VA Home Loan

Thank You for Your Service

GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. offers VA loans as just one of our many loan packages available. If you’re an eligible veteran, first, thank you for your service to our country!

Second, me and my team at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. will do everything we can to match you to the mortgage that fits your needs. Call (828) 348-1907 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

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Appreciation to Returning Veterans

Near the end of World War II in 1944, the US government showed appreciation to returning veterans by creating the VA Home Loan program to help vets buy homes. VA loans assist eligible veterans by guaranteeing the loans that banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage lenders underwrite. The US Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for this program.

VA Home Loan Overview

We often hear about VA home loans, but what do they entail? In short, a VA mortgage is a loan guaranteed by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs; an office also referred to as simply the VA. This loan can be issued by any qualified lender, which opens the process up to various avenues. The basic idea was to provide long-term financing to eligible American veterans or, in some cases, their surviving spouses.

But what does it take to be considered eligible? And how can you take advantage of the programs offered?

Let’s take an in-depth look at a VA mortgage to give you more context and provide avenues to pursue.

How Do You Qualify for a VA Home Loan?

Learn about our VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender Program

Along with these general requirements of service, some other qualifications may impact your ability to receive a VA guaranteed loan. For instance, you need to have a credit score that is satisfactory, a sufficient income from employment or other verifiable sources, as well as a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). A COE can be obtained online, by mail, or through your lender at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc.

It is important to note what your VA mortgage can cover.

For instance, you can use it to:

  • Buy a home or a VA-approved condominium unit
  • Build a new home
  • Purchase and improve an existing home
  • Improve, repair, or alter your existing home
  • Improve a manufactured home lot
  • Install a cooling or heating system
  • Make home weatherization upgrades
  • Make energy-efficient improvements or install energy-related features
  • Purchase a home while simultaneously improving the energy efficiency of the home
  • Buy a manufactured home, with or without the lot
  • Refinance an existing loan, either VA or direct, to get a lower interest rate
  • Refinance a mortgage if the residence is owned and occupied by a veteran

To learn more about the benefits of VA loans, you can visit the website here.

What are the requirements for a VA home loan?

If you have served in the US military, you may be able to get a VA home loan to purchase your next home.

There are some criteria you need to meet to be eligible for a VA home loan. They include:

  • At least 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime
  • 181 days or more of active service during peacetime
  • 6 or more years of service with the National Guard or Reserves
  • Spouse of a service member who has died in the line of duty or due to a service-related disability, (limited to spouses who have not remarried)

If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for a VA mortgage. To learn about other factors that may make you eligible  reach out to me and my team at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc.

How Do You Apply for a VA Home Loan?

At GoPrime Mortgage, Inc., we suggest you start by talking with one of our experts to learn about your options and begin the process. While you can apply online, there is comfort in knowing that you’ll have a direct point of contact for questions or concerns along the way.

Most mortgage lenders have access to a system called WebLGY. WebLGY gives GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. the ability to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and start the process of qualifying you for a VA loan.

What is the Difference Between Types of VA Home Loans?

As with any other mortgage option, you can consider many VA Mortgage types when it comes to a VA-guaranteed loan. VA purchase loans include fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARM. If you’re looking to refinance, loans may consist of a Refinance Loan or a Streamline Refinance Loan.

Fixed Rate VA Loan

To give you a little more detail, let’s start with the fixed rate VA loan.

Features include:

  • Fixed-rate for the life of the loan
  • Regular monthly payments that generally stay the same
  • No money down
  • No private mortgage insurance required
  • Limited closing costs
  • Competitive interest rates

A fixed-rate VA loan means whether or not interest rates go up or down throughout the life of your loan, your rate will permanently be the same as the percentage cited when you secured the loan. A fixed-rate can help with long-term planning and budgeting.

Adjustable-Rate VA Loan

On the other hand, you might be interested in an adjustable-rate VA loan, which offers:

  • Periodically adjusted interest rates
  • Variable payments based on the interest adjustment
  • Limits on the number of interest adjustments across the life of the loan
  • No money down
  • No private mortgage insurance
  • Limited closing costs
  • Competitive interest rates

VA Refinance Loan

If you are looking to refinance, you can use a VA refinance loan to get equity out of your home to make home improvements or other financial needs. A Streamline Refinance Loan may be allowed for a lower interest rate without any additional fees. For this, you can use your original Certificate of Eligibility. But keep in mind that this is only available for existing VA mortgages.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

An ARM may be the right choice for some home buyers, but this is why we recommend you talk with us before making a decision. For example, a one-year ARM will adjust annually, but what would that mean for your long-term strategy?

There may be additional loan types specific to your location, needs, and financial picture.

Safeguards with VA Loans

If you qualify for a VA home loan, you have added peace of mind with these VA home safeguards:

  • Builders of new homes are mandated to provide you with a one-year warranty that the house is built to VA-approved specifications. The same warranty also must be provided for newly manufactured homes and condominiums.
  • The Department of Veteran Affairs may suspend the loan program from lenders who try to take advantage of the veteran borrowers. Loan suspensions may also be issued if lenders decline loans to eligible veterans based on race, religion, color, disability, sex, national origin, or family status.
  • In instances of new construction completed under HUD or VA inspection, the government compensates you for repairing any structural defects that affect livability. You have to request this assistance within four years of the VA loan application to receive the warranty.
  • The Department of Veteran Affairs encourages lenders to extend forbearance if borrowers cannot meet the loan terms (based on temporary reasons).
  • You can only be charged fees and additional charges deemed allowable by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • You can’t be penalized for paying a loan off in full before its due date.

GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. Helps Veterans

Are you considering a VA Home Loan for your next home purchase or refinance opportunity?

A VA Home Loan is not necessarily cut and dry, so we want to help you navigate the process. Contact me and my team at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc.

In addition to the appreciation that the VA shows with these fabulous loan options, remember that it’s local people like your team at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. who help you get those loans. You’ll receive first-class customer service whenever you choose to work with me and my team.

I work hard for veterans to provide the right mortgage products (including VA loans) and explain everything in terms you can understand. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the only thing to do. And so, with gratitude for your service, you’ll always be treated with the utmost respect at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc.

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