Sunday 22 September 2013

A Veteran Home Loan Is A Beneficial Arrangement For Many Individuals

By Dale Peck


A lending arrangement referred to as a veteran home loan was created to ensure that veterans have certain alternatives. Most arrangements of this kind are utilized to buy existing dwellings, but constructing a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage may also be an option under this type of arrangement. In some instances, a veteran's loan can be applied for to increase the home's energy efficiency before or after its purchase.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, commonly abbreviated as simply VA, has assisted over fifteen million veterans to purchase a primary dwelling. The VA itself does not loan the person the money, but it guarantees the loan, encouraging the lender to relax fees and interest rates for individuals who have served in the armed forces.

The limitations of such arrangements depend on the amount being borrowed, and whether or not the individual is completing active duty. Financial experts claim that the mortgage industry has been helped significantly by the many loans that are guaranteed by the VA. They also state that loans of this kind are advantageous for both lenders and borrowers.

Such loans were designed to compensate women and men for serving their country. However, the rates and terms associated with such arrangements are not always better than those found with traditional loans. For instance, a borrower who is a prequalified buyer may be able to get the same or similar rates on his or her own, provided the person has a positive credit history. On the other hand, veterans with few or no assets will find the terms and conditions of VA loans very beneficial. In certain instances, such arrangements are the only way a veteran can purchase a primary residence.

The primary eligibility for such an arrangement is the borrower's service in the military. Other terms of qualifications vary with regard to the nature and time of his or her service. A veteran must have served at least 180 continuous days during peace, or 90 days of active duty during wartime in order to qualify. In most cases, if a person was dishonorably discharged from any branch of the service, he or she will not qualify for such loans.

To obtain a VA loan, an individual must first acquire a certificate of eligibility. This can be obtained at the VA department, and after it is received, the person can sign a sales agreement for home with a realtor or private seller. An appraisal is usually completed by the VA, even though the lending institution will also conduct an appraisal.

For many years, the US Department of Veterans Affairs has backed loans for those who have served in any branch of the military. In 2008, on October 10th, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act was signed by then-president George W. Bush. This act updated the terms and conditions of the program in order to offset repercussions felt by veterans from the housing market collapse that took place that year.

Those who believe they qualify for a veteran home loan are wise to pursue this course of action. This is especially true if owning a home would otherwise be financially out of reach. Anyone planning to apply for such a loan should consider speaking to a financial planner or real estate agent in order to receive help with the process.




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