A VA loan is a home mortgage loan insured by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and available to most U.S. veterans and other classes of eligible military personnel. This kind of loan allows up to 100% financing, never requires mortgage insurance, and carries flexible underwriting guidelines. VA mortgage rates are often the lowest of all available loan types.
Most active military members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members are eligible to apply for a VA loan. Spouses of military members who died while on active duty or as a result of a combat-related disability may also apply. You may also be eligible for a VA loan if you meet one or more of the following conditions:
You have served 90 consecutive days during wartime
You have served 181 days during peacetime
You have more than six years of service in the National Guard or Reserves
Residences that qualify for a VA loan come in all shapes and sizes. While single-family homes are the standard when pertaining to the VA loan, many condominiums, townhomes, modular homes, new construction homes and manufactured homes may also qualify.
Applicants who meet the basic requirements for a VA loan also must acquire a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). A COE is used to verify your eligibility for home loan benefits. A COE is not needed to begin the application process, however. This is something our preferred lender, Fairway Independent Mortgage can help you obtain.