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WHAT IS A VA-GUARANTEED LOAN?

 
A VA-guaranteed loan can be used to:
buy a home, either existing or pre-construction, as a primary residence
refinance an existing loan
BENEFITS OF A VA-GUARANTEED LOAN:
Equal opportunity for all qualified Veterans to obtain a VA loan
Reusable
No downpayment (unless required by the lender or the purchase price is more than the
reasonable value of the property)
No mortgage insurance
One time VA funding fee that can be included in the loan
Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the VA funding fee
VA limits certain closing costs a Veteran can pay
Can be assumed by qualified persons
Minimum property requirements to ensure the property is safe, sanitary, and sound
VA staff dedicated to assisting Veterans who become delinquent on their loan
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Generally, the following people are eligible:
Veterans who meet length of service requirements
Servicemembers on active duty who have served a minimum period
Certain Reservists and National Guard members
Certain surviving spouses of deceased Veterans
Note: There are other groups of individuals who may be eligible. To determine your eligibility, check
eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov, or contact VA Eligibility Center at 1-888-768-2132.
DisabilitiesdeterminedbyVAtoberelatedtoyourmilitaryservicecanleadtomonthlynon‐taxablecompensation,enrollmentinthe
VAhealthcaresystem,a10‐pointhiringpreferenceforfederalemployment andotherimportantbenefits.AskyourVA
representativeorVeteransServiceOrganizationrepresentativeaboutDisabilityCompensation,Pension,HealthCare,Caregiver
Program,CareerServices,EducationalAssistance,HomeLoanGuaranty,Insuranceand/orDependentsandSurvivors’BenefitsKEY UNDERWRITING CRITERIA:
No maximum debt ratio; however lender must provide compensating factors if total debt ratio
over 41%.
No maximum loan amount; however, VA does limit its guaranty; Veterans can borrow up to
$417,000 without a downpayment in most of the country. Find out the limit in any county by
visiting: www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/.
Published residual income guidelines to ensure Veterans have the capacity to repay their
obligations while accounting for all living expenses.
No minimum credit score requirement; instead VA requires a lender to review the entire loan
profile to make a lending decision.
Complete VA credit guidelines are published at www.benefits.va.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp .
HOW DO I START THE PROCESS?
VA provides policy, guidelines and oversight of the program. Lenders provide financing for eligible
Veterans. The guaranty allows Veterans to obtain a competitive loan without a downpayment. Lenders
need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove your entitlement. Most Veterans can obtain the COE
online through eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov). Lenders also have the ability to request the COE on
your behalf.
VA encourages prospective buyers to talk to several lenders to find one that fits their needs, knows the
VA loan program, and offers competitive rates and terms.
Note: The VA appraisal is not intended to be an “inspection” of the property.
A Veteran should get expert advice from a qualified residential inspection service before
legally committing to a purchase agreement. Veterans are also encouraged to have radon
testing performed.
CAN VA HELP IF I’M HAVING TROUBLE MAKING PAYMENTS ON MY
EXISTING LOAN?
VA Loan Technicians are trained to help Veteran borrowers retain their homes and avoid foreclosure.
Please call toll-free 1-877-827-3702 to speak to a VA Loan Technician.
For More Information, visit Our Web Site at www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/.

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