Monday, March 29, 2010

VA Loans May Be A Good Idea


By Dustin McAlister

Were you in the armed forces? Are you looking to buy a house? Veterans will qualify for special loans. Here are some things to consider about VA loans.

Refinance or purchasing

Aside from the usual home purchase, you can refinance. It you have a current VA loan, you can refinance ninety percent of the value.

VA streamline for refinance

This type of refinance can get your VA loan to a lower interest rate. There is little paperwork involved. An appraisal may not be needed. There may not be a credit check.

ARM loans

VA adjustable rate loans are available. They have an interest cap of five percent. The first few years, there will be no interest raises.

What are VA mortgages?

Special loan programs are available to veterans that qualify. Part of the loan is guaranteed by the U. S. Government. This amount is called the entitlement. The maximum entitlement is $60,000. This is available for loans over $144,000. For less than that, the entitlement is $36,000. This amount will vary depending on the size of the mortgage. Entitlements are only paid in case of loan default. It is not an amount of money due the veteran. You will also need a certificate of eligibility. This comes from the VA office. Your loan company may be able to get your certificate for you.

pros of VA home loans

You pay no money down. Usually you will not need a down payment for the loan. Some down payments can be substantial with other loans.

You will not have to pay PMI. This is private mortgage insurance. You are financing a house with less than twenty percent down. Lenders want to be compensated for the added risk. You will need to pay a private mortgage insurance premium. This will be added to your house payment. You will pay this until your loan principle is twenty percent of your original loan amount. Your VA loan will have a lower monthly payment without PMI.

Maybe you will pay off the loan in a few short years. Most loans will have a prepayment penalty. This will not happen with a VA mortgage.

The seller can pay all of your closing costs. You may pay nothing to move into your house. You may also find it easier to qualify for a VA home loan.

Cons

Many times the lender will ask the seller to pay all closing costs. However, they may not accept.

VA mortgages might take a longer time to close. Some people may not want to wait, to sell their house. You could miss out on some opportunities.

A funding fee will be due at closing. It will be two percent or higher. You maybe able to add it to your loan total. This could still give you no money down.

In closing

VA loans can serve many purposes. Take all of the choices into consideration. Talk to a lender to get more details.

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