Most aspiring homebuyers decide to purchase an existing house and make it their home. Others yearn for a chunk of land that they can call their own. Whether it’s due to a tight housing market, a very specific wish list, or a strong desire to construct a house from the ground up, building a new home is the only way that some would-be homeowners can transform their dream home into a reality. Fortunately for eligible buyers who want to use a VA loan, buying land with a VA loan is possible. [Read more…]

With their attractive terms, competitive interest rates, and consumer protections, VA loans have long been a popular financing option for eligible homebuyers. What if you’re a homeowner interested in refinancing? VA loans are worth exploring. Learning how to refinance a VA loan can help you make smart decisions about what refinancing product best suits your needs. [Read more…]

You’ve worked with a lender to confirm your eligibility for a VA loan, found the perfect house, and signed a purchase agreement. Your lender has ordered a VA appraisal from an independent appraiser. Now you’re waiting for the results of the VA home appraisal process. It can be a bit nerve-wracking. After all, a low appraisal has the potential to disrupt the sale. Why does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) insist on appraisals? What is the appraiser looking for? What happens if the appraisal doesn’t match your expectations? Exploring these questions can help you appreciate the value of a VA appraisal. [Read more…]

Mortgages are complex financial instruments, so homebuyers need to do their homework when trying to select the right home loan for their unique situation. Are you weighing the pros and cons of various VA loan programs in preparation for a home purchase? Discovering these things you may not know about VA loans might help you make an informed decision. [Read more…]

If you’re planning to use a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to purchase a home, then you’ll want to spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of VA housing entitlements and how they impact your ability to borrow money. Why are these entitlements so important? [Read more…]

The loan programs offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aren’t available to just anyone. The opportunity to secure a VA loan is an entitlement earned through service, so it makes sense that the nature and duration of your military service is a factor in your VA loan eligibility. If you’re interested in purchasing a home, improving a home, or refinancing with a VA loan, then you’ll need to explore the VA’s service requirements for their loan programs and determine whether your service fits the bill. [Read more…]

VA loans make it possible for service members, veterans, and other eligible people to buy, build, improve, or refinance the homes of their dreams. Thanks to the backing provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, private lenders are able to offer these loans with favorable terms. You do need to meet certain requirements to secure one, however. The first step is to learn how to get a VA loan Certificate of Eligibility to prove that you qualify. [Read more…]

Do you want to help protect the environment and decrease the size of your carbon footprint by reducing your household’s energy consumption? Or perhaps you would like to keep a little more green in your pocket by reducing your energy bills? With a VA Energy-Efficient Mortgage, you can accomplish both of these goals. [Read more…]

Thanks to the backing of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VA loans appeal to a wide range of would-be homebuyers. However, not everyone can qualify, and those who are eligible can only enjoy the advantages of these loans if they agree to fulfill certain requirements. Occupancy is one of these requirements. A VA loan can only be used to purchase a home that will serve as your primary residence, and the property must be occupied by the borrower according to the rules laid out by the VA. Scroll down to explore the occupancy rules for VA loans. [Read more…]

Have you fallen in love with a house that is livable but in need of a little tender loving care? Are you intrigued by the idea of putting your own stamp on a property? Does the house that you already own have the potential to be your dream home with just a few adjustments or upgrades? If you’re a service member or veteran who is hoping to make some renovations to your home, be sure to take a look at the loan programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA renovation loans are designed to help eligible borrowers improve their homes. [Read more…]