For eligible military members, veterans, and their spouses, a VA loan is a low-cost financing option that can make achieving the American dream of home ownership a possibility. Why should you utilize your VA loan benefits?
- There is no down payment requirement
- There are no limits on how much you can finance
- There is no mortgage insurance requirement
While many banks, credit unions and lenders offer VA loans, not all might be the right fit for you. Here are a couple of tips to help you pick the right VA lender for you.
Confirm you qualify for a VA loan
If you’re active duty, a veteran or the spouse of either, and if you’re looking to purchase a primary or second home, then you qualify!
Crowdsource VA Lender recommendations
Ask your family, friends, colleagues, your realtor, even the internet. Look up reviews, do a Google search, look at the lender’s social media pages and do a little digging. Find out what It’s like to do business with these lenders. Was it a smooth process? Was the lender able to answer all their questions? What were their lender fees? If more than a few people recommend the same lender, odds are, it’s a worthy lender to look into.
You’re allowed to interview lenders!
Many people don’t know this, but you’re allowed to shop lenders to see who is going to provide you the best service, the most communication, and who seems to know what they’re talking about. Ask them about their process of getting your offer accepted by a seller. How long has this lender been licensed? Don’t be distracted by a by big brand, because behind it are just individual people.
Comparison-shop
Get pre-approved and make sure the lender gives you 3 options of payments with taxes and insurance included as well as what the total closing costs will be. Once your credit is run, you won’t get another ding if you go shop other lenders within the first 30 days. See what others can offer you and then pick the best option for your situation.
Close on your VA loan
Once you’ve been pre-approved and you’ve chosen the lender you want to go with, and you’ve gotten an offer accepted, stay in communication with your lender as you move towards closing. At least three business days prior to the closing date, your lender is required to provide you a closing disclosure with a finalized list of closing costs, which might include:
- Origination fee
- VA funding fee
- Any discount points
- Credit check fee
- Recording fee
VA loans offer unique perks, such as the no-down payment option, but not every VA lender is created equal. As for recommendations, do your own research, and consider your own situation to find the VA lender that best fits your needs. If you have more questions, we can help. Reach us today.