What Is A VA Loan?

The VA Loan program is the most powerful home loan program on the market for many veterans, service members and military families. These flexible, government-backed loans come with significant benefits that open the doors of home ownership to veterans who might otherwise struggle to obtain financing.

VA loan require no down payment or private mortgage insurance. VA loan features competitive rates and terms and allows qualified borrowers to purchase a home with little to no money out of pocket.

The increasing popularity has stemmed from the loan program’s signature benefits, which include:

1. No Down Payment VA Loan

Saving money and building credit can be difficult for service members who are constantly on the move. With the VA Loan, qualified borrowers can finance 100 percent of the home’s value without putting down a dime.

2. No Private Mortgage Insurance for VA Loan

Many conventional lenders require borrowers to pay private monthly mortgage insurance unless they’re able to put down at least 20 percent, which is a tough task for many veterans. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an insurance that protects lenders in case of a borrower default.

With a VA Loan, however, there is no PMI. This is because the federal government backs all VA Loan programs and assumes the risk on behalf of the borrower that is typically covered by the PMI.

This VA Loan advantage allows you to build more and more equity in your house, effectively saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

3. Competitive Interest Rates

Interest rates on home loans are based on risk assumed by the bank to finance the loan. Because the VA backs each VA Loan with a guaranty, financial institutions carry less risk and can offer interest rates that are typically 0.5 to 1 percent lower than conventional interest rates.

Pair that lower interest rate with the ability to purchase a home with no money down and no private mortgage insurance and the savings start adding up significantly.

Additional Benefits

Basic Allowance for Housing

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a significant benefit for qualified active military members. Lenders can count your Basic Allowance for Housing as effective income, which means you can use BAH to pay some or all of your monthly mortgage costs.
BAH varies based on your pay grade, your geographic location and your number of dependents.

Planning to purchase a new home this Spring? Are you qualified for VA Loan programs or do you know anyone may be qualified for VA Loan? Contact our loan agent in San Ramon to pre-qualify for VA Loan home mortgage program.