The VA loan provides veterans with a federally guaranteed home loan that requires no down payment. This program was designed to provide housing and assistance for veterans and their families.

The Veterans Administration provides insurance to lenders in the event that you default on a loan. Because the mortgage is guaranteed, lenders will offer a lower interest rate and terms than a conventional home loan. VA home loans are available in all 50 states. A VA loan may also have reduced closing costs and no prepayment penalties.

What is a VA Loan?

The Veteran Administration's Loan originated in 1944 through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act; also know as the GI Bill. It was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was designed to provide Veterans with a federally-guaranteed home loan with no down payment. VA loans are made by private lenders like banks, savings & loans, and mortgage companies to eligible Veterans for homes to live in. The lender is protected against loss if the loan defaults. Depending on the program option, the loan may or may not default.

Who is Elegible for a VA loan?

Active duty service members are eligible for VA Financing after completing at least 90 days of continuous service (all at once, without a break in service). 

For veterans, the minimum active-duty service requirements will depend on when you served (90 days to 24 months). See the VA page for complete details: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/eligibility/  

What Type of Home Can I Buy With a VA Loan?

A VA home loan must be used to finance your personal residence within the United States and its territories. You have choices for the type of home you purchase:

• Existing Single-Family Home
• Townhouse or Condominium in a VA-Approved Project
• New Construction Residence
• Manufactured Home and Land
• Home Refinances and Certain Types of Home Improvements

What Are the Benefits of a VA Loan?

• 100% Financing & No Down Payment Loans
• No Private Mortgage (PMI)
• No Penalties for Prepaying the Loan
• Competitive Interest Rates
• Qualification is Easier than a Conventional Loan
• Sellers Pay Some of the Closing Costs
• Can be combined with additional down payment assistance to reduce closing costs

How Do I Apply for a VA Guaranteed Loan?

You can apply for a VA Loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the program. In addition to the application requirements from your lender, you will need the following at application time:

• Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration by submitting a completed VA Form 26-1880.
• Proof of Military Service from a VA Eligibility Center

If I Have Already Obtained One VA Loan, Can I Get Another One?

Yes, your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstance. If you have paid-off your prior VA Loan, and disposed the property, you can have your eligibility restored again. Also, on a 1-time basis, you may have your eligibility restored if your prior VA Loan has been paid-off, but you still own the property. Either way, the Veteran must send the Veterans Administration a completed VA Form 16-1880 to the VA Eligibility Center. To prevent delays in processing, it's advisable to include evidence that the prior loan has been fully paid, and if applicable, the property was disposed. A paid-in-full statement from the former lender or a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement must be submitted.

What Are the Disadvantages of a VA Loan?

VA Loans made prior to March 1, 1988 can be assumed with no qualifying of the new buyer. If the buyer defaults the property the Veteran homeowner may be liable for the funds.

• Some sellers are hesitant to work with someone obtaining a VA Loan because it takes longer than a conventional loan to process.
• Sellers are often asked to pay a portion of closing costs and therefore less likely to negotiate the sales price of the home.