1) What are the requirements to apply for a VA loan?

The requirements to be eligible for a VA loan are set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are 4 things you need to consider:

1. Military Service: You must be an active-duty service member, a veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related disability.
2. Length of Service: Generally, veterans who served at least 90 consecutive days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime are eligible.
3. Certificate of Eligibility (COE): You need to obtain a COE, which verifies your eligibility for a VA loan. This can be obtained through the Department of Veterans Affairs or, through a VA-approved lender like us.
4. Property Requirements: The property you intend to purchase with a VA loan must meet certain standards set by the VA, which a VA-approved lender like us can also guide you through.

2) Why would you want a VA approved mortgage representative and what is it?

An approved mortgage representative is someone who has been certified as having in-depth knowledge of the VA program and guidelines. In some cases, mortgage lenders, like us, also have in-house underwriting decisions that can speed up the process tremendously. So, if you want to have faster responses, in house approvals in as little as 2 weeks, and direct access to everything the VA program has to offer, you need to find a VA approved lender.

3) How do you request a VA Home Loan?

One of the first things you would need to do is to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). To do this, you can either go to va.gov and apply directly there, do it by mail, or, the way we like to help our customers is by doing it for them via an online system called Web LGY, where it can expedite the process for our customers. If you are on active service or veteran, give us a call and get prequalified in minutes. 

4) One common question we receive about VA loans is, ‘What’s the maximum loan amount I can qualify for?’ Well, here’s the great news: VA loans don’t have a set maximum loan amount. Instead, they follow what’s called VA loan limits, which vary based on the county where the property is located. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy home in the suburbs or a dreamy retreat by the beach, VA loans have got you covered. To find out the VA loan limits in your area, reach out to us or visit us at www.worthingtonmortgage.com 

5) Are there any specific property requirements for a VA loan? 

When it comes to VA loans, some of you might be wondering about specific property requirements. Well, let us break it down for you. VA loans do have a few property requirements to ensure you’re getting a safe and suitable home. The property must be: 1) your primary residence, meaning it’s where you’ll live; 2) It should also meet certain standards of safety and habitability, and, 3) Finally, there are value limits or loan limits  depending on where the property is located. If you are interested in learning more about a VA mortgage, make sure to leave your questions in the comments.

6) What are the interest rate options for VA loans, and how do they compare to other loan types?

With VA loans, you have the option of choosing between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. A fixed-rate mortgage offers the stability of a consistent interest rate throughout the loan term, providing predictability in your monthly payments. On the other hand, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) starts with a fixed rate for an initial period and then adjusts periodically based on market conditions. ARMs can be a good fit if you plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjustments occur. Now, how do VA loan interest rates compare? Well, VA loans often come with competitive interest rates that can be lower than those of conventional loans. It’s a fantastic benefit for our deserving veterans!

7) VA Funding Fee. What do you need to know?

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the VA funding fee! So, here’s how it works: The VA funding fee is a one-time fee charged by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help sustain the VA loan program. It’s a percentage of the loan amount and can vary based on factors such as your military service, down payment amount, and whether it’s your first or subsequent use of a VA loan. Now, you might wonder if it’s negotiable. Unfortunately, the VA funding fee is not negotiable. However, it’s important to note that some borrowers may be exempt from paying the funding fee, such as those with service-related disabilities. you are interested in learning more about a VA mortgage, make sure to leave your questions in the comments.

8) Are there any limitations or restrictions on how I can use a VA loan?

While VA loans offer flexibility, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. First, VA loans are intended for primary residences, meaning you must live in the home you purchase. Second, certain property types, like vacation homes or investment properties, may not be eligible for VA financing. Additionally, VA loans have loan limits that vary by county.