VA Loans: The VA Mortgage Loan Program

Updated January 2018

The VA loan program is popular with Veterans and Servicemembers all across America. The VA loan program allows veterans to buy a home with zero down payment requirement and have no monthly mortgage insurance. For eligible Veterans and Servicemembers who currently have a VA loan that is at a higher-than-market interest rate, they can easily take advantage of the VA streamline ( aka VA IRRRL) refinance with no out of pocket closing costs required.

Click here for a free VA mortgage quote.

Most people are aware that the VA doesn’t actually lend money (they work with VA approved lenders who lend the money) the VA only insures your loan so that if you default, the lender gets paid. Because VA loans are backed by the government, lenders are excited to lend money to Veterans who qualify for the VA loan program.

VA Loan Highlights

Certain features of the VA mortgage loan program include:

• 100% financing
• No mortgage insurance
• VA funding fee is required – but can be added to the loan

Energy efficient improvements may also be funded through VA. For those who are interested, you may ask your trusted VA-approved lender or through the VA website.

Certificate of Eligibility

When getting a VA loan, it is required that you get a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA and it must be in your loan package in order to qualify. If you have questions about getting your COE, the lender you are working with can usually help you get a COE or answer questions that you might have about it.

The VA Streamline Program

If you are currently in a VA loan and is interested in getting a lower interest rate, qualifying is easy with VA streamline refinance. The program has reduced paperwork, may not require an appraisal and is designed to help you score a lower interest rate in the simplest way possible. The VA streamline program is also called the VA IRRRL program.

See VA mortgage rates (updated daily) here.

The VA Cash-Out Refinance Program

The VA cash-out refinance is for Veterans who want to convert the equity in their home and put the money to use in other areas. It is possible to get 100% of your home’s appraised value in the form of a check or to pay off other non-VA mortgage debts. Find out more about the VA cash-out refinance here.

VA Loans: How To Save The Most Money

Regardless if you are buying a home or refinancing your VA loan, you can save money by shopping multiple VA lenders. Of course, most lenders are not going to tell you that the secret to getting the best deal is to shop around – but when you shop, lenders are encouraged to offer you their best deal – and you might be surprised at how different each rate quote is for your situation. Shopping for lenders is easy, free and only takes a few minutes. Get a free VA loan quote today!

Ask our lenders about your mortgage options today.