VA Mortgage Loan

What Is a VA Mortgage Loan?

A VA mortgage loan is a home loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A VA loan makes it easier for veterans, active duty military members and eligible surviving spouses to purchase or refinance their home because it typically doesn’t require a down payment.*

The VA offers this benefit to honor the service and enhance the lives of those who have served or are serving their country. The flexible VA mortgage loan guidelines make homeownership more attainable for active service members, vets and surviving spouses who might not qualify or who might not see loan terms as favorable with a Conventional loan.

*A down payment is required if the borrower does not have full VA entitlement or when the loan amount exceeds the VA county limits. VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit guidelines, and property limits.

VA Mortgage Highlights

VA home loans often require no down payment* and help keep your savings secure and offer more flexibility for active-duty military personnel, veterans and eligible surviving spouses. They also feature:

• No prepayment penalties
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• 100% financing with full VA entitlement*
• Fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages
• VA financing fees can be lumped into the total loan amount
• A variety of eligible property types, including townhomes and VA-approved condos

‍*A down payment is required if the borrower does not have full VA entitlement or when the loan amount exceeds the VA county limits. VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit guidelines, and property limits.

VA Loan Programs

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

If you are currently serving in the military with a chance of relocating in the next few years, the flexibility of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) could be the right option for you. ARMs offer lower introductory interest rates that can change after the initial fixed-rate period. Depending on market fluctuations after this initial fixed-rate period, your monthly payments could change due to rates increasing or decreasing.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Fixed-rate mortgages protect you against rising rates since the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan. You can select a 30- or 15-year loan term. The main difference is the 15-year option has higher monthly payments, which also means you are building home equity faster. Keep in mind you can use equity as a down payment for your next home or a future cash-out refinance. If you plan on staying in your home for a longer time frame, a fixed-rate mortgage could be the right solution for you.

Cash-Out Refinance

If you’re already a homeowner, a cash-out refinance may help you pay for major expenses like college tuition, debt or home improvements. This option allows you to take cash out of your home equity by replacing your current mortgage with a new loan that is more than the amount owed. You can also refinance a non-VA loan into a VA loan with a cash-out refinance.

Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)

An interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) may help lower your interest rate and reduce your monthly payments by refinancing your existing VA loan. You can also refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) into a fixed-rate mortgage with this option. However, you cannot receive cash from loan proceeds with an IRRRL.