How do you qualify for a VA loan?
Servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses that meet VA criteria are eligible for VA-backed loans. Lenders require a certificate of eligibility (COE) to prove that you meet VA requirements. You can get a COE through your lender, online or by mail by completing and sending in this form.
Additionally, you’ll have to meet your lender’s credit and income requirements in order to qualify for a VA loan.
What are the down payment requirements for a VA loan?
VA-backed loans do not have minimum down payment requirements. However, if you put less than 20% down using a VA loan, you will have to pay the VA funding fee. The amount of the fee depends on your down payment and whether you have used a VA loan before.
You can choose to roll the funding fee into the total amount of your loan or pay it upfront. Some borrowers are exempt from this fee, including:
- Veterans eligible for disability compensation
- Purple Heart recipients
- Surviving spouses who are eligible for a VA loan
See the chart below for purchase VA loans’ funding fee amounts based on down payment.
What is the minimum credit score for VA loans?
The VA does not set minimum credit score requirements in order to qualify for VA loans. However, lenders usually apply their own credit standard for VA loans, which might differ from other loan products they offer.
What are the interest rates like on VA loans?
VA loans usually have lower interest rates than other types of loans, including conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. One reason lenders offer VA borrowers such competitive interest rates is because the government backs a portion of the loan amount, so lenders bear less risk than on loans that don’t have those types of guarantees.
How much house can I afford?
The first step in the homebuying process is to make a budget. First, consider how much you bring in each month and how much you spend (on debt, savings, retirement, college funds, etc.). Most experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on your mortgage, including taxes, insurance and applicable HOA fees. The Forbes Advisor affordability calculator will help you take the guesswork out of how much you can spend on a house.
How do I get preapproved for a mortgage?
Mortgage preapproval represents a lender’s offer to loan the buyer money based on certain financial circumstances and specific terms. Start by gathering documents your lender will need, including a copy of your Social Security card and recent W-2 forms, pay stubs, bank statements and tax returns. The lender you select will then guide you through the preapproval process.