Understanding VA Loans: Definition, Eligibility and Their Purpose

What is a VA loan and what is it for ?

The Veterans Loan is a mortgage in which the VA administration provides financial assistance to veterans of the United States Military Forces in the form of a loan with a partial guarantee and little or no down payment. This loan is available to anyone who meets military eligibility requirements. It is available to working military members and, in some cases, retired military members. Some of these loans are also available to the wives of soldiers killed in the war, provided that these partners have not remarried.

These types of loans were established in 1944 by the GI Bill of Rights. Approved banks, mortgage companies, and lenders make VA loans to eligible individuals for the purchase of a home or apartment. The guaranty protects the lender from financial loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. It provides this protection by requiring a down payment.

Today we will mention the basics of a VA loan:

1. No down payment is required unless the lender requires otherwise or the price is above the typical value of a property.

2. With this loan, the buyer is informed of a fair value.

3. Interest rates are not only lower than most other types of loans, but also negotiable.

4. The ability to finance the VA financing fee with a five percent down payment, and the exemption for veterans receiving VA compensation.

5. Closing costs are more or less the same as other types of financing and sometimes lower than most.

6. There are no mortgage insurance bonds and the mortgage could be assumed.

7. A qualified borrower is given the right to repay the loan without penalty.

Below is a list of the types of service and duration required to qualify for a VA loan:

A. War service during:

1st World War II - September 16, 1940 to July 25, 1947.

2nd Korean War - August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975.

3rd Vietnam War - August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975.

4. Persian Gulf War - August 2, 1990.

B. Service in peacetime during the following periods.

1 July 26, 1947 to June 26, 1950.

2. 1 February 1955 to 4 August 1964

3. May 8, 1975 through August 1, 1990.

To qualify, you must have served at least 181 days of continuous active duty. You must also have been discharged for other than dishonorable reasons. If you served less than the required service, you may qualify if the reason for your discharge is disability.

Now you need to decide if the VA program is right for you. This loan is great for those who are unable or unwilling to make a down payment on a home loan. This type of loan offers loans with permanent and adjustable rates to help you find the best loan for your financial needs. Veterans can obtain a second loan in a variety of situations. An additional veteran can pay off the existing loan by buying the home and passing the VA loan from one person to another. A veteran who has paid off their loan may also qualify for a new loan. Whether you can get a VA loan depends on the type of discharge you received.

When applying for the VA loan, be sure to submit a copy of the DD214 form. Otherwise,it will not be processed without this document. It is also advisable to discuss your credit with a credit counselor and financial planner. They can help you prepare all of your personal finances before you complete the home purchase loan application.