views: 5422
MORTGAGE YOUR MOUNT PLEASANT SC HOME WITH WES SELLEW
Released On: 12/14/2015
Views: 5279
For the past two years Wes Sellew has been voted the Best Loan Officer by the residents of Mount Pleasant.
Released On: 12/10/2015
Views: 6663