Category: VA Guidelines

BANKRUPTCY
Chapter 7 Two years from discharge date; evidence the applicants have demonstrated ability to handle their credit affairs; and that applicants have re-established acceptable credit (or chosen not to incur new credit). Discharged less than two (2) years – NOT eligible.
Chapter 13 A satisfactory performance history for one year of the pay-out period and MUST be discharged.
FORECLOSURE/DEED-IN-LIEU
If occurred in past three years, applicant is ineligible.
TAX LIENS
All federal tax liens will be required to be paid in full prior to the loan closing.

CAIVRS
CAIVRS is a HUD-maintained computer information system which enables lenders to learn when an applicant has previously defaulted on a federally-assisted loan. The system’s interactive voice response function provides instant credit information.
A CAIVRS screening on each veteran and any co-obligor is required. An applicant cannot be considered a satisfactory credit risk if he or she is presently delinquent or in default on any debt to the federal government until the delinquent account has been brought current or satisfactory arrangements have been made between the veteran and the federal agency.

Student Loans

If student loan repayments are scheduled to begin within 12 months of the date of VA loan closing, lenders should consider the anticipated monthly obligation in the loan analysis. If the borrower is able to provide evidence that the debt may be deferred for a period outside that timeframe, the debt need not be considered in the analysis.

Interested-Party Contributions/Property Seller Concessions
A maximum of 4% of the value of the property as indicated on the Notice of Value (NOV) may be contributed from an interested party (property seller concession).
Any property seller concession or combination of concessions which exceeds 4% of the established reasonable value of the property is considered excessive and unacceptable for VA-guaranteed loans. A reduction of the sales price in the amount equal to the excess is required in these instances.
Property seller concessions include, but are not limited to, the following: Payment of the VA funding fee Prepayment of the veteran’s property taxes and insurance Gifts such as a television set or microwave oven Payment of additional discount points to provide permanent interest rate buydowns Provision of escrowed funds to provide temporary interest rate buydowns Payoff of credit balances or judgments on behalf of the veteran
Property seller concessions do not include: Payment of the veteran’s closing costs Payment of points as appropriate to the market
o For example: if the market dictates an interest rate of 7.50 with two discount points, the property seller’s payment of the two points would not be a property seller concession. If the property seller paid five points, three of these points would be considered a property seller concession.

VA ALLOWABLE CLOSING COST CHART
Closing Costs that CAN be Paid by the Veteran:
Appraisal Fee Recertification of Value Fee
Buydown Fee Recording of Deed
Compliance Inspection Recording of Mortgage
Credit Report Release Fee – Refinances Only
Discount Points Repairs listed on appraisal **
Documentary Mortgage Stamps Repair Inspection – Refinances Only
Flood Certification Septic Inspection Fee
Hazard Insurance Survey
Intangible Tax Title Insurance including: Abstract, Binder & Exam
Origination Fee – 1% Max * VA Funding Fee
Pest Inspection – Refinances Only*** Water Test Fee
Closing Costs that CANNOT be Paid by the Veteran:
Attorney Services (other than title work) Postage, Fax, Phone, Copy of Courier Fees
Broker Fees Sales Commissions
Pest Inspection on Purchase*** Realtor/Lender Transaction Fee