Category: Certificate of Eligibility

Eligibility for the Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Program


Eligibility for the Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Program

Who’s Eligible for a Kentucky VA-Backed Loan?

  • Veterans
  • Active duty personnel
  • Reservists/National Guard members
  • Some surviving spouses

Go to Eligibility Rules for detailed information.  You might also want to look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

How Do I Prove to the Lender that I’m Eligible?

You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before you can get a VA-backed loan.  This section shows how you can apply for one.

Among categories A, B, and C below, find the one that matches your situation.

Category A:  Veterans, Active Duty, and Reservists/National Guard Members Who Have Served on Active Duty

You can get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in any of three ways:

  1. Apply online.  To get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online, please go to the eBenefits portal at this link.  If you already have login credentials, click the Login box, and if you need login credentials, please click the Register box and follow the directions on the screen.  If you need any assistance please call the eBenefits Help Desk at 1-800-983-0937.  Their hours are Monday-Friday, 8am to 8pm EST.
  2. Apply through the lender.  In many cases, lenders can obtain a Certificate online in minutes.  Check the table below entitled, “Evidence Needed for the Certificate of Eligibility.”
  3. Apply by mail.  Use VA Form 26-1880.  Return it to the address shown on the form. If you can’t print the form, just call 1-888-768-2132 and follow the prompts for Eligibility.  We can mail it to you.

Evidence you’ll need when you apply (Category A)

Category B:  Reservists/National Guard Members Who Have Never Served on Active Duty

You can get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in any of three ways:

  1. Apply online.  To get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online, please go to the eBenefits portal at this link.  If you already have login credentials, click the Login box, and if you need login credentials, please click the Register box and follow the directions on the screen.  If you need any assistance please call the eBenefits Help Desk at 1-800-983-0937.  Their hours are Monday-Friday, 8am to 8pm EST.
  2. Apply through the lender.  Your lender can submit your application online for you.  Check the table below entitled, “Evidence Needed for the Certificate of Eligibility.”
  3. Apply by mail.  Use VA Form 26-1880. If you can’t print the form, just call 1-888-768-2132 and follow the prompts for Eligibility.  We can mail it to you.

Evidence you’ll need when you apply (Category B)

Category C:  Surviving Spouses of Veterans Who Died In Service or As a Result of Service

You must apply for the Certificate by mail.

If your veteran spouse died after service, VA must determine that the death was due to a service-connected disability.  Please allow 2-3 months for this process unless you know that the decision on service-connected death has already been made.

Apply using VA Form 26-1817.  If you can’t print the form, just call 1-888-768-2132 and follow the prompts for Eligibility.  We can mail it to you.

Send the completed form to:

VA Loan Eligibility Center
Attn: COE (262)
PO Box 100034
Decatur, GA 30031

Evidence you’ll need when you apply (Category C)

What Evidence Will I Need to Get the Certificate?

The evidence you need depends on the nature of your eligibility.  This chart explains.

Evidence Needed for the Certificate of Eligibility

If you are. . .

You should submit . . .
Veteran
(Includes a member or former member of the National Guard or Reserves who was once activated for Federal Service)		 DD Form 214; We are required to have a copy showing the character of service (item 24) and the narrative reason for separation (item 28).
Active duty servicemember A current statement of service

signed by (or by the direction of):
the adjutant, personnel office, or commander of the unit or higher headquarters

showing:
Your full name
Social Security Number
Date of birth
Entry date on active duty
The duration of any lost time
The name of the command providing the information

Back to Category A

If you are. . .

You should submit . . .         
Serving now in the Selected Reserve or the National Guard and have never been activated for federal service Statement of service

signed by (or by the direction of):
the adjutant, personnel officer or commander of your unit or higher headquarters

showing:
Your full name
Social Security Number
Date of birth
Entry date on duty
The total number of creditable years of service
The duration of any lost time
The name of the command providing the information
A discharged member of the National Guard who has never been activated for federal service Either:
NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, for each period of National Guard service
OR
NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of the character of service
A discharged member of the Selected Reserve who has never been activated for federal service Copy of your latest annual retirement points statement and evidence of honorable service

Back to Category B

If you are. . .

You should submit . . .     
The surviving spouse of a servicemember who died on active duty If you’re already receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you don’t need to send any documents.

If you don’t receive DIC, please send us

  • A copy of the DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) from the military
  • A copy of your marriage certificate

It would be a good idea to add a simple signed statement saying that you would like to apply for DIC.  If you qualify for the home loan benefit, you probably qualify for monthly payments under DIC.

Put the servicemember’s Social Security number on all documents.
The surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of military service If you’re already receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), send us a copy of your award letter.
(Generally, you will already have a record on file at a VA regional benefits office.)

If you don’t receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), please send us

  • A copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214
  • A copy of the veteran’s death certificate
  • A copy of your marriage certificate

We recommend that you add a simple signed statement saying that you would like to apply for DIC.  If you qualify for the home loan benefit, you probably qualify for monthly payments under DIC.

Put the veteran’s Social Security number on all documents.

Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about who is eligible for a VA loan and reuse of eligibility for another VA loan.

PDF Documents – To read PDF documents, you need a PDF viewer. Links to viewer software can be found at this link.


Q: How do I apply for a VA guaranteed loan?

A: You can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. At some point, you will need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA to prove to the lender that you are eligible for a VA loan.

Q: How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?

A: Complete a VA Form 26-1880,  Request for a Certificate of Eligibility: You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility by submitting a completed VA Form 26-1880, Request For A Certificate of Eligibility For Home Loan Benefits, to the Atlanta Eligibility Center, along with proof of military service. In some cases it may be possible for VA to establish eligibility without your proof of service. However, to avoid any possible delays, it’s best to provide such evidence.

Q: Can my lender get my Certificate of Eligibility for me?

A: Yes, it’s called Web LGY. Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system. This Internet based application can establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through Web LGY – only those for which VA has sufficient data in our records. However, veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a certificate.

Q: What is acceptable proof of military service?

A: If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and your social security number, and providesyour date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from regular active duty after January 1, 1950, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty should be included with your VA Form 26-1880. If you were discharged after October 1, 1979, DD Form 214 copy 4 should be included. A PHOTOCOPY OF DD214 WILL SUFFICE…..DO NOT SUBMIT AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT.

If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which shows your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include copies of adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may submit NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, or it’s equivalent. If you were discharged from the Selected Reserve, you may submit a copy of your latest annual points statement and evidence of honorable service. Unfortunately, there is no single form used by the Reserves or National Guard similar to the DD Form 214. It is your responsibility to furnish adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service.

If you are still serving in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing the length of time that you have been a member of the Selected Reserves. Again, at least 6 years of honorable service must be documented.

Q: How can I obtain proof of military service?

A: Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to apply for proof of military service regardless of whether you served on regular active duty or in the selected reserves. This request form is NOT processed by VA. Rather, Standard Form 180 is completed and mailed to the appropriate custodian of military service records. Instructions are provided on the reverse of the form to assist in determining the correct forwarding address.

Q: I have already obtained one VA loan. Can I get another one?

A: Yes, your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstances. Normally, if you have paid off your prior VA loan and disposed of the property, you can have your used eligibility restored for additional use. Also, on a one-time only basis, you may have your eligibility restored if your prior VA loan has been paid in full but you still own the property. In either case, to obtain restoration of eligibility, the veteran must send a completed VA Form 26-1880 to our Atlanta Eligibility Center. To prevent delays in processing, it is also advisable to include evidence that the prior loan has been paid in full and, if applicable, the property disposed of. This evidence can be in the form of a paid-in-full statement from the former lender, or a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement completed in connection with a sale of the property or refinance of the prior loan.

Q: I sold the property I obtained with my prior VA loan on an assumption. Can I get my eligibility restored to use for a new loan?

A: In this case the veteran’s eligibility can be restored only if the qualified assumer is also an eligible veteran who is willing to substitute his or her available eligibility for that of the original veteran. Otherwise, the original veteran cannot have eligibility restored until the assumer has paid off the VA loan.

Q: My prior VA loan was assumed, the assumer defaulted on the loan, and VA paid a claim to the lender. VA said it wasn’t my fault and waived the debt. Now I need a new VA loan but I am told that my used eligibility can not be restored. Why?

Or,

Q: My prior loan was foreclosed on, or I gave a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the VA paid a compromise (partial) claim. Although I was released from liability on the loan and/or the debt was waived, I am told that I cannot have my used eligibility restored. Why?

A: In either case, although the veteran’s debt was waived by VA, the Government still suffered a loss on the loan. The law does not permit the used portion of the veteran’s eligibility to be restored until the loss has been repaid in full.

Q: Only a portion of my eligibility is available at this time because my prior loan has not been paid in full even though I don’t own the property anymore. Can I still obtain a VA guaranteed home loan?

A: Yes, depending on the circumstances. If a veteran has already used a portion of his or her eligibility and the used portion cannot yet be restored, any partial remaining eligibility would be available for use. The veteran would have to discuss with a lender whether the remaining balance would be sufficient for the loan amount sought and whether any down payment would be required.

Q: Is the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability is eligible for the home loan benefit. If you wish to make application for the home loan benefit as a surviving spouse, contact our Atlanta Eligibility Center. In addition, a surviving spouse who obtained a VA home loan with the veteran prior to his or her death (regardless of the cause of death), may obtain a VA guaranteed interest rate reduction refinance loan. For more information, contact our Atlanta Eligibility Center.

[NOTE: Also, a surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003, may be eligible for the home loan benefit. However, a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must apply no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 16, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.]

Q: Are the children of a living or deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: No, the children of an eligible veteran are not eligible for the home loan benefit.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions on Kentucky VA loans

Who is eligible for the VA Loan?


We’ve helped thousands of veterans and military families capitalize on the home loan benefits earned by their service. Along the way, we’ve also answered more than a few questions about the Kentucky  VA Loan — and we’re always happy to help. For your convenience, we’ve compiled the answers to some of the more common questions.

 

VA Loan Eligibility

What is the VA Loan entitlement?

Veterans, service members and others who qualify have what is called an entitlement, which is basically a promise from the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a financial guaranty on a mortgage issued by one of its approved lenders. The VA doesn’t issue home loans. Instead, it guarantees a portion of each. That guaranty is important to lenders and helps borrowers who might otherwise struggle to secure financing. Having a VA entitlement means you have a financial guaranty from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Am I eligible as a spouse of a deceased veteran?

VA loans are available to some non-military personnel, including both unmarried and remarried spouses. An unmarried spouse whose veteran died on active duty or because of a disability connected to his or her service is eligible for VA home loan benefits.

Surviving spouses who obtained a VA loan with the veteran before his or her death can also obtain a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, better known as a VA Streamline refinance. Surviving spouses who remarried upon or after turning age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003, may be eligible for a VA home loan. Surviving spouses who remarried before that date are no longer eligible to participate.

The spouse of an active duty member who is listed as missing in action (MIA) or a prisoner of war (POW) for at least 90 days is eligible for one-time use of the VA home loan benefit.

How can I get my Certificate of Eligibility?

The Certificate of Eligibility is a formal VA document that certifies what entitlement, if any, a military member has for a VA home loan. Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility is a crucial step in the process. This is the only verifiable way to determine a veteran’s eligibility and entitlement. Without a Certificate of Eligibility, prospective borrowers cannot complete the lending process. Veterans can obtain their Certificate of Eligibility directly from the VA, which typically takes a few weeks. Veterans United Home Loans uses an automated system to get your Certificate of Eligibility in minutes.

Who is eligible for the VA Loan?

There are basic eligibility requirements for veterans and service members, along with members of the Reserves, the National Guard and surviving spouses.

You May Be Eligible for a VA Loan If Any One of the Following are True:
• You served 181 days during peacetime (Active Duty)
• You served 90 days during war time (Active Duty)
• You served 6 years in the Reserves or National Guard
• You are the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or because of a service-connected disability.

The only way to verify a veteran’s eligibility for a VA loan is to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. Veterans can obtain their Certificate of Eligibility directly from the VA, which typically takes a few weeks. Veterans United Home Loans uses an automated system to get your Certificate of Eligibility in minutes.

It’s important to remember that not everyone eligible for a VA loan ultimately secures one. Prospective borrowers still have to satisfy credit and underwriting standards set by both the VA and the lender.

 

What is the difference between eligibility and prequalification?

Not everyone eligible for a VA loan ultimately secures one. Prospective borrowers still have to satisfy credit and underwriting standards set by both the VA and the lender. Getting prequalified for a loan is a basic step that borrowers can complete online or over the phone. This step gives veterans a sense of their purchasing power and lays the foundation for the credit and underwriting process. But it is only a first step. Veterans with sufficient credit scores will move toward loan preapproval, which is a more formal stage desired by home sellers and real estate agents.

How do basic and bonus entitlements work?

Basic Allowance for Housing, formerly known as Basic Allowance for Quarters, is a key asset that can help service members qualify for and afford a VA mortgage. This monthly housing allowance can be counted as income provided it’s stable and likely to continue. The same is true for other military allowances and forms of bonus pay. Lenders have to make sure the payments are reliable and consistent. Qualified borrowers can use BAH to cover some or all of their monthly mortgage payment.

How do I restore my entitlement once I pay off my previous VA Loan?

Veterans who want to fully restore their entitlement after paying off their VA loan can seek a full restoration of their entitlement. The most common example is when a borrower sells their home and uses the sale proceeds to pay off their original mortgage. At that point, the veteran’s previously used entitlement is no longer tied up in the original home. Veterans then have to fill out a VA form and submit documentation to the agency.

What is 2nd Tier Entitlement?

Qualified borrowers have two layers of entitlement. Together, the first tier and the second tier combine to create the VA guaranty. The second, additional layer of entitlement can help borrowers who have experienced foreclosures or other major problems with VA loans. Thanks to second-tier entitlement, even a veteran who defaults on a VA loan can still purchase again. It’s important to note that on a second-tier entitlement purchase, there’s a minimum loan amount of $144,000.

Can I use the VA Loan for a second home or rental properties?

No. The VA Loan is designed only for primary residences that are occupied by the owners of the properties.

VA Loan Qualification

Who sets the VA Loan guidelines, the VA or my lender?

The VA sets broad requirements and guidelines for military borrowers. There are no income requirements or credit requirements to participate in the VA Loan Guaranty program. The VA simply requires that borrowers represent a satisfactory credit risk. But VA lenders ultimately issue the loans, and they have their own unique requirements, especially when it comes to credit scores. So prospective borrowers have to satisfy both the VA and the agency’s approved lenders in order to secure home financing.

If I have bad credit, can I still get a VA Loan?

In today’s economic climate, VA lenders are looking for solid credit scores. Lenders will determine at the outset whether your credit score meets its benchmark. But veterans whose score falls short shouldn’t lose hope. We have an entire department dedicated to helping people raise their credit scores and prequalify for the loan they deserve. Our Department of Secondary Approval works one-on-one with veterans, providing simple and concrete steps to boosting their financial health. Best of all, it’s absolutely free.

Can someone else sign on the loan with me?

Veterans and service members can have someone sign on the loan with them, although there are certain restrictions. For a VA loan, that other person, known as a co-borrower, must be either a spouse or another veteran. Parents, friends and significant others who don’t fall under one of those two headings cannot be a co-borrower on a VA loan. Married veterans can obtain a VA loan on their own, but if they live in a community property state, their spouse’s active debt and income will be factored into the loan application.

What income can I use to qualify for a VA Loan?

VA-approved lenders have to make sure prospective borrowers have enough steady income to meet their monthly expenses, including a new mortgage payment. Lenders are generally looking for at least two years of stable employment and income from the same employer and job type. Reliable, documented income can be included from a host of sources, including:
• Base pay & allowances
• Non-military employment
• Retirement income
• Self-Employment
• Commissions
• Rental income
• A spouse’s income
• Alimony/child careTo count income from overtime work, part-time jobs, second jobs and bonuses, veterans need to show that same two-year period of stability. Veterans who are self-employed or who make a living in the building trades, doing seasonal work or working mostly on commission have some additional paperwork hurdles to face. Tax returns for the previous two years will be essential in verifying income.

 

How long do I have to wait after bankruptcy to get a VA Loan?

A bankruptcy or foreclosure doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a VA loan. But a lot of it depends on when the event occurred. In most cases, veterans will not be able to secure VA financing for two years after a bankruptcy or foreclosure. The VA has some exceptions that allow military members to participate in the program before that two-year mark. But, remember that VA-approved lenders, and not the VA, ultimately issue the loan. Lenders have more stringent standards that rise above the VA’s requirements. And that means there’s almost no way for a borrower to secure financing for at least two years.

Do I need my tax returns to apply for a VA Loan?

Lenders will file paperwork with the IRS to obtain tax records for prospective borrowers. This information plays a crucial role in determining a veteran’s financial health and ability to handle the fiscal responsibilities associated with homeownership. Veterans can help speed through the process by having that information on hand, but it isn’t necessary.

Rates and Loan Costs

What fees should I expect to pay for my VA Loan?

The VA has cap on the fees that veterans can pay to obtain a VA loan. Generally, VA lenders are allowed to charge a 1 percent origination fee, plus another percent to cover administrative and other costs. On a VA loan, sellers can pay up to 6 percent of the loan amount in closing costs and concessions. The one charge most VA borrowers can’t escape is the VA Funding Fee, a mandatory cost that helps keep the home loan program running. Borrowers with service-connected disabilities can receive an exemption from the VA Funding Fee.

What is the VA Funding Fee, and how do I calculate it?

The VA Funding Fee is a mandatory fee applied to both purchase and refinance loans. It helps keep the home loan program running. The fee is a percentage of the loan amount, and it changes depending on several factors, including whether it’s a purchase or a refinance, how many VA loans you’ve had in the past and the type of military service. You can see the full breakdown and even calculate your exact fee by visiting VAFundingFee.com.

VA Funding Fee Explained

The VA Funding Fee is paid directly to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and is the reason they can guarantee this no-money-down loan program. This fee is paid so that VA eligible borrowers can enjoy loan benefits such as $0 down financing and no PMI payments.

VA Funding Fee Chart

The Funding Fee is calculated by looking at 5 different factors: Loan amount, loan type (Purchase or Refinance), type of service, down payment (if any) and prior VA loan use. Take a look at the charts below to see how the va funding fee varies based on these factors.

Purchase – First Time Use
Down Payment Active Duty/Retired Guard/Reserve
$0 Down 2.30% 2.30%
5-10% Down 1.65% 1.65%
10% or More 1.4% 1.4%
Purchase – Additional Use
Down Payment Active Duty/Retired Guard/Reserve
$0 Down 3.60% 3.60%
5-10% Down 1.65% 1.65%
10% or More 1.40% 1.40%
Cashout Refinance
VA Usage Active Duty/Retired Guard/Reserve
1st Time Use 2.30% 2.30%
Additional Use 3.60% 3.60%
IRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Loan)
VA Usage Active Duty/Retired Guard/Reserve
1st Time Use 0.5% 0.5%
Additional Use 0.5% 0.5%

How are rates for VA Loans determined?

Mortgage rates are shaped by a host of economic factors. Lenders set their rates based on what’s happening in the bond market and in the greater financial landscape. Interest rates change constantly, often multiple times per day, which is why it’s important to talk with your loan officer about when to lock in your rate. As with other lending products, military members with excellent credit can secure better interest rates and loan terms than those with less sterling credit. But, in general, VA loans have consistently lower rates than conventional loans.

Does the VA Loan offer adjustable rates?

Veterans can explore adjustable rate mortgage options with a VA loan. Today, the most common ARM for VA borrowers is either a 3/1 or 5/1 Hybrid, where the borrower gets a fixed interest rate for the first three or five years of the loan term. A low interest rate during those first few years can make a huge difference for veterans who might need cash to pay off other debts or obligations. ARMs are also a potential option for service members who only plan to stay in their homes for three to five years. Not every VA-approved lender offers ARMs. Many states require lenders to have additional compliance disclosures and counseling initiatives in order to satisfy government requirements.

Does my credit score affect my VA Loan rate?

Your credit score plays an important role in determining your mortgage rate. Prospective borrowers with solid credit can expect lower rates and better terms than those with fair to middling scores. The VA requires borrowers to be a satisfactory credit risk in order to qualify for a government-backed loan. VA lenders have their own additional requirements and, in the current lending climate, will pay close attention to an applicant’s score. It’s more important than ever to get a handle on your credit profile, get caught up on any outstanding debts and responsibly use credit. Put yourself in the best position possible when it comes time to start the home-buying process.
VA Loan Guidelines

Can I borrow more than the value of my home with a VA loan?

On a VA purchase loan, veterans can borrow up to the appraised value of the home, plus some costs and fees associated with the loan. Homebuyers interested in making their home more energy efficient can add up to $6,000 in improvements through an Energy Efficient Mortgage. On a VA Cash-Out Refinance, we can help homeowners refinance up to 100 percent of their home’s value. Homeowners can use that cash to pay bills, renovate their home and other key uses.

Can I have more than one VA loan at a time?

Your VA entitlement isn’t a one-time benefit. Borrowers who qualify can utilize their VA home loan benefits over and over. Most veterans will only ever have one VA-backed mortgage at a time. But there are unique situations where veterans can have more than one VA loan at one time. Most of those circumstances are related to relocation needs, including deployments and jobs. But it’s important to remember that VA loans are for primary residences. You can’t use your home loan benefits to purchase investment properties or businesses.

How complicated is VA financing?

As the nation’s leading dedicated VA lender, we’ve worked hard to make the VA loan process as simple and streamlined as possible. VA loans have less stringent requirements than other lending programs, and that’s one of the key benefits for veterans and active duty personnel. Prospective borrowers have to meet basic financial and credit-related benchmarks to satisfy both the VA and the lender. Veterans receive a financial guaranty from the VA, and that guaranty gives lenders the confidence to issue no-down payment loans with great rates and terms.

When purchasing a home, does the VA Loan allow for cash back options?

The VA has two major refinance programs. One of them, the Cash-Out Refinance, helps homeowners extract cash from their home’s equity while obtaining a lower interest rate. We can help veterans refinance up to 100 percent of their home’s appraised value. Most lenders are currently capped at 90 percent. The process for obtaining a Cash-Out Refinance is similar to the process borrowers go through for a VA purchase loan. Veterans with a conventional or FHA mortgage can refinance into a VA loan using the Cash-Out program.

What is the maximum VA Home Loan?

VA does not set a cap on how much you can borrow to finance your home. However, there are limits on the amount of liability VA can assume, which usually affects the amount of money an institution will lend you. The loan limits are the amount a qualified Veteran with full entitlement may be able to borrow without making a downpayment. These loan limits vary by county, since the value of a house depends in part on its location.

The basic entitlement available to each eligible Veteran is $36,000. Lenders will generally loan up to 4 times a Veteran’s available entitlement without a down payment, provided the Veteran is income and credit qualified and the property appraises for the asking price.

Can I borrow extra money to make home improvements?

VA borrowers can add up to $6,000 to their loan to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. Known as an energy efficiency mortgage, or EEM, these unique loan products allow homeowners to make select upgrades and repairs to the property in order to maximize energy efficiencies. Spending money at the outset on energy improvements can ultimately lower heating, cooling and other related energy costs for years to come. That monthly savings can be funneled into additional payments to the mortgage principal or dozens of other household necessities. Veterans interested in an EEM should consult with their lender and be sure to arrange for a home energy audit from a professional firm.

Why choose the VA Loan program?

The number one reason veterans and active duty borrowers chose the VA loan program is simple: The ability to purchase a home with no money down. That incredible benefit opens the doors of homeownership to thousands of people who might otherwise struggle to secure financing. VA loans also feature no private mortgage insurance, flexible credit and income requirements and consistently lower rates than other loan products. Your VA loan entitlement is a hard-earned benefit. This program provides qualified borrowers with unmatched buying power and flexibility. For the vast majority of veterans, service members and military families, the VA loan program represents the simplest and most powerful path to homeownership.

How do I get prequalified and what happens afterward?

The best way to start the application process is to speak to one of our VA loan specialists today. Our team can prequalify borrowers over the phone in a matter of minutes. We will gather some of your basic financial information and take a look at your credit score. You’ll then receive our loan application packet and get on the path to preapproval, which is a more involved process that requires a more detailed look at your finances and your ability to handle a mortgage and its associated costs.

What if I don’t have copies of my discharge paperwork?

VA lenders have to obtain all kinds of official paperwork in order to process a loan, from the borrower’s Certificate of Eligibility to tax returns and other crucial documents. It’s easy for paperwork to get lost over time, so borrowers shouldn’t worry if they can’t locate their discharge documents or other important pieces of paper. We can obtain fresh copies of your most important documents with no hassle. Borrowers can also contact the VA and other entities to secure the paperwork themselves. The lack of this paperwork won’t necessarily derail the loan process, but it’s best to work with the lender as quickly as possible to take care of document needs.

Can I pay off a VA Loan early?

VA loans do not have any kind of prepayment policies. That means borrowers can pay off their loans early without penalty. That’s a significant benefit for homeowners who want to cut down on their interest costs over time. Paying an additional $50 or $100 a month toward your premium can shave off years and tens of thousands of dollars from your 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

I see that VA Loans are assumable, what does that mean?

With most loan products, when a home is sold the existing mortgage must be paid off. But there are instances when a homebuyer can take over the loan balance, interest rate and terms of the existing mortgage. This is referred to as “assuming” the loan. VA loans are one of the only fixed-rate mortgages that are assumable. This key difference gives homeowners increased flexibility when the time comes to sell their home.

When is the VA Loan not my best option?

For the vast majority of veterans, active duty service members and military families, the VA loan represents the most flexible and powerful loan program on the market. . But there are some cases when a VA loan may not represent the best fit. Veterans with significant cash reserves who can cover a 20-percent down payment may want to consider conventional financing. But that isn’t the typical financial situation for most military borrowers. For everyone else, VA loans often make the most financial sense and allow veterans to get the biggest bang for their buck.

VA Refinancing

Can the VA Loan help me lower my monthly bills?

The VA has two major refinance programs. One, the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, better known as a VA Streamline, helps homeowners get into a lower-rate mortgage to reduce their monthly payment. VA Streamlines come with minimal hassle and paperwork. The VA does not require appraisals or credit checks on Streamlines, but some lenders have recently made them mandatory. We are still able to process some Streamlines without an appraisal, which is a tremendous benefit given the decline in home values across the country. Homeowners have to pay closing costs on a VA Streamline. But these can be rolled into the overall loan amount, along with up to $6,000 in energy efficiency improvements.

Can I refinance my home if I don’t currently have a VA Loan?

Veterans and active duty homeowners who qualify can refinance into a VA loan using the program’s cash-out refinance program. The process for obtaining a Cash-Out Refinance is similar to the process borrowers go through for a VA purchase loan, from the income verification and debt-to-income ratio to a home appraisal. Qualified homeowners with conventional or FHA mortgages do not have to take out cash when they refinance into a VA loan. But they are ineligible for the simpler VA Streamline program.
House Hunting

What types of homes can I buy with a VA Loan?

The vast majority of military buyers use their VA loan to purchase or refinance an existing single-family home. But veterans interested in purchasing a condo or building a home from the ground up can also utilize a VA loan. You can use a VA loan:

• To purchase a residence that’s owned and occupied by the veteran.
• To refinance an existing VA-guaranteed or direct loan in order to lower the current interest rate.
• To refinance in order to take out cash.
• To repair, alter or improve a residence owned by a veteran.
• To simultaneously purchase and improve a home
• To make energy-efficiency improvements in conjunction with a VA purchase or refinance loan.
• To purchase up to four one-family residential units in a condo development approved by the VA. One of those four units must be used as the borrower’s primary residence.
• To purchase a farm residence to be owned and occupied by the veteran. The property cannot be a working farm or an income-producing property.

You cannot use a VA loan to purchase vacation homes or income properties

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