Homebuyers Guide

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A Quick Guide For Homebuyers & Real Estate Professionals

Luminate Home Loans is Here to Serve Veterans

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Why a VA Loan?

The more you know about our home loan program, the more you will realize how little "red tape" there really is in getting a VA loan. These loans are often made without any downpayment at all. Aside from the veteran's certificate of eligibility and the fact that the appraiser is assigned by VA, the application process is not much different than any other type of mortgage loan.

5 Easy Steps to a VA Loan

  1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). VALoansMN will request the COE for you, or
    a veteran can obtain a COE by completing VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility, and mailing it, along with proof of military service, to the eligibility center (see office list at back of pamphlet). Also, veterans who have already begun the loan application process with a lender may request the lender obtain a COE through webLGY, which is accessed through the VA portal.
  2. Decide on a home to buy and sign a purchase agreement.
  3. VALoansMN will order an appraisal from the VA.
  4. Apply to VALoansMN for the loan.
  5. While the appraisal is being done, we will be gathering credit and income information. VALoansMN is authorized by the VA to process loans on the automatic basis (and approx. 99 percent of all VA loans are processed this way). The loan can be approved and closed upon receipt of the appraised value determination without waiting for a VA review of the credit application. VA has also approved the use of several automated underwriting systems for lenders to use in connection with VA loans. The two main systems are Loan Prospector and Desktop Underwriter.
  6. Close the loan and move in.

VA Financing - A Good Deal for Veterans

More than 27 million veterans and service personnel are eligible for VA financing. Even though many veterans have already used their loan benefits, it may be possible for them to buy homes again with VA financing using remaining or restored loan entitlement.

Before arranging for a new mortgage to finance a home purchase, veterans should consider some of the advantages of VA home loans:


  • Most important consideration, no down payment is required in most cases.
  • Loan maximum may be up to 100 percent of the VA-established reasonable value of the property. Due to secondary market requirements, however, loans generally may not exceed $417,000 ($625,500 for loans in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands). This figure is subject to change each year.
  • Flexibility of negotiating interest rates with the lender.
  • No monthly mortgage insurance premium to pay.
  • Limitation on buyer's closing costs.
  • An appraisal, which informs the buyer of estimated property value.
  • Thirty-year loans with a choice of repayment plans.
  • Traditional fixed payment: (constant principal and interest: increases or decreases may be expected in property taxes and homeowner's insurance coverage); Graduated Payment Mortgage-GPM (low initial payments which gradually rise to a level payment starting in the sixth year); and in some areas, Growing Equity Mortgages-GEMs (gradually increasing payments with all of the increase applied to principal, resulting in an early payoff of the loan). Hybrid ARMs: VA is authorized to guarantee hybrid ARM loans where the initial rate remains fixed for at least 3 years. The initial adjustment can be as much as 2 percent if the fixed rate period is 5 or more years. Annual adjustments thereafter are limited to 1 percent if the fixed rate period is less than 5 years, and 2 percent if the fixed rate period is 5 or more years. If the fixed rate period is less than 5 years, the initial adjustment is limited to 1 percent and the annual cap to 5 percentage points. Traditional ARM loans: VA can also guarantee traditional 1-year ARM loans where the rate is adjusted annually. Annual adjustments are limited to 1 percent and the maximum interest rate increase over the life of the loan is limited to 5 percentage points.
  • New homes, which are appraised before or during construction, are inspected to help ensure compliance with the plans and specifications used for the appraisal and with VA minimum property requirements. All new houses, regardless of when appraised, are covered by either a 1-year builder's warranty or a 10-year insured protection plan.
  • An assumable mortgage, subject to VA approval of the assumer's credit.
  • Right to prepay loan without penalty.
  • VA performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans avoid losing their homes during temporary financial difficulties.
What is a VA Guaranteed Loan?

These loans are made by a lender, such as a mortgage company, savings and loan, or bank. VA's guaranty on the loan protects the lender against loss if the payments are not made, and is intended to encourage lenders to offer veterans loans with more favorable terms. The amount of guaranty on the loan depends on the loan amount and whether the veteran used some entitlement previously. With the current maximum guaranty, a veteran who hasn't previously used the benefit may be able to obtain a VA loan up to $417,000 ($625,500 for loans in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands), depending on the borrower's income level and the appraised value of the property. Your VA Regional Loan Center can provide more details on guaranty and entitlement amounts.

What Can a VA Loan Be Used For?
  • To buy a home, a condominium unit in a VA-approved project, or to purchase a unit in a cooperative (co-op).
  • To build a home.
  • To simultaneously purchase and improve a home.
  • To improve a home by installing energy-related features such as solar or heating/cooling systems, water heaters, insulation, weather-stripping/caulking, storm windows/doors, or other energy efficient improvements approved by the lender and VA. These features may be added to the purchase of an existing dwelling or by refinancing a home owned and occupied by the veteran. A loan can be increased up to $3,000 based on documented costs or up to $6,000 if the increase in the mortgage payment is offset by the expected reduction in utility costs. A refinancing loan may not exceed 90 percent of the appraised value plus the costs of the improvements. Check with a lender or VA for details.
  • To refinance an existing home loan up to 90 percent of the VA-established reasonable value or to refinance an existing VA loan to reduce the interest rate.
  • To buy a manufactured home and/or lot.
Who is Eligible?

Veterans with active duty service, that was not dishonorable, during World War II and later periods, are eligible for VA loan benefits. World War II (September 16, 1940 to July 25, 1947), Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955), and Vietnam era (August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975) veterans must have at least 90 days of service. Veterans with service only during peacetime periods and active duty military personnel must have had more than 180 days of active service. Veterans of enlisted service which began after September 7, 1980, or officers with service beginning after October 16,1981, must in most cases have served at least 2 years.

Gulf War. Basically, reservists and National Guard members who were activated on or after August 2, 1990, served at least 90 days and were discharged honorably, are eligible. VA can assist with eligibility questions.

Members of the Selected Reserve, including National Guard, who are not otherwise eligible and who have completed 6 years of service and have been honorably discharged or have completed 6 years of service and are still serving, may be eligible. Contact the VA Eligibility Center to find out what is needed to establish eligibility. Reservists will pay a slightly higher funding fee than regular veterans. (See paragraph entitled "Costs of Obtaining a VA Loan.")

Had a VA Loan Before?

Remaining Entitlement

Veterans who had a VA loan before may still have "remaining entitlement" to use for another VA loan. The current amount of entitlement available to each eligible veteran is $36,000. This was much lower in years past and has been increased over time by changes in the law.


For example, a veteran who obtained a $25,000 loan in 1974 would have used $12,500 guaranty entitlement, the maximum then available. Even if that loan is not paid off, the veteran could use the $23,500 difference between the $12,500 entitlement originally used and the current maximum of $36,000 to buy another home with VA financing. For certain loans in excess of $144,000, the basic $36,000 entitlement can be increased to a maximum guaranty equal to 25 percent of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit for a single family residence, minus any previously used entitlement.

 

Most lenders require that a combination of the guaranty entitlement and any cash down payment must equal at least 25 percent of the reasonable value or sales price of the property, whichever is less. Thus, in the example, the veteran's $23,500 remaining entitlement would probably meet a lender's minimum guaranty requirement for a no-down payment loan to buy a property valued at and selling for $94,000. The veteran could also combine a down payment with the remaining entitlement for a larger loan amount.

Restoration of Entitlement

Veterans can have previously-used entitlement "restored" to purchase another home with a VA loan if:


  • The property purchased with the prior VA loan has been sold and the loan paid in full, or
  • A qualified veteran-transferee (buyer) agrees to assume the VA loan and substitute his or her entitlement for the same amount of entitlement originally used by the veteran seller. The entitlement may also be restored one time only if the veteran has repaid the prior VA loan in full, but has not disposed of the property purchased with the prior VA loan. Remaining entitlement and restoration of entitlement can be requested through the VA Eligibility Center by completing VA Form 26-1880.

How to Get a VA Loan

VA Appraisal

Because the loan amount may not exceed VA's estimate of the value of the property, the first step in getting a VA loan is usually to request an appraisal. Although anyone (buyer, seller, real estate personnel or lender) can request a VA appraisal, usually this is done by the lender via the Internet using TAS (The Appraisal System). The appraiser will send a bill for his or her services to the requester according to a fee schedule approved by VA. To simplify things, VA and HUD/FHA (Department of Housing and Urban Development/Federal Housing Administration) generally use the same appraisal forms.

It is important to recognize that while the VA appraisal estimates the value of the property, it is not an inspection and does not guarantee that the house is free of defects. Homebuyers should be encouraged to carefully inspect the property themselves, or to hire a reputable inspection firm to help in this area. VA guarantees the loan, not the condition of the property.

Application

The application process for VA financing is no different from any other type of loan. In fact, the VA application form is the same as that used for HUD/FHA and conventional loans. The mortgage lender verifies the applicant's income and assets, and obtains a credit report to see that other obligations are being paid on time. If all is well and the appraised value of the property is enough to cover the loan needed, the lender, in most instances, can then close the loan under VA's automatic procedure. Only about 1 percent of VA loan applications have to be submitted to a VA office for approval before closing.

Requirements for Loan Approval

To obtain a VA loan, the law requires that:
  • The applicant must be an eligible veteran who has available entitlement.
  • The loan must be for an eligible purpose.
  • The veteran must occupy or intend to occupy the property as a home within a reasonable period of time after closing the loan.
  • The veteran must be a satisfactory credit risk.
  • The income of the veteran and spouse, if any, must be shown to be stable and sufficient to meet the mortgage payments, cover the costs of owning a home, take care of other obligations and expenses, and have enough left over for family support. An experienced mortgage lender will be able to discuss specific income and other qualifying requirements.

Costs of Obtaining a VA Loan

Funding Fee

  • A funding fee must be paid by all veterans using the VA home loan program, except those exempt due to receipt of disability compensation.
  • The funding fee can range from 0.5 percent for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans (IRRRLs) to 3.3 percent for veterans who are subsequent users of the VA home loan program.
  • For all VA loans, the funding fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan.
  • For more information on the VA funding fee, contact your VA Regional Loan Center.


Other Closing Costs

Reasonable closing costs may be charged by the lender. These costs may not be included in the loan. The following items may be paid by the veteran purchaser, the seller, or shared. Closing costs may vary among lenders and also throughout the nation because of differing local laws and customs.


  • VA appraisal
  • Credit report
  • Loan origination fee (usually 1 percent of the loan)
  • Discount points
  • Title search and title insurance
  • Recording fees
  • State and/or local transfer taxes, if applicable
  • Survey


No commissions, brokerage fees, or "buyer broker" fees may be charged to the veteran buyer.

Need More Information?

Veterans seeking more detailed information concerning the VA home loan program may request VA Pamphlet 26-4, VA-Guaranteed Home Loans for Veterans, or VA Pamphlet 26-6, To the Home-Buying Veteran, from VA.

Remember, VA-guaranteed financing is a benefit which Congress intended eligible veterans should have. If you are a veteran home buyer or know of one, it makes sense to look into the VA loan program as a good way to finance a home purchase.



To locate a VA facility, or to obtain more information on the VA Loan Guaranty program, visit www.va.gov and click on Facilities Locator.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Loan Approval

If you encounter a special situation, it is best to mention it to us right away so we can help you determine the best way to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.

  • DO continue making your mortgage or rent payments
  • DO stay current on all existing accounts
  • DO keep working at your current employer
  • DO keep your same insurance company
  • DO continue to use your credit as normal
  • DO call us if you have any questions
  • DON’T make a major purchase (car, boat, big screen TV, etc.)
  • DON’T apply for new credit (even if you seem pre-approved)
  • DON’T open a new credit card
  • DON’T transfer any balances from one account to another
  • DON’T pay off charge offs without a discussion with us first
  • DON’T pay off collections without a discussion with us first
  • DON’T buy any furniture
  • DON’T close any credit card accounts
  • DON’T max out or over charge on your credit card accounts
  • DON’T change bank accounts
  • DON’T consolidate your debt onto 1 or 2 credit cards
  • DON’T take out a new loan, even if you don’t have to make a payment for along time
  • DON’T start any home improvement projects
  • DON’T open a new cellular phone account
  • DON’T pay off any loans or credit cards without discussing it with us.

Why might you need an appraisal? How do appraisals work?

In many cases, lenders need a professional, independent appraisal of the property you want to buy or refinance to ensure that it is worth at least as much as they are being asked to lend on it. If you are making a smaller down payment and have a lower credit score, the lender is going to be even more interested in making sure the property that will be collateral for the loan is worth lending the amount requested.


A professional appraiser will usually visit your home and inspect its interior and exterior. The appraiser doesn't want to buy your home, and isn't a visiting head of state. So whatever you do, do not postpone the appraisal until you get a chance to "clean up a little." Cleaning does not make your appraised value higher! And delaying adds time to an already lengthy process.


The appraiser will form an opinion on the probable market value of the property considering sales of similar homes in the area among other factors. He or she will prepare an appraisal report explaining the conclusion. The appraisal belongs to the lender considering lending money with the home as collateral. Often, you can receive a copy of the appraisal either as a courtesy or in keeping with state law. Let us know you're interested and we'll help.


The lender wants to know first of all whether the property is worth at least as much as the loan amount. In the unlikely event the lender would have to foreclose, it wants to know it should be able to recoup at least the loan amount. But if your loan program depends on you borrowing, for example, 95 percent of the property's value and no more, the appraisal can impact your eligibility for the loan that's right for you. In a "close" case like that, the best solution is almost always to increase your down payment, or we can help find another solution such as another loan program that works.

Why You Should Get an Inspection

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you should have a professional home inspection performed. A home inspection will look at the systems that make up the building such as:


  • Structural elements, foundation, framing, etc.
  • Plumbing systems
  • Roofing
  • Electrical systems
  • Cosmetic condition, paint, siding, etc.


If you are buying a home, you need to know exactly what you are getting. A home inspection, performed by a professional home inspector, will reveal any hidden problems with the home so that they may be addressed BEFORE the deal is closed. You should require an inspection at the time you make a formal offer. Make sure the contract has an inspection contingency. Then, hire your own inspector and pay close attention to the inspection report. If you aren't comfortable with what he finds, you should kill the deal.


Likewise, if you are selling a home, you want to know about such potential hidden problems before your house goes on the market. Almost all contracts include the condition that the contract is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory inspection. And most buyer's are going to insist that the inspection be a professional home inspection, usually by an inspector they hire. If the buyer's inspector finds a problem, it can cause the buyer to get cold feet and the deal can often fall through. At best, surprise problems uncovered by the buyer's inspector will cause delays in closing, and usually you will have to pay for repairs at the last minute, or take a lower price on your home.


It's better to pay for your own inspection before putting your home on the market. Find out about any hidden problems and correct them in advance. Otherwise, you can count on the buyer's inspector finding them, at the worst possible time.

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