How do VA home loans work?

A VA home loan is a mortgage loan that’s issued by private lenders and partially back by the federal government. It helps U.S. veterans, active duty service members, and select widowed military spouses to buy a home.

VA home loans have been around since 1944, but they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years and now account for about 8%* of home purchases. This type of loan is often a good option because requirements are less restrictive to qualify for and require little to no down payment. 

VA home loans can be a great way into homeownership. They differ in some key ways from traditional home loans, so contact us to find out if a VA home loan is the best way for you to buy that dream home. 

Key Features and Benefits of VA Home Loans:

• Little or no-down-payment
• Minimum credit of 620 is required for fixed-rate financing.
• Borrowers with credit scores from 580 to 619 are subject to stricter guidelines.**

• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) require a minimum 620 credit score.

• High-balance loans are allowed. If you're buying a home in a high-cost area, you may qualify for up to $2.5 million in loan funds.
• A variety of property types are allowed, including single-family residences, 2-4-unit properties, VA-approved condominiums, manufactured homes and properties in Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).
• Loans are for primary residences only and can’t be used for investment properties.

Caliber is proud to support veteran and military home buyers, you can find out more about our initiatives by visiting Caliber Military Lending.

* Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Residential Construction,   https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/quarterly_sales.pdf
**Borrowers with credit scores from 580 to 619 may only qualify for purchase transactions of one-unit single-family residences. Gift funds and down payment assistance is not allowed. Other restrictions may apply.