History of the VA Loan Colloquially referred to as the GI Bill, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act was passed by Congress in 1944. This act provided transition benefits for returning WWII veterans. Benefits included payments for tuition, living expenses, business loans at low interest rates, low-interest mortgages, and nominal unemployment insurance. These benefits were available to all veterans who had met time-in-service requirements and had been discharged with other than a dishonorable discharge. Of the original benefits in the bill, only the VA home loan guarantee program remains in effect. From 1944 through 1993, almost 14 million home loans were guaranteed through the VA. The combined loan amounts totaled more than $433 billion. The first step for veterans wanting to apply for a VA loan is to obtain a certificate of eligibility (COE). This can be obtained online either at the VA's website or here on our site. Obtaining a copy of the DD-214 is the second step. Again, it must show other than a dishonorable discharge. The VA does not lend the money. It provides a guarantee to the lender that the money will be repaid, up to a specific dollar amount. The guarantee amount can vary, depending on the area of the country. Those areas with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York City, will have a higher guarantee amount than a smaller town with a lower cost of living. Once the veteran has these two documents, he or she can begin the process of purchasing a home using the VA home loan eligibility. The home must be used as a primary residence. The applicant must have a valid COE. A credit score high enough to qualify for the loan. And also must show income sufficient to make the payments. VA home mortgages can be used to: •Buy a principal home, manufactured home, or condominium •Buy a fixer-upper and make the necessary improvements •Construct a home •Make energy-efficient improvements The program has changed somewhat in recent years. Veterans can now expect to pay some out-of-pocket expenses for some VA home loans. Once the vet has established eligibility, he or she will need to find a lender. Not all financial institutions will lend on a VA loan. Rates also will
vary for interest, points, etc. So each veteran should shop for the best rate for his or her circumstances. The lender will order an appraisal by the VA. This is not a guarantee of the home's value. Nor is it a home inspection. All homes should receive a home inspection prior to documents being signed. This is for the veteran's protection. Once a home is found, loan documents are submitted and reviewed. Then the lender will select a third party such as a title company or an escrow company to conduct the document signing. Surviving spouses can be entitled to a VA home loan if they are the: •Un-remarried spouse of a veteran who died during his or her service or from disabilities incurred during time in service •Surviving spouse who remarried after the age of 57 •Spouse of a service member who is MIA or a POW If a veteran has previously used their VA loan eligibility, he or she may be entitled to a restoration of benefit. This makes them eligible to use the VA loan guarantee for a second time, if: •The previous property has been sold and the previous mortgage was completely paid off •Another qualified veteran assumes the loan and substitutes his or her loan eligibility for the VA loan guarantee The VA home loan guarantee program is an excellent method for veterans to procure a home with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Mortgage Originator Jimmy Vercellino, specializing in VA Loans, helps veterans use their VA loan benefit to their greatest advantage. For more details call us at
480-351-5904. Visit site: https://www.valoansforvets.com/va-pre-loan-faq/ The views expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily represent those of First Choice Bank (NMLS #: 177877) and First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS #: 210764), 7600 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale AZ 85258. Equal Housing Lender. www.fcloans.com/disclaimer/ www.fcbhomeloans.com/privacy