Understanding Who Qualifies for a VA Loan Refinance

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The US Veterans Affairs Administration has helped provide home loans for veterans since 1944. The program allows both veterans and active duty service members to obtain affordable mortgages that VA lenders guarantee to repay. The program has been expanded to include refinancing of these loans, and certain qualifications apply.

Using VA Loan Eligibility

To qualify for a refinance loan through the VA, you must have used up your eligibility for an initial home. In other words, it must be a VA loan for a VA refinance. A new certificate of competency is not required. Your previous certificate of eligibility serves as proof of utilization of your eligibility.

credit limits

Certain loans are subject to limits defined by the VA refinance loan program. These limits limit the amount of liability for repayment required by the program. Each county sets the amount of the loan limit. Generally, lenders will approve up to four times the original eligibility amount of $36,000 for a home loan without any down payment.

money fee

A funding fee is required of everyone applying for a loan through the VA Guaranteed Loan Program. Payment of fee is required at closing on the loan. You can either pay the funding fee in cash or roll it into asset financing. Funding fees can range from 0.5 percent to 3.3 percent. The funding fee for the second use of your entitlement is usually higher than for the first use. Certain disabled veterans and surviving spouses are not required to pay the funding fee.

interest rate reduction refinance loan

The program allows refinancing of up to 100 percent of the home’s value. Although credit checks and new appraisals are not required under the program, lenders may impose these requirements under their own rules. Unlike a VA purchase loan, you are not required to certify that you will occupy the home. You only have to prove that you have previously occupied it. The IRRRL program cannot be used to pay off a second mortgage. Normally, the second mortgage must be approved. Your current mortgage payments must be up to date, with no more than one 30-day late payment within the past year.

cash-out refinance loan

If you want to take cash out of your home for medical costs, children’s college or home improvement costs, the VA offers a cash-out refinance program that allows you to use your equity to finance these major expenses. Is. The above qualifications apply equally to these loans. You can also refinance up to 100 percent of the property’s value. Unlike IRRL loans, a credit report, income verification, and property appraisal are required. You must also certify that you will occupy the home being refinanced.

Certain costs associated with refinancing can increase the cost of the loan by an amount greater than the fair market value of the property. These costs may include state and local taxes, discount points and other closing costs. Refinance applicants should always keep these additional costs in mind when determining whether refinancing their VA loan is a favorable idea.

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