A Quick Guide to the VA Home Loan Process
The following is a guest post contributed by Matt Polsky. He may be contacted at mpolsky@vamortgagecenter.com
The VA Home Loan program offers veterans a relatively easy way to secure financing for the purchase of their home while also potentially saving them thousands in out-of-pocket expenses. Designed to help veterans quickly achieve homeownership, military members and eligible spouses can expect to move rapidly through the following process with the aid of their approved VA loan specialist:
See If You Pre-Qualify
Pre-qualifying for a VA home loan in advance will help you determine how much of a home loan you may or may not be eligible for which will make shopping for a home easier. To determine whether or not you pre-qualify, you will need to contact a VA Loan Specialist. The specialist will also be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the VA Home Loan.
Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility
All military members and eligible spouses must first submit a Certificate of Eligibility if they want to qualify for a VA Home Loan. For those who don't have their COE at hand, they may either submit a request by mail to the Department of Veterans Affairs or ask a VA approved lender to obtain one online.
Find Your Dream Home
Your next step after you pre-qualifying for a VA home loan is to find a home you wish to purchase. To make finding an adequate home easier, you should employ the help of a good local REALTOR. A Realtor will also be able to help you find the best deal on a home in the neighborhood of your choice.
Submit a VA Home Loan Application
Once you have found your dream home, you will need to begin the VA loan application process. To begin, contact the VA loan specialist who initially pre-qualified you. They will be able to guide you though the process, and answer any questions you may have regarding the process as you:
- Fill out your application
- Gather and provide all financial documents including pay stubs and bank statements
- Acquire and submit your Certificate of Eligibility
Allow Time for Processing and Approval
Once all your application documents have been submitted, your VA lender will have to request an appraisal. While the home you wish to purchase is being appraised, VA processors will begin processing all your financial information. Once the appraisal is complete and all documents are processed, your eligibility for a VA home loan will then be determined and finalized.
Close the Loan
If you have been approved for a VA loan, it will then be time to close your loan. During this time, the home will be transferred to your name. VA Loan closings are typically done in-house, however, VA lenders occasionally use outside title companies or lawyers to complete the closing.
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