Tag Archives: mortgage
Home Loan Programs For Military Personnel
The Unites States Veteran’s Administration has made available a series of lending opportunities to military personnel who have served in active duty in the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard, and have not received a dishonorable discharge. Generous VA purchase, refinance and streamline loans can save the U.S. veteran significant money over the life of the loan with lenders eager to compete with lower interest rates and the “no down payment” policy applied to some purchase agreements.
Some of the benefits from a VA purchase loan for the veteran’s primary residence include restrictions on the amount of closing costs applied to the mortgage, no penalty for early loan balance pay off, and offers an assumable mortgage to qualified candidates who wish to assume.
The VA refinancing program resembles the private sector loans that enable the home owner to pull cash from the property’s equity and refinance even when the payments are in delinquency. However, the new terms and conditions will be regulated by the private lender.
The streamline refinance option, or IRRRL, allows the veteran to change a short-term ARM to a long-term fixed mortgage, with no cash out of pocket. In some cases, the lender may require a property appraisal and check the applicant’s credit score.
The VA lending procedure is similar to a traditional mortgage loan in that the VA recipient is entitled to a property appraisal. The approximate market value of the home is estimated on the CRV, or certificate of reasonable value and the paperwork is sent to the lending institution for approval. In most cases, the VA will accept appraisal certificates from appraisal companies that have been in business for at least five years.
The veteran may purchase a home at any market price, however, the VA lending system does not grant a loan balance to exceed the CVR findings. The over-budget difference in cost may be paid in cash or carried by a private lending institution. In situations where the CVR price is higher than the asking price, the veteran does not have to make a down payment on the property.
The qualified veteran may select a long-term fixed rate loan to extend to a maximum of 30 years and 37, or choose a an ARM. Applicants for the short-term ARM must adhere to VA regulations that require the loan to have a limited up or down interest rate of 1 percent, a final interest rate cap not to exceed five points above the initial interest rate at signing, and ensure the monthly payments will adjust on the annual date if signature.
To apply for a VA housing loan, the applicant must fill out a “certificate of eligibility” or complete the VA Form 26-1880 along with papers verifying active duty since September 16, 1940. In addition, you must include copies of your military separation papers. Select a real estate agent to help you with the house hunting and sign the purchase agreement. Call your local VA lending office and apply to the mortgage agency of your choice. The VA will take it from there, and you’re ready to move into your new home.
How to Get the Best Home Loan Possible
You deserve only the best home loan deal. Here are some tips to help you get the best mortgage deal possible.
Mortgages are not created equal. The home loan industry is thriving these days, with lenders offering various types to fit different financial circumstances and needs. The competition in the industry is just as tight that lenders are in the lookout for potential borrowers who would like to get a mortgage.
If you have looked around online for good mortgage deals and have signed up for a few sites, do not be surprised to receive email offers almost immediately after signing up. What you should look for is the best home loan deal that you can get given your circumstances. You wouldn’t want to pay higher rates or pay unwanted fees. But even if this is the case, be very wary about the oh-so-attractive loan offers you see in the mail. Use your instincts, be a smart borrower, and get the best deal you can possibly get. Here are some steps to help you find the best deal:
Know your credit rating and your credit score. Many people are not aware of the fact that their credit standing has a good bearing on their home loan deal. It is a good idea to get a copy of your credit standing as it can be a useful tool in negotiating for the best loan so that you do not end up paying more than you should. If you have credit report mistakes, immediately correct them before applying for your loan.
Be careful when using your home equity to consolidate debts. Though debt consolidation is almost always a good idea, doing so against your home can pose bigger risk. This type of loan may be useful but missing out on your repayment may get you at a higher risk for foreclosure.
Shop around for a good deal. There is no harm in shopping around for a good deal. You can contact three or four potential lenders, ask pertinent information, and then compare their home loan offers. What you should look for is the lender which can offer you the best interest rate, loan term and those which can provide you with the excellent service you deserve. You should also pay close attention to closing costs and fees that they charge. Remember that you should never base your decision only on monthly payments. Some companies do charge low monthly fees but impose hidden fees or balloon payments which can either cost you more in the long run or will be difficult for you to pay in due time. Also, be very wary of those who will ask you to pay upfront fees before actual negotiations have been talked about.
Close your deal with caution. Once you have chosen the lender and the type of deal you think is best, make sure that you read all the home loan papers before signing them. Make sure that you understand everything written and that what is reflected in writing is the actual deal you talked about. Be careful of lenders who will rush you into signing. If in doubt, do not sign the home loan deal!