Home Purchase
Tips and advice to help Veterans and military families get the most from homebuying
-
VA Loans and Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Buyers Need to KnowCredit score requirements vary by lender. However, most lenders have similar criteria. Let's look at the minimum credit score for a VA loan and what lenders typically expect.
-
How VA Loans Work: What Most Borrowers Don’t Know About VA LoansA VA loan is a mortgage option issued by private lenders and partially backed, or guaranteed, by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Here we look at how VA loans work and what most borrowers don’t know about the program.
-
VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Why It's Important and How to Get OneYour Certificate of Eligibility (COE) verifies you meet the military service requirements for a VA loan. However, not everyone knows there are multiple ways to obtain your COE – some easier than others.
-
Buying a Condo With a VA LoanBuying a condominium with you VA home loan benefit is a great option. However, there are additional requirements that differ from purchasing a single-family residence or a multiunit complex.
-
The Complete Guide to VA Loan Co-Borrowers, Co-Signers and Joint VA LoansVA loans allow Veterans to have a co-borrower on the loan. Here we break down co-borrower requirements and provide common scenarios around co-borrowing and joint VA loans.
-
VA Loan Down Payment RequirementsIn this article, we explore the VA loan down payment requirements. In most instances, Veterans do not need a down payment, but in some cases, it's required. Let's take a closer look.
-
2023 VA Funding Fee: Complete Explainer with Charts and ExemptionsThe VA funding fee is a governmental fee required for many VA borrowers. However, some Veterans are exempt, and the fee varies by VA loan usage and other factors. Here we explore the ins and outs of the VA funding fee, current charts, who's exempt and a handful of unique scenarios.
-
VA Loans vs. FHA Loans: Should You Save Your VA Eligibility and Go FHA?FHA loans have become increasingly popular. But most qualified military borrowers will save more money and enjoy greater buying power using a VA loan. -
Debunking the Myth That VA Home Loans Cost MoreVA home loans aren't categorically more expensive than any other mortgage. In fact, they're often less expensive than others. Learn more about why.
-
Here's How Your Disability Rating Affects Your VA Home Loan BenefitYour VA disability rating by itself has no negative effect on VA loan eligibility. In fact, your rating may provide cost-saving benefits and additional income when considering a VA loan, even if you have bad credit.
-
How to Get a VA Loan as a Reservist or National Guard MemberNational Guard members and Reservists can tap into the same VA loan benefit that's helped generations of Veterans and active duty service members achieve the dream of homeownership.
-
VA Loans and PMI: Breaking Down Mortgage Insurance and VA LoansMortgages typically have some form of mortgage insurance. Conventional loans have private mortgage insurance (PMI), FHA loans have a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and even USDA loans have an ongoing fee. Here we look at the VA's mortgage insurance requirements - or lack thereof.
-
Comparing VA Loans to Conventional Loans
Here we compare the primary differences between VA and conventional loans to show you when each option may be the best.
