What is a VA Mortgage?
The VA loan is a zero down mortgage option available to Veterans, Service Members and select military spouses. VA loans are issued by private lenders, such as a mortgage company or bank and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Scott Buehler is a VA home loan lender.
VA charges an up-front funding fee that can be financed into your mortgage. This funding fee may be exempt if it is your first time getting a VA mortgage or if you are entitled to receive VA disability compensation.
VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, including Guild Mortgage and your Senior Mortgage Advisor, Scott Buehler. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling Guild Mortgage to provide you with more favorable terms.
Did you know? VA loans are compatible with our seller-paid rate buydown solution to help make your mortgage more affordable for up to three years? Learn more at the seller-paid rate buydown page and combat this period of higher interest rates using seller-paid closing costs.
The Benefits & Features of a VA Home Loan
- Finance up to 100% of the purchase price and your VA funding fee (if applicable).
- 15-year or 30-year fixed mortgage.
- Credit scores as low as 540.
- Purchase or Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing.
- No maximum loan limit subject to qualification.
- No prepayment penalty.
- No down payment required.
- Available to eligible veterans only.
- VA loans are assumable.
- VA loans can be refinanced through the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) program.
- No private mortgage insurance.
- Lower overall closing costs.
- Maximum seller concessions: 4%
More Details About VA Loans
If you qualify for a VA-backed purchase loan, you can use the loan to:
- Buy a single-family home, up to 4 units
- Buy a condo in a VA-approved project
- Buy a home and improve it
- Make changes or add new features to make your home energy efficient
You can also:
- Get a VA-backed home loan to buy your first home.
- Use your VA loan benefit again if you sell or refinance a home you bought with a VA-backed home loan.
- Assume a VA-backed home loan (which means that instead of opening a new mortgage loan, the buyer takes over the seller’s loan).
Do I Qualify for a VA Home Loan?
To qualify for the program, the VA requires that the applicant meets at least one of the following criteria:
- 24 continuous months, or
- The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, or
- At least 90 days if you were discharged for a hardship, or a reduction in force, or
- Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability.
- Served six creditable years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard or at least 90 days of non-training active-duty service.
- Is the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or because of a service-related condition.
- Is the spouse of a prisoner of war or a member of the military who went missing in action.
If there’s any VA eligibility questions, be sure to reach out to Scott Buehler who would love to be your preferred VA home loan lender. I will happily retrieve your COE, Certificate of Eligibility, to review your VA entitlement with you.
Note: There are different requirements for different periods of time served in the military. Please refer to this VA eligibility requirement page for more specifics.
Scott Buehler is a VA Home Loan Lender
If you are considering buying a home, an FHA loan may be a good option to help you finance the purchase. With an FHA loan, you may be able to qualify for a mortgage with 100% financing and flexible credit requirements.
Overall, I think the VA home loan benefits can help many active and former service members. If you are a veteran who is also a prospective borrower, the answer will depend on your unique financial situation and objective. See if you qualify today!
Disclaimer: Loan terms and limits subject to change. This page is meant for educational purposes and is not a commitment to lend. To qualify for a home loan, please speak to Scott Buehler or apply online.