VA Loan Requirements

The VA loan is usually the best option for someone with VA benefits. Generally speaking, you must be active duty and/or honorably discharged from the armed services in order to qualify for a VA loan. You may also qualify as the spouse of a service member who was killed in the line of duty. VA loan requirements are considered to be relatively lenient: there is no required down payment, the seller can contribute for closing costs and a whole lot more. And rates are excellent with no monthly mortgage insurance.

Obtaining Your Certificate of Eligibility

For any VA loan you will be required to obtain a current certificate of eligibility (COE). BEWARE: There are many places out there offering help obtaining your COE for a fee, but that is not necessary. The quickest, easiest way to get your COE is FREE. A Landmark Mortgage Professional can help you get your COE, usually the same day. But, if you are planning to use your VA eligibility to purchase a home, don't procrastinate. Occasionally, there issues obtaining your COE, especially if you have previously used your VA loan benefits.

*If you need to refinance a VA loan you can learn all about the VA Streamline Refi (IRRRL) here. For purchases, read on...

What Specifically are the VA Loan Requirements?

No Money Down. You can purchase a VA loan with very little money out of pocket, and with no geographic restrictions like the $0 Down USDA Loan. Typically you will be required to place an earnest deposit with your offer to purchase a home (the minimum is usually $500-$1000). If structured properly with your realtor, the earnest money can typically be refunded at closing. It's a good idea to meet with a Landmark Mortgage Planner for a pre-approval to learn how to structure your offer before you find a home.

Credit Score of 580.
Paid collections are not usually a problem and some open collections may be allowed or paid at closing with underwriter approval. Open trade lines don't necessarily have to be on the credit report, but can be alternative trade lines like electricity, car insurance or phone bills with underwriter approval. These must be documented and paid as agreed. Under VA loan requirements, the buyer typically must have a 580 score.

Two Year Employment. This is required when the Vet is no longer a member of the military, and can be waived if a soldier is just returning from active duty.

Other Factors & Limitations

Maximum purchase price in our area as of January 2022 is $647,200. These limits often change and the purchase price can also increase with additional money down.

VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance which helps to keep the payment low. However there is a VA funding fee which is usually added to the purchase price.  This funding fee is 2.3% for first time users of the program and 3.6% for those who use it additional times. There is no funding fee for disabled Veterans, or unmarried surviving spouses of Veterans with a service related death.

The VA loan requirements regarding seller concessions are the more flexible than any other types of loans. There is no limit to the amount the seller can pay for closing costs like title work, underwriting fees, and processing, as well as other items associated with the closing like assessments, repairs, etc. In addition, the seller can pay up to 4% of the purchase price for the following items:

• VA funding fee (if the buyer chooses not to finance)
• Prepaid Taxes and Insurance (used to set up the escrow account)
• Gifts from the seller such as television or microwave
• Discount points used to buy down the interest rate
• Costs associated with a temporary buy down of the rate
• Payoff of credit card balances, collections or judgments

So with the right coordination with your realtor, you can get a very attractive deal. Be sure to talk with your Landmark Mortgage Planner about your desire to eliminate any debt so that this can be structured properly on your offer to purchase. Regardless, you will most likely need a pre-approval letter from a lender before you can make an offer on a house. We'd love to help!