Embark on your journey toward mortgage approval right here.
At Rate Simple, securing your dream home begins with the first step of the mortgage approval process. By initiating your application with us, you're taking the essential stride toward turning your homeownership aspirations into reality.
VA Home Loans
As a valuable service benefit, the Department of Veterans Affairs extends exclusive resources to assist individuals with military backgrounds in purchasing a home with a minimal or even zero down payment. VA Loans offers versatile options, including both fixed and adjustable mortgage rates.
VA loans are accessible, allowing buyers to finance the entire purchase price of a home, eliminating the need for a down payment. It's essential to understand that buyers must still meet loan qualification criteria. Lenders will assess their creditworthiness and ability to meet mortgage payments. In financial challenges, lenders may require debt reduction or savings accumulation before granting the loan.
Additionally, buyers may be responsible for covering closing costs, including title recording and attorney fees for document preparation. These expenses can be negotiated with the seller and should be discussed with your real estate agent before submitting a home offer.
The VA Loan Process:
The VA loan process closely resembles typical home purchases. Buyers submit a written offer to purchase a home under specified conditions (price, closing cost assistance, contingencies) and undergo an approval process with a lender. The distinctive aspect of a VA loan is that the Department of Veterans Affairs mandates specific habitability standards for homes purchased through this program. They dispatch a home inspector and appraiser to ensure the property is in good condition and merits the purchase price.
This phase may occasionally result in delays, mainly if repairs are necessary after the inspector's assessment. Home issues do not necessarily disqualify a buyer from using the VA loan; they indicate that repairs must be completed before the home purchase is finalized. The VA has recently introduced a limited program for VA loans applicable to homes needing renovation.
How VA Loans Operate:
- Purchase your home with as little as a 0% down payment.
- Fixed-rate terms of 30, 25, 20, and 15 years are available.
- A 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage option is also offered.
- Jumbo VA loans are available.
- VA Streamline Refinance offers reduced funding fees and flexible documentation requirements for veterans with existing VA loans.
- No monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs governs VA loans.
- No pre-payment penalties allow you to pay off your mortgage anytime.
Minimum FICO Score
- Zero credit is needed.
- Alternative Tradelines may be submitted as proof for on-time payments over 12 months.
- Credit will dictate the cost associated with the rate at the time of purchase.
Down Payment
No down payment required
Occupancy
Primary residence
Other Important VA Loan Features
- Upfront funding fee financed
- No monthly mortgage insurance is required
- 100% gift funds allowed
- Up to 4% seller contribution towards closing costs and personal debts