Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Understanding A Veteran Home Loan

By Dale Peck


The veteran home loan program was created for the purpose of guaranteeing specific options to veterans. Most loans of this kind are utilized for the purpose of acquiring an existing house, but building a new dwelling or modifying a current mortgage may also be options under this program. Additionally, a veteran's loan can be pursued for the purpose of increasing a dwelling's energy efficiency before or after it is purchased.

The VA, which is the abbreviation for the Department of Veterans Affairs, has helped more than 15 million veterans to buy homes. The Department itself does not lend the money to the buyer, but it backs the loan, which provides motivation to the lender to lower fees and interest rates for those with a military background.

The limitations of such arrangements depend on the amount being borrowed, and whether or not the individual is completing active duty. Financial experts claim that the mortgage industry has been helped significantly by the many loans that are guaranteed by the VA. They also state that loans of this kind are advantageous for both lenders and borrowers.

Such loans were designed to compensate women and men for serving their country. However, the rates and terms associated with such arrangements are not always better than those found with traditional loans. For instance, a borrower who is a prequalified buyer may be able to get the same or similar rates on his or her own, provided the person has a positive credit history. On the other hand, veterans with few or no assets will find the terms and conditions of VA loans very beneficial. In certain instances, such arrangements are the only way a veteran can purchase a primary residence.

To be eligible for such an arrangement, the borrower must have served in the military. Other criteria include the nature and time of the person's service. For example, the borrower must have served during wartime for ninety consecutive days, or during times of peace for a hundred and eighty consecutive days. In the majority of cases, if an individual was dishonorably discharged from any service branch, he or she is disqualified from the program.

To acquire VA loans, a person must first obtain a certificate of eligibility. The latter is provided after one applies to the Department of Veterans Affairs. After this document has been acquired, the individual can enter into a purchase agreement with a real estate agent or private seller. The VA must appraise the dwelling, even though the primary lender will also usually complete an appraisal as well.

Home loans have long been guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the United States. The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law on October 10th in the year 2008 by then-President George W. Bush. This action improved the program and changed some of the qualifications so that it was better able to offset the realities of the collapsing housing market during that same year.

Those who think they are eligible for a veteran home loan will find that pursuing such an arrangement is beneficial. This is definitely the case if the individual has no other way to obtain a primary residence. Those who plan to apply for a loan of this type should consider discussing their intentions with a real estate agent or financial planner to acquire assistance with the process.




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