As a veteran of the armed forces I am constantly learning of the many benefits it is bringing to my civilian life back home. I joined the military because I had come from a relatively poor background, couldn't afford higher education and had limited options elsewhere in the professional world. This decision has paid off in many ways and now I am learning about the veteran mortgage loan programs. America's veterans are able to get low cost home loans that are easier to get than traditional loans making them the first option for many service members.
Veteran's Mortgage Benefits
- There is usually no down payment. This can change if the purchase price is higher than the appraised value of the home. Generally, veteran's mortgages cost nothing initially.
- During the life of the loan you can refinance to obtain cash from your equity.
- There is no prepayment penalty, or requirement for MIP insurance, and the mortgage is assumable. Should anything ever happen to you, you will know that your spouse or child could potentially take over responsibility of the loan.
VA loan programs are government guaranteed home loans offered to both veterans and active duty military personnel. The money actually comes from a private lender but is backed by the government which basically means that the VA mortgage company will be repaid should the borrower fail to repay the loan. Similar to an FHA loan, the risk to the lender is lower making it more likely the loan will be approved. So even without a down payment or good credit score it can be easy for a veteran to get cheap fixed rate mortgages or an adjustable rate mortgage.
The Benefits
Obtaining a loan with no money down is perhaps the greatest benefit to acquiring a mortgage. As a service member you won't have to pay mortgage interest when buying a home without a down payment because the government fully guarantees the loan. The rates remain competitive with other loan providers. The mortgages are half to a full percent lower than what you'd get normally with a traditional lender. This government guarantee means everything and because of this, even veterans with poor credit scores can get loans.
How To Apply
VA mortgage loans are available to any veteran or active duty military personnel as well as some members of the reserve and National Guard. The Request for Certificate of Eligibility is filed as VA Form 26-1880. You might find a lender with the ability to apply for the certificate of eligibility on your behalf. Once you have your certificate in hand you can choose a lender that offers the program. The lender then looks at your credit rating and orders for an appraisal of the property. You will pay for this part. Once you are approved you can select a home and make a purchase. From this point on you repay the loan like any other mortgage payment plan.
There are limitations to a VA loan however and you definitely won't be able to obtain one if you've been dishonorably discharged from the military. However you can find out more by visiting www.real-estate-yogi.com today. Call them any time for a free consultation at 1-800-987-1397.