VA Mortgage Rates

VA Mortgage Rates

A VA mortgage loan is a home loan guaranteed by Veteran Affairs, available to military families. It is always wise to compare rates and shop around before committing to a VA mortgage. Below is a list of VA Mortgage benefits.

Finance without PMI

Veterans don’t have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) and are permitted 100% home financing. This offer also applies to widowed spouses if they don’t remarry. These rates are often very competitive.

No Closing Costs

Veterans are required to pay funding fees ranging from 0% to 3.3% of the loan – this can be rolled into the total of the mortgage. These funding fees also replace closing costs, which can be as high as five percent of a loan’s value.

Lending Choices

VA mortgages have a few restrictions in comparison to general mortgages. VA mortgages don’t include “no income verification” or “no document” loans, or home equity lines of credit. Veterans aren’t allowed to get cash back when closing on new home purchases; they do have a cash-out refinance option. This simply means that the veteran can borrow a maximum of 90% of the home value. Home equity loans are available to veterans, allowing them up to 100% of their home equity.

Credit History

Applicants should keep in mind that tax liens, collections and bankruptcies can negatively impact the qualifying process.

Maximum Amount

$417,000 is the highest mortgage a lender will allow with the 100% financing option. If the home is more expensive than this price, the difference between the two prices would be considered a down payment.