Sometimes yes/no questions aren’t so simple. Consider this: If you asked most Americans if insects belong on restaurant menus, you’d get a resounding no. However, other cultures would be just as quick to answer that question with a yes. They’d find nothing strange about nibbling on grasshoppers, crickets, ants, and even beetles. What could a debate about eating insects have in common with VA loans? When you ask whether there’s a minimum credit score for a VA loan, you’ll get a similarly mixed answer. [Read more…] about The Minimum Credit Score for a VA Loan
Are VA Loans Better Than Conventional Loans?
Are VA loans better than conventional loans? It’s certainly easy to find fans of the home loan program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, it’s even easier to find a homeowner who financed their purchase with a conventional loan. Which loan is better? [Read more…] about Are VA Loans Better Than Conventional Loans?
Understanding Your VA Loan Entitlement
The loan program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is designed to help those who have served their country purchase a home, but figuring out the finer points of the program and determining how to get the optimal use of your benefits can be tricky. Understanding your VA loan entitlement helps you figure out how much you can borrow, which makes it easier to settle on a suitable budget for a successful home purchase. [Read more…] about Understanding Your VA Loan Entitlement
How a VA Home Renovation Works in 2020
On June 15, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a simple, single-page document: Circular 26-18-7 Change 1. What makes it important, especially if you’re interested in VA home renovation loans? The document adds a year to the expected lifespan of Circular 26-18-7, the document that details how a VA home renovation works. [Read more…] about How a VA Home Renovation Works in 2020
Is There a Minimum Credit Score for a VA Loan?
Is there a minimum credit score for a VA loan? The answer to that query depends on who you ask. One fact that everyone agrees on is that your credit score does matter when you’re seeking a home loan. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure that your credit score is as polished as possible before you approach a lender about a VA loan. [Read more…] about Is There a Minimum Credit Score for a VA Loan?
VA Home Loan Advantages
When talk turns to the home loan program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it’s a safe bet that VA home loan advantages will be a major part of the conversation. Frankly, there’s plenty to talk about. [Read more…] about VA Home Loan Advantages
VA Loans vs. Conventional Loans
It’s a matchup many aspiring homebuyers are interested in exploring: VA loans vs. conventional loans. Which loan product offers a better deal? That depends on the borrower, their financial situation, and the property that they hope to purchase. Keep reading to learn how these two popular home loan options stack up. [Read more…] about VA Loans vs. Conventional Loans
VA Loan Energy-Efficient Improvements
Are VA loan energy-efficient improvements on your radar? If you’re buying or refinancing a home with a loan from the home loan program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), they should be. Here’s what you need to know. [Read more…] about VA Loan Energy-Efficient Improvements
Do Reservists Qualify for VA Loans?
Do reservists qualify for VA loans? Over the years, the home loan program run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has helped numerous active-duty service members and veterans become homeowners. Many people are aware that the program’s home loan guaranty benefit is one that is earned through service. However, the fact that different types of service count isn’t as widely known. As a result, many people who could potentially use a VA loan – including some reservists – don’t realize that they’re eligible. [Read more…] about Do Reservists Qualify for VA Loans?
Do VA Loans Require Escrow Accounts?
Do VA loans require escrow accounts? The answer is both yes and no. If you’re feeling confused, don’t panic. This isn’t a trick question or a deep, philosophical debate. When you step back and take a look at the full picture, the duality of the answer makes perfect sense. [Read more…] about Do VA Loans Require Escrow Accounts?