The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has helped countless veterans finance their home ownership goals. While you have the choice of a conventional loan offered by other mortgage lenders, there are some significant benefits to VA loans. Here are some of the most important advantages to consider:
No Down Payment
The most famous benefit of VA loans is the lack of down payments. Homebuyers taking out a conventional loan typically need to pay around 3% of the home's purchase price up front as part of their loan terms. Even a small percentage can mean tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket. A VA loan will help you save this money instead of potentially draining your hard-earned savings.
No Private Mortgage Insurance
Private mortgage insurance is required by lenders to protect them against the chance of you defaulting on your loan. Not only do these insurance policies have hefty upfront charges, the ongoing annual cost can last the entire life of your loan. Luckily, with VA loans, there is no requirement for private mortgage insurance, saving you money and time.
Easier Financial Requirements
Mortgage lenders conduct a careful analysis of your financial profile when you apply for a loan. For most lenders, credit score requirements can be especially strict. Even if you qualify for a loan, a lower credit score might mean higher interest rates or private mortgage insurance premiums. VA loans don't have a credit score requirement, so no matter what state your credit is in, you can still be approved for a loan.
The same goes for debt-to income ratios. While VA lenders still consider DTI ratios in the approval process, the requirements are much more flexible and forgiving. Even with a high debt-to-income ratio, you can be approved for a VA home loan with other financial factors like credit score working in your favor.
These are only a few of the major benefits offered by VA home loans. Remember these factors if you're deciding between a VA or conventional loan so you can make the best decision for your situation.
About the Author
Julie Pieczonka
Hi- I am Julie Pieczonka and I would love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I would be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
I am a retired fitness education and health education teacher. I decided to satisfy a long-time goal of mine and become a Realtor. This continues my desire to serve others and am so fortunate to have had amazing success. I served as an Ohio & Indiana Realtor, was a member of the Ohio Association of Realtor's President's Club 2015, 2016 & 2017; and a member of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtor's Circle of Excellence Club 2015, 2016 & 2017. Realtor of the Year for Sellstate Platinum Realty in 2020.
My husband and I (and our two golden retrievers) have become permanent Florida residents as I acted as a referral agent only in Ohio and Indiana from 2018 through the present.
I am actively practice my love for Real Estate here in the Sunshine State.
I absolutely enjoy assisting my clients in one of the biggest decisions they will make in their lives —that's buying and selling real estate.
Cordially-
Your Active Agent,
Julie
