PURCHASING WITH A VA LOAN

When you purchase a home with Embrace, you’re in good company. One of our mortgage specialists will guide you every step of the way from approval to closing, carrying out each detail with precision and efficiency.

You’ll enjoy some distinct advantages with a VA loan:

• Little–to-no down payment required

  It’s true – you can have a low down payment! You may obtain up to 103.3% financing for a home purchase or 20% for a second mortgage and up to $6,000 for energy efficient improvements.

• No money due at closing

  The VA limits closing costs for Veterans, so you can come to the table without a large lump sum payment.

• No monthly PMI (private mortgage insurance)

  Because VA loans are government backed, you don’t have to pay private mortgage insurance (which is typically required). This allows for larger loans with the same payment.

• Better rates

  Since VA loans are government backed, lenders view these loans as safer options for homeowners. As a result, they’re able to offer more competitive interest rates than traditional loan programs.

• Finance your funding fee

  For VA purchase loans, there is a funding fee (up to 3.3%). This is to ensure that the program can continue for future generations of military personnel and their families, and this fee goes directly to the VA. Your funding fee can be conveniently rolled into the overall loan amount. The fee does not apply for Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

• Easier to qualify

  Again, because this is a government loan, lenders have less risk, which means there are fewer restrictions and qualifications to obtain the loan.

Do you qualify for a VA loan?

• To be eligible for a VA loan, you have to be currently or formerly on active duty (181 days during peace time or 90 days during war time), or a Guard or Reserve member for at least 6 years, or a surviving military spouse.

• The home being financed must be your primary residence.

• You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. At Embrace, our loan officers are experienced with the VA loan process, and they will obtain an electronic copy of your Certificate of Eligibility using a copy of your DD-214. In addition, standard items such as pay stubs, tax returns, W2s, employment history, bank and investment statements, and documentation of any real estate assets are required.

REFINANCING WITH A VA LOAN

When you team up with us to get a VA refinance loan, you have a tactical advantage. One of our mortgage specialists will walk you through all of the refi options existing under the VA guidelines. And their service doesn’t end there. They’ll stay with you every step of the way, taking care of every detail from approval to closing.

You’ll enjoy many benefits when refinancing with a loan backed by Veteran Affairs. You can lower your monthly payments, merge a Conventional loan with VA-backed one, or even get cash for home improvements.

When it comes to VA loans, two options for refinancing exist: Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) and a more traditional Cash-Out Refinance.

The IRRRL was created to give Veterans who are currently paying off their mortgage an even lower interest rate. In order to qualify, you must already have a VA loan-backed mortgage, and the new rate must be lower than your original. You also qualify if you’re refinancing from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) are helpful for those still active in the military or those who have completed their service.

The other option for a VA refi is a Cash-Out Refinance, which allows you to take money out for repairs or improvements on a home. Whether you have a Conventional loan or a VA-backed one, you can still fold it into the Cash-Out VA refinance.

Are you eligible for a VA refinance loan?

• To qualify for a VA refi, you have to be a service member on active duty or be an honorable discharged Veteran.

• You may be the spouse of a current service member or Veteran

• Widows or widowers of a Veteran must be unmarried when refinancing.
• Unless you are applying for an IRRRL, spouse must have died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury.

• You must have a minimum FICO score of 580 and an acceptable debt-to-income ratio.

There is no obligation, so call 800-333-3004 to speak with an Embrace specialist today.