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Experts Tout Benefits of Reverse Mortgages to Financial Planners - As finances are uncertain for many approaching retirement, reverse mortgages are an ideal shock absorber for the many potential shocks once a senior stops working, financial experts conveyed to an audience of financial planners Wednesday.

Hosted by the American College of Financial Services, “Utilizing Housing Wealth in Retirement” featured Shelley Giordano founder and chair of the Funding Longevity of Task Force, Jamie Hopkins, professor of retirement planning at The American College; and Barbara Stucki, the principal at BRStucki Consulting. Girordano spent a portion of time explaining the benefits of a reverse mortgage in a retirement plan.

From the beginning, Giordano debunked any mindsets that reverse mortgages should only be used when all other strategies were exhausted.

“If there’s one take away from today’s presentation, it is reverse mortgages are not a strategy of last resort,” she said. “If you’re fond of saying this — and believe me I run into people on a weekly basis who say, ‘Oh, those reverse mortgages are a strategy of last resort,’ — just wash your mouth out with soap. It’s not true.”

In her presentation, Giordano outlined several strategic uses for a HECM, including refinance, HECM for purchase, coordinated withdrawals, the power of the line of credit, and divorce, giving two scenarios when a HECM is an “elegant solution” for parting spouses.

In the first case, the divorcing couple takes a HECM out on the house, and the parting spouse takes 50% of the value to use an H4P and buy a home of similar value.

“Another solution would be for them just to go ahead and sell the house, and then they use the cash as a down payment but leverage that down payment with an H4P,” she said, explaining that each spouse could potentially move into a home of equal value.

Divorce was also one of the common shocks of retirement, along with liquidity shock, inflation shock, housing value shock, health shock, car repair, portfolio shock, hearing aids, and even dental problems, Giordano said.

“This is a big deal with people later in life,” she said. “It’s not covered by Medicare, and it’s integral to people’s sense of wellbeing and their health,” she said.

Rather than waiting to open a reverse mortgage, it needs to be to talked about early in retirement as more seniors are expressing their desires to age in place, she said.

“If your opening recommendation to your client is, ‘You can just downsize,’ that might not be what they want to hear,” Giordano said.

Aside from using a reverse mortgage to absorb shocks, she illustrated other ways to incorporate a HECM into retirement.

“Paying off an existing mortgage, having the cash to have those home renovations to age in place, H4P for a new home to be near the grandchildren,” she said.

Other examples she gave include using a HECM for a social security delay bridge, to leverage investable asset growth potential, as well as the power of the growing line of credit when opened early.

Written by Maggie Callahan

Commercial Loan Calculator- Useful Information For Commercial Bank Loan - So here is chance to get your free tips on commercial loan calculator and in addition to that get basic information on saving money visitcommercial business loansr
 

Non-public commercial loan banks can enable business owners to employ the same secrets as pro real-estate backers to generate investment. They have an inclination to be normal individuals that are simply looking out for a better return on their cash than a bank deposit account or CD can offer.

If your major interest is info related to commercial loan calculator or any other like commercial loan application, small business start up loan, business loans orcommunism far north black water rising summer, this essay can prove favourable.

As a basic primer invoice financing is essentially the near term sale of your receivables, or ' AR ' that generates immediate money flow and working capital for your company. Sounds good so far right? In certain cases it even eliminates all your credit and collections costs, though we have to be frank and say that type of financing ( turning over your credit decisions to another firm ) isn't our favourite, or suggested system.

Officially known as merchant money advances, the advances help businesses-typically those that receive frequent credit card payments-receive the start up or expansion money they want when they do not meet the requirements for a loan : excellent credit and large collateral.

BREATHER -- As you pause on studying this article I am hoping it has so far provided you with insightful information related to commercial loan calculator. Even if it hasn't so far, the remainder will, whether your interest is commercial loan calculator at once or other related angle such as commercial loan application, commercial loan, commercial real estate loans, lines of credit.

Commercial interest only loans are a very commonplace sort of credit in business. You do not just have to use commercial interest loans for real-estate financing. A commercial loan can be any loan made to an enterprise that will aid their business operations.

There are a considerable number of professional corporations who will be able to aid in finding commercial buyers. Finding a note buyer isn't a fast process so you need to look for a corporation that has the obligatory experience and skills that will help you throughout the entire process and explain everything that you need to grasp. You will have to prepare a document that outlines the reasons you will need the cash as well as all of the details on the note and your plans.

Many folks looking for online for articles related to commercial loan calculator also sought articles about commercial construction loan, commercial real estate, and even commercial real estate loans, sba loans.

There are numerous ways of signing up for the many kinds of commercial loans available to businesses and stockholders. Mostly, you could have a look about for a fiscal establishment that is in a position to process your loan application fast and effectively at the most reasonable rates available. You don't always have to go to a bank to apply for a loan like this. 

By vikg

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance For Homeowners At Low Interest Rates - If you are looking for Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance you can look forward to a number of benefits. You can take care of your mortgage payments and finally relax in the relief that your home will no longer have the risk of foreclosure. However, you must take adequate caution to ensure that the mortgage refinance loans you choose are at a lower interest rate and the new terms save you more money each month. Any money you can spare from this refinance will help you pay off existing debts and cause a change in your credit ratings. The saved money can go towards debt consolidation, financing education or renovate your home to increase your home value. USLOANZ offers professional help to get the lowest rates on refinancing mortgage loans with affordable repayment plans and terms that allow you the time, you need to repay without pressure.

 Even though a Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance is beneficial, homeowners having a current high interest mortgage should be willing to commit to a certain number of years living in the residential home for which they want to refinance. Details of your financial situation, checking accounts, credit cards etc. are necessary to make the right choice for the home refinance with bad credit.

An emerging new industry is that of lenders specializing in credit loans for consumers with bad credit. The main purpose for Home Refinance with bad credit mortgage loans is usually to lower the monthly payments to help the borrower financially budget his expenses and hence become consistent with monthly payments of the new refinance loan. This contributes in gradual improvement in credit ratings. Their credit scores stand a fair chance of returning to acceptable levels.

You can refinance your current mortgage with a home mortgage refinancing to extend the term of the loan. this in turn will lower monthly payments reducing the burden on your monthly budget. One way to deal with decreasing credit rating due to original Adjustable Rate mortgage with an increased interest rate is to convert to a fixed rate mortgage. Home Affordable Refinance Loan of a fixed interest rate proves to benefit the borrower by giving a fixed amount for a monthly payment. Fixed home affordable refinance rates mortgage assures the borrower that the interest rate will remain constant and the monthly payments will not increase after the end of the year.

If you want to apply for a mortgage refinance loan with your bad credit situation, you should consider a few important things. You must apply with those lenders who specialize in bad credit loans to borrowers with poor credit. These lenders have the necessary experience and can help you find the best possible interest rates and terms. You should not waste time trying to get approval from lenders not willing to lend to individuals with low credit who still want to improve their credit rating.

You can get quotes from multiple lenders online. In Mortgage Refinance with bad credit, homeowners must use caution and wisdom to negotiate instead of being hasty in deciding on the lender and the terms. A home mortgage refinance is also possible for people who have taken care to be timely with current mortgage payments. People who are facing job loss and decreased home equity may be in danger of falling behind with payments and their credit scores may decrease. Refinancing the home mortgage is one solution for helping debtors get back in control of their finances and avoid foreclosure or unfavorable circumstances.

By cesarflcn.

NHB enhance refinance limit to Rs 30,000 cr to help mortgage firms tide over liquidity crunch - New Delhi, Oct 8 () The National Housing Bank (NHB) has increased the refinance limit to Rs 30,000 crore for housing finance companies for 2018-19 in view of the current liquidity position of the sector, according to an official release.

The housing finance regulator had originally set the refinance target at Rs 24,000 crore for 2018-19 beginning July this year.

The move will help alleviate the liquidity crunch that the sector is facing following series of defaults by group companies of IL&FS Ltd.

Shares of most of the housing finance firms, including DHFL, have been hammered on bourses in the past few weeks due to liquidity concerns triggered by debt defaults by IL&FS.

"Now, eligible Housing Finance Companies & Other entities will have increased availability of funds", the Finance Ministry said in the release.

This refinancing is a credit flow to Housing Finance Companies & other Institutions, it said.

As a regulator, it said, the NHB regularly monitors the liquidity position of housing finance companies.

The statement further said that till date, Rs 8,835 crore has been sanctioned.

The NHB is the Principal Agency to promote Housing Finance Institutions, currently 97 in number, and to provide financial support to eligible institutions.

Stock of housing finance firms DHFL closed 18.52 per cent down at Rs 223.50 on BSE.

Among others, Edelweiss Financial Services closed down by 13.67 per cent, Shriram City Union Finance 6.82 per cent, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company 6.07 per cent, Muthoot Capital Services 4.48 per cent and Motilal Oswal Financial Services 2.48 per cent.
However, Indiabulls Housing Finance was up by 3.26 per cent at Rs 939.85 apiece at close Monday. DP KPM MR MR

How to Get the Best Mortgage Refinance Rates - If you can find a lower mortgage rate than the one you already have, then refinancing a mortgage can make sense. Here are some of the best ways to get a low rate:

Raise Your Credit ScoreFor a conventional loan, borrowers with a credit score of 740 or more will usually get the best interest rates. Having a minimum credit score of 620 will often lead to a higher rate. Raising your credit score can help. Some methods take longer than others, but improving your score is one of the best moves to make when refinancing a mortgage.

Start by paying your bills on time, which has the biggest impact on a credit score. You can also improve your credit utilization, meaning using less of the credit available to you on your credit cards.

For example, if you have three credit cards with a total credit limit of $10,000, but all of the card balances add up to $5,000, your credit utilization rate is 50 percent. Ideally, it should be under 20 percent to get the best mortgage rate. The credit utilization rate can be dropped by paying down the credit card balance, using less of the credit available or getting a higher credit limit.

Lower DebtReducing your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, by paying down your credit card balance is another big way to improve a credit score. A DTI of 36 percent or lower is preferable. To lower your debt, put off big purchases, such as a new car or appliances, until after you’ve refinanced your mortgage.

Shop AroundDon’t refinance with the first lender you find, or even with your current lender. There are many loan products available, and many lenders that offer them.

Research what national banks, credit unions, community banks and your current lender offers for mortgage refinances before choosing one that’s right for you. Some lenders may have in-house loans that they don’t sell on the open market that are more flexible and have better rates and terms than other lenders.

Be sure to pick a lender that you’re comfortable with and trust, and don’t just focus on the interest rate. The lender you choose will be helping you with one of the biggest financial transactions of your life, and you want to work with someone who has your best interests in mind.

Refinance Mortgage Information - A renegotiate contract credit is essentially supplanting your current home loan with another home advance home loan. The motivation to complete a home loan renegotiating is to set aside extra cash by getting a lower obtaining rate and more good acquiring terms. Prior to choosing proceeding with another home credit, you have to know the end costs related with a home loan renegotiate. They incorporate advance handling charges, examination expenses, lawful expenses and managerial expenses. These renegotiating expenses can make up to 2% of the home loan advance.

A renegotiate contract is just beneficial if your investment funds from lower premium installments is more prominent than the costs associated with getting another home loan renegotiate credit. The choice for getting another home loan isn't to be messed with since there is a huge number of dollars included. To limit any repulsive astonishments and guarantee you get a decent arrangement on your home advance, you have to do your examination. Notwithstanding finding out about the workings of a home loan renegotiating, you have to get adequate statements to settle on a choice. This implies you ought to get no less than three statements from home loan banks.

The way to deciding if a home loan bank is great is if their statements coordinate their genuine offer. By marking, they don't all of a sudden hit you with extra shutting expenses. Basically, you're searching for a home loan bank who conveys what was guaranteed. No concealed amazements. All things considered, being a cheerful property holder implies having a renegotiate contract advance that you can easily live with.

Renegotiate Home loan Tips

<> Get a decent financial assessment: Keep all your bill installments a la mode and keep your credit   adjusts beneath 30% of the most extreme sum.

<> Keep the advance to estimation of the renegotiate contract advance low, under 80%

<> Check if the home loan renegotiating rate is extremely not exactly your current home loan rate.

<> Know all the end cost associated with a home loan renegotiate advance.

<>Shop around with various home loan moneylenders

How Many Miles Before You Reap - The State gives you a lot of choices to pick your favored vehicle. You can go to a neighborhood seller and lookup for the auto. You can also go for the non-public social gathering choice by getting a vehicle from your neighbor or your cousin. Web is the most current addition to the listing. Just type - in the automobile you want and you will get a prolonged list of options to pick from.The most critical factor to maintain in head is that you should and should keep away from dealing with a curbstoner. 

The Washington State Department of Licensing is quite energetic in spreading consciousness regarding this sort of dubious folks. A curbstoner typically poses as the owner of the auto but really is an unlicensed supplier. If you buy a vehicle from him, then transferring car title to your title turns into difficult.Does Choosing A Car Ends The Procedure? Effectively, the response is no. Initial of all you should never ever choose a solitary automobile. Have at least 2-three possibilities with you. Take into account these cars on the foundation of subsequent factors and select your excellent auto.

Take Safeguards Versus LemonThe Washington State lemon regulation is for new vehicles, but even pre-owned autos can be covered beneath it. Confused? Effectively, let's make it clear.You are not able to just call your vehicle lemon and get your money back. It demands to be qualified by an arbitrator. Now the arbitration request can be filed by 2nd or subsequent owners if the automobile was purchased inside of 2 many years of the first delivery (delivery to the genuine retail buyer) and the car has no more than 24, 000 miles on the odometer. 

The other issue is that a request should be obtained by the Lemon Legislation Administration in 30 months of the original retail delivery date.This implies that if your automobile is more mature than 2 several years or has an odometer studying of a lot more than 24, 000 miles, you are not guarded by the Washington State Lemon Legislation.So, every time you get a employed vehicle make certain that the car is working good and it comes with manufacturer's guarantee. 

If you don't do so, then settling statements will become a quite torturous experience.What's The Vehicle's Story? Get the Car Identification Number (VIN) of all the automobiles that you have chosen. The moment you place the quantity in the database, you will get information about the automobile. It will give you detail of the car's heritage - problems, accidents, repairs. Also, phone the preceding operator and inquire him about his knowledge with the vehicle.What's Your Car's Score (Miles)?To acquire a wonderful automobile, it is critical that you remain absent from odometer fraud. Check the problem of pedals and the tires. 

The genuine tires normally last for 60, 000 miles. So, if you see new tires and a lower odometer looking at, be inform.Also, verify for warranty cards and services reminders to get far more idea about the vehicle miles.Thoroughly clean Automobile Emission DemandsSoon after you select your favorites, make positive they meet the clear air needs. If your auto is mature than 2009, you will not require to be certified.

VA Home Mortgage And Refinance Loans Houston - Texas, USA - Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} VA Loan Houston - experts to get a Houston Veterans Mortgage Home loans and VA Refinance Loansfor Veteran Community. VA Loan Refinance is most benefit in market place withlow interest rate for all loans. We approve home loans and monthly mortgageloan payments. 

We are Houston VA Home Mortgage Loans experts and we help you toget a Houston Veterans Mortgage Home Loan. VA Home Mortgage Loans in Houston are better toprovide you VA Loans and VA Mortgage Loans. We are dedicated to serving theveteran community. We handle your mortgage and real estate in house. We willserve you at any time. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VALoan Refinance is most benefit in marketplace with low interest rate. We willhelp you in monthly mortgage payments to meet your financial level in VARefinance Loan. It is our pledge to provide customers with a team ofhighly-trained VA Mortgage Professionals, coupled with an exceptional level ofservice. We give VA Loans at lower interest rate than any other conventionalloans and other banks. Our dedicated loan officers are VA Specialists who workhard to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Our VA Loan Houstonsatisfied many Veterans for Home and Mortgage Loans. VA Loans Houston offers VARefinance Loans Programs to save your money problems, &nbsp; 

Benefits of VA Loan and VA Home Mortgage Loan Houston &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* Use VA Loan tolower interest rate than conventional loan &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* Purchase homewith $0 down &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* No MortgageInsurance &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* Easier toQualify &nbsp; Our VA Loan Professionals will work hard to meet all of yourneeds. All of our VA Loan Professionals are experts in VA Lending and lookforward to helping you and your family. VA loans allow Veterans to qualify forloans amounts larger than traditional and conforming loans. The VA Loans is theonly home mortgage program left that allows 100% financing. Conventional loanprograms now require a minimum of 5% down and sometimes up to 20% downdepending on your credit. VA Loans are fully guaranteed by the government.Because of this guarantee banks are able to offer loan interest rates and arenot required to carry mortgage insurance on VA Loans. This equates to hugemonthly savings to a VA Borrower (around 1% interest rate savings). RelaxedQualification Process Because of the government guarantee VA Loans are muchless difficult to obtain than conventional financing. &nbsp; Benefits of VA Loans Houston &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* We are VA LoanSpecialist &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* We are dedicatedto Serve Veteran Community &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

* Handling yourMortgage and Real Estate Loans &nbsp; A VA Streamline Refinance also knows as an IRRL (InterestRate Reduction Loan), is an easy way to reduce your mortgage payment and saveyou a lot of money. A streamline refinance can be done without an appraisal, noincome verification, and no out-of-pocket expense. 

Refinancing yourconventional loan to a VA loan can save you money by removing your monthlymortgage insurance and lowering your interest rate. Removing your mortgageinsurance is typically the equivalent of lowering your interest rate by 1%.Refinancing into a VA loan can and will save you money each and every month. OnOctober 10th, 2008 the President signed into law the Veterans' BenefitsImprovement Act of 2008. This law allows eligible veterans to take out up to100% of the value of their home to pay off their debt, make home improvements, or get cash back while reducing their rate. If you want loans our VA LoanProfessionals waiting to help you get started with the VA Loan process. &nbsp;

Make Market Launch It Is It Worth Millions

The eminent SEOmoz.org seo blog just to update his study in the main criteria employed by search engines, including Google, for the positioning of serp's.Every two years SEOmoz am updating research with the major factors utilized by search engine algorithms, and especially the best Google. These studies is dependant on observations and experiences of a big amount of international experts in SEO (72 last year against 35/12 in 2007/05!), 

Who consented to meet and discuss the problems addressed by SEOmoz.Since no person really knows how a algorithms, the synthesis of perceptions, or even collective knowledge continues to be helpful for anyone considering SEO.During broad terms, we not able to really discuss major changes when compared to the connection between the past study in 2007, Let me book a summary, then some comments.In the event the old adage "Content rules & Queen Linking IS" remains to be relevant, we note a heightened importance of the authority in the website and also the confidence inspired from the site on the engines, especially since the update of Vince Google's algorithm.

Factors PositioningSource SEOmoz.orgLegend SEOcriteria referencement The key positive factors - 5 best Anchors external links containing the keywords strategic Popularity page (quantity and excellence of external links) Diversity of links (many areas and IPs) Use keywords inside tag "title" Authority in the area on account of links along with other parts of authority (TrustRank) Negative factors the key - 5 best Use cloaking (*) for deceptive Buying links from known options for engines Links to spam sites By while using the user agent cloaking Site inaccessible and / or poor server performanceNote the pros tend not to all concur with using cloaking (greater disparity of responses), in the boundary between contiguous sometimes what seems tolerated or otherwise. 

Personally I rather believe that the poor performance in the server hosting a website is a major limiting factor for SEO.One could possibly be tempted to say "nothing new on the planet ...", it can be OK to start with, because without content or links difficult position! Compared to the essential techniques are known through the majority, it's the little extras that may sometimes make a difference. Inside the words of the Anglo-Saxon "the devil's inside the details" ... SEO is often a whole and also the amount of small contributions.In case you look closer you can find some interesting info, such as the importance of even in accordance with the presence of a website in social media marketing, traffic and user behavior about the SERP (*) ex: CTR, interest to have links on Wikipedia (being tagged nofollow they can boost the popularity, however they give rise to the TrustRank or authority inside the field, for my part I believed concerning the many sites copying or even "scrap" Wikipedia and therefore making real connections) .... ah induced effects over and over!

Note and a few attractions (keywords inside the website name in on-page criteria), influence of pubs, use Adwords / Adsense, re-use of data from Google Analytics ... maybe to cut short some legends. But be careful despite the effects or indirect that will explain most of the time certain "beliefs".I invite one to look at the various criteria ranked as less important and evolution over time.Link to study: http://www.seomoz.org/article/search-ranking-factors

Requirements - VA Home Loan - VA Home Loans Today

The VA Home Loan program has helped more than 19 million veterans become homeowners since 1944. Even during difficult economic times, VA loans made home buying a streamlined and relatively hassle-free process for military home buyers.

Like all government programs, there are requirements that need to be fulfilled before a service member can secure a VA loan to purchase a home, perform renovations or refinance a mortgage.

The VA insures up to 25 percent of each loan and applies its own guidelines to the program. But borrowers also have to meet any additional requirements and standards applied by an agency-approved lender. Ultimately, it’s the lender that issues a loan, not the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA doesn’t have any strict credit or income requirements for veterans. But lenders will certainly take a long, hard look at a prospective borrower’s credit score and overall financial profile. The lending climate has tightened in recent months. Service members need to pay closer attention to their credit and spending than ever before.

But there’s also a great deal of flexibility built into the VA loan process. Lenders don’t need to see perfect credit. In fact, the program’s flexible guidelines help scores of veterans who might not otherwise secure financing. About 80 percent of VA loan borrowers could not have qualified for a conventional loan.

There are also service requirements that determine a veteran’s initial ability to participate in the program. But a vast majority of veterans and active duty service members already qualify.

Veterans can talk to a VA loan specialist to see if they meet the eligibility requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, which is a formal government document that details a borrower’s VA home loan entitlement.

Streamline VA Loan - Refinance - IRRRL - Mortgage

IRRRL Facts - Streamline Refinance VA Home Loan - Veterans

IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan. You may see it referred to as a "Streamline" or a "VA to VA." Except when refinancing an existing VA guaranteed adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed rate, it must result in a lower interest rate.

When refinancing from an existing VA ARM loan to a fixed rate, the interest rate may increase. No appraisal or credit underwriting package is required by VA. You should be aware, however, that lenders may require an appraisal and credit report anyway.

A certificate of eligibility is not required. Your lender may use our e-mail confirmation procedure for interest rate reduction refinance in lieu of a certificate of eligibility.

* If you have a non-VA Home Loan (FHA, Conventional, or other) and cannot make your payments because of a hardship.

An IRRRL may be done with "no money out of pocket" by including all costs in the new loan or by making the new loan at an interest rate high enough to enable the lender to pay the costs. (Remember: The interest rate on the new loan must be lower than the rate on the old loan unless you refinance an ARM to a fixed rate mortgage).

No lender is required to make you an IRRRL, however, any lender of your choice may process your application for an IRRRL. While it might be the best place to start shopping for an IRRRL, you do not have to go to the lender you make your payments to now or to the lender from whom you originally obtained your VA Loan.

Veterans are strongly urged to contact several lenders. There may be big differences in the terms offered by the various lenders you contact.

Some lenders may contact you suggesting that they are the only lender with authority to make IRRRLs. Remember - Any lender may make you an IRRRL.

Some lenders may say that VA requires certain closing costs to be charged and included in the loan. Remember - The only cost required by VA is a funding fee of one-half of one percent of the loan amount which may be paid in cash or included in the loan.

You must NOT receive any cash from the loan proceeds.

An IRRRL can be done only if you have already used your eligibility for a VA loan on the property you intend to refinance. It must be a VA to VA refinance, and it will reuse the entitlement you originally used. You may have used your entitlement by obtaining a VA loan when you bought your house, or by substituting your eligibility for that of the seller, if you assumed the loan. If you have your Certificate of Eligibility, take it to the lender to show the prior use of your entitlement.

The occupancy requirement for an IRRRL is different from other VA loans. When you originally got your VA loan, you certified that you occupied or intended to occupy the home. For an IRRRL you need only certify that you previously occupied it.

The loan may not exceed the sum of the outstanding balance on the existing VA loan, plus allowable fees and closing costs, including funding fee and up to 2 discount points. You may also add up to $6,000 of energy efficiency improvements into the loan.

NOTE: Adding all of these items into your loan may result in a situation in which you owe more than the fair market value of the house, and will reduce the benefit of refinancing since your payment will not be lowered as much as it could be. Also, you could have difficulty selling the house for enough to pay off your loan balance.

Some lenders offer IRRRLs as an opportunity to reduce the term of your loan from 30 years to 15 years. While this can save you a lot of money in interest over the life of the loan, if the reduction in the interest rate is not at least one percent (two percent is better) and lots of new loan costs are rolled into the new loan, you may see a very large increase in your monthly payment.

Beware: It could be a bigger increase than you can afford

No loan other than the existing VA loan may be paid from the proceeds of an IRRRL. If you have a second mortgage, the holder must agree to subordinate that lien so that your new VA loan will be a first mortgage.

VA Refinance Home Loans - Although the housing market has plummeted in recent years, the record low interest rates have prompted many homeowners to refinance their mortgages with hopes of obtaining a lower interest rate.

With an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, also known as a VA Streamline, borrowers are able to obtain a reduced monthly mortgage payment through the most flexible and hassle-free refinance program on the market much easier than they would with a conventional refinance.

Securing a better interest rate through a VA Streamline, even if the difference is only a point, can save a borrower thousands over the life of their loan. A 30-year mortgage at $250,000 and 6.5 percent has a regular monthly payment of $1,580. However, that same mortgage with an interest rate of 5.5 percent has a monthly payment reduced by $161, and today, it isn’t unlikely for borrowers to obtain an interest rate under 4.5 percent.

For borrowers interested in cashing out on their VA loan, they may secure a Cash Out Refinance. Unlike a VA Streamline, with a Cash Out Refinance borrowers can refinance up to 90 percent of their current loan-to-value to acquire cash for home improvements, paying off debt, or to simply make other investments.

Although the current economic downturn has created lower interest rates, it has also increased the guidelines for refinancing which can make doing so more difficult for certain borrowers. VA-approved lenders have been forced to increase their guidelines to protect their investments. Current VA mortgage owners now need a credit check and an appraisal to secure a VA Streamline, and Loan-to-Values are capped at 90 percent.

There is also a VA Funding Fee of .5 percent associated with a VA Streamline however the origination fees and total costs are capped to keep out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. Although the VA has no income or credit requirements, interested borrowers are encouraged to get their finances in order before applying.

VA Loans Soar in Texas, and California - The city of Houston has one of the fastest growing VA Home Loan industries in the state as far as real estate goes. But why is that you may ask? Houston’s employment opportunities and easy access to VA Loans were on the rise in 2011 and are expected to increase in 2012 despite the slow economy of the U.S.

Now lets add this to the presidents announcements that troops stationed in Iraq are scheduled to return and you have yourself a free for all for who’s going to get the best deals on houses that were marked down in the housing crisis of 08. With houses down in price and veterans coming back with benefits to boot now seems to be a good time to put those benefits to work, invest and let the profits begin.

VA Lenders such as VA Mortage Center are also implementing a zero Money down policy which is a big upside to this years added incentive to get veterans homes which are affordable and within their means to pay off. Cause this time around we would like to see Americans get loans and keep their homes unlike during the housing crisis, it would be a nice change don’t ya think.

On another note the way loan limits are calculated is scheduled to change this year 2012. The limits in the 48 States in the U.S. that are in between Mexico and Canada will range from $417,000 dollars to a possible maximum of $625,500, depending on the median county price.

These limits are not the actual limit to which a lender can lend a veteran for a home loan, it is merely the limit to which lenders can loan to a veteran for a home and still recieve a 25 guarantee.

 What does this mean?

It means lenders will be more eager to loan only up to the limit since it almost guarntees a return on their investment. Basically it is a security for them to have so that they know the risks are minimal, and when they believe risks are minimal thats good for them and good for veteran who wants a loan because their more likely to get that loan. These are the cards we are dealt by this capitalist system so we might as well make a pair of twos into a royal flush. Click here to see your cards in the poker game that is American home purchasing roulette.

Help in Your Foreclosure Procedures - Learn 3 hints to help you in realizing the defrauds from the trustworthy aid. Be certain you recognize what to search for so that you do not get swindled and lose your house.

There are several people you can turn to for help when you are in the heart of foreclosure. Unfortunately not all of them are reliable and respectable generators of assistance. There are as many scams available as there are genuine spots that will help you with your foreclosure procedures. But when they are foreclosing on your place, you do not have a whole mass of time to acquire effective info and sound aid. So how do you tell the difference between the damaging ones and the right ones?

One immediate matter which ought to be easy to tell is whether or not they demand money initially. If they do, it is quite possible that they are a defraud. There is lots of no cost aid out there right at this time. Take advantage of it. There are ways like Hope Now available who can set you up with a foreclosure counsellor for free. They helped me and it is wholly no cost. Sometimes all you require is a person to help you speak through the topics that you are confronting and someone who can help you realise resolutions to the issues which you are facing.

Another thing to seek is high force tactics. If they are trying to sell you on something, even if they have not mentioned money, prospects are that they do not have your strongest interests in mind. A person who is really there to help you will offer solutions and options in your foreclosures procedures. They will not try to sell you on one way of puzzling out your problems. They will assist you consider about what is best for you and your spot. They will provide recommendations but they will not try to make you take it.

And lastly, you should seek is their credentials. How seasoned are they in aiding people in the heart of a foreclosure procedure? How many individuals have they helped? How long has their company been in business? Can they grant you the name of somebody they have worked with as a reference? Are they registered with the Better Business Bureau? These are each crucial questions that you should have the resolution to before you have them help you. You must know who you are looking at.



By Jill Seader

Getting Home Loans With Bad Credit: Tips to Increasing Your Approval Chances

Getting a mortgage approved depends on a number of factors, but having a strong application is key to success. For applicants seeking home loans with bad credit, there are ways to improve approval chances. 

There is little doubt that the better a credit history, the more likely a lender is to approve a mortgage application. The reason why is quite simple, with a proven record in meeting financial obligations suggesting the risk in lending to them is less. But does this mean applicants seeking home loans with bad credit are wasting their time?

Bad credit borrowers are not in as strong a situation when it comes to securing mortgage approval, but they have options. There are a growing number of lenders, especially online, that are willing to accept the risk, and while terms cannot be expected to be excellent, at least finances for a new home can be secured.

It may seem strange, but credit scores are not the most important factor in an application, with the more significant factors being job security, income and debt-to-income ratio. It is only when they feel confident about receiving home loan repayments that lenders will be willing to grant approval.

Here are 3 steps that can lead to stronger applications.

1. Understand Your Financial Strength

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is to apply for financing without ever knowing their own financial position. Knowing your credit score, and how best to improve it, is a primary step to compiling a successful loan application, especially when seeking home loans with bad credit.

Get your hands on your credit report (available from the credit agencies) and read the details of your credit history. Reports are sometimes available for free from some lending institutions online, but these tend to give an overview rather than all of the details. Ordering directly from the agencies themselves means paying a fee.

But armed with the knowledge they contain, the chances of securing mortgage approval are increased. Remember too, the score provided may be wrong so get it reviewed. If corrected, then it can mean a lower interest is charged on the home loan.

2. Lower Debts and Include a Cosigner

Securing an affordable home loan with bad credit can be difficult, mainly due to the a high interest rates charged. Typically, between 4% and 6% is charged, depending on the lender and the strength of the financial situation of the applicant. Bad credit scores tend to double those rates, making a huge difference in terms of affordability. But there are ways to lower the interest rate.

Including a cosigner usually sees the interest rate lowered to a normal level because the risk factor is all but removed. After all, a cosigner guarantees the repayments will be made on time, even when the borrower is unable to make them. Securing mortgage approval becomes more straightforward, though the cosigner must have an excellent credit history and a large enough income to make repayments if necessary.

Alternatively, lowering the level of existing debt is also effective. Taking the time to take out a consolidation loan to clear some (if not all) debts can drastically lower the monthly outgoings, freeing up extra funds to commit to the home loan repayments.

3. Consider A Pre-Approved Loan

Lastly, seeking a pre-approved home loan, with bad credit score or not, is  good way to strengthen your position when it comes to negotiating prices with the property seller. Typically, approval takes between 60 days and 90 days, and the delay in awaiting approval results in the property being purchased by someone else.

By securing mortgage approval in advance, the borrower is able to buy the home they want immediately. It should be noted that a pre-approved home loan does not mean a lower interest rate is charged, but the speed in completing a home purchase can lead to discounts from the seller, thus saving on the overall costs.

By Joycelyn Crawford

VA Home Loans Surf to the Safest Bet on the Block

The loans given out by the VA have proven to have the lowest foreclosure rates in the mortgage industry. Record breaking numbers of Veterans are taking notice and using their benefits as VA loan origination’s reached their highest amount in eight years.

“The continued strong performance and high volume of VA loans are a testament to the importance of VA’s home loan program and a tribute to the skilled VA professionals who help homeowners in financial trouble keep their homes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki.

Last year the number of veterans that were helped through an almost default on their mortgage loan reached 72,391. These men and women were either able to retain their homes or avoid foreclosure. This number of veterans helped increased from the previous year’s number 66,030. At the same time foreclosure rates have dropped by a nearly 28 %.

The year of 2011 alone guaranteed 357,594 loans, a dramatic increase of 14%  that’s nearly 50,000 more loans than the year of 2010 according to the VA. There are over 1.5 million VA home loans out in circulation as we speak. The VA home loan program gains its strength from its employees nationwide who are on their on personal mission to ensure all veterans and service members are aware and receive all the opportunities to remain in their homes, avoid foreclosures and downgrades to their credit from the consequences of foreclosures.

“We are committed to making even more Veterans and Servicemembers aware of this important benefit and delivering the assistance they deserve when financial difficulties arise,” said VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.

Home Equity Loan Interest Rate - Comparing the Two. Both types of home equity-financing options are also referred to as "second mortgages" because they are secured by your property, just like the original (primary) mortgage. However, unlike the primary mortgage, these loans typically come with shorter repayment periods of anywhere from five to 15 years. Home-equity loans are ideal for borrowers who prefer the security offered by fixed-interest rates and for those requiring a substantial sum for a specific purpose, like another investment or debt consolidation (remember, it's a one-time loan – additional money cannot be withdrawn). HELOCs are suited to individuals who need access to a reserve of cash over a period of time, rather than upfront. You're never paying interest on more borrowed funds than you actually use at any one time.

Your ability to borrow using either refinancing or home-equity loans depends on your credit score. If you're looking to refinance, and your credit score is lower than when you originally purchased your home, refinancing may not be in your best interests. Before going through the process of securing either of these methods, get your three credit scores from the trio of credit bureaus. (See Top Places to Get a Free Credit Score or Report.) If they aren't above 740, talk with any potential lender about how your score might affect your interest rate.

 

Refinancing and home equity loans have downsides, of course. If you're refinancing, try not to take on another 30-year loan. Instead of putting the money you save into your pocket, opt for a shorter duration loan – maybe a 15-year mortgage. Or, take a 30-year loan and make extra payments. Remember that the payment isn't as important as the total amount of money you pay over the life of the loan. Paying on your first loan for 10 years and refinancing for another 30 probably cancels out any positive effect of the refinance. The goal should always be to eliminate debt as quickly as possible. 

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is kind of like a credit card tied to the equity in your home. You can borrow as little or as much of that credit line, with an open-ended term, as you want. You may be required to pay a transaction fee each time you make a withdrawal, and an inactivity fee if you don't use your line of over a given period. During the draw period you pay only interest. Once the repayment period kicks in, you pay principal and interest. 

Taking out a home-equity loan or a home-equity line of credit demands you submit various documents to prove you qualify, and imposes the same fees as a mortgage. These fees include closing costs such as attorney fees, title search and document preparation. They also often include an appraisal to determine the market value of the property, an application fee for processing the loan, points (one point is equal to 1% of the loan) and an annual maintenance fee. Sometimes, lenders will waive these, though; so do ask. 

In addition to disbursing the funds in disparate ways, interest works differently on these two instruments. The traditional home-equity loan has a fixed interest rate (though some may be adjustable) and the HELOC has a variable interest rate. The APR for a home-equity line of credit is calculated based on the loan's interest rate. The APR for a traditional home-equity loan generally includes the costs of initiating the loan. 

Data as of March 2017. Comparison of longest average store hours in the regions (MSAs) in which TD Bank operates compared to major banks. Major banks include our top 20 national competitors by MSA, our top five competitors in store share by MSA and any bank with greater or equal store share than TD Bank in the MSA. Major banks do not include banks that operate in retail stores such as grocery stores, or banks that do not fall in an MSA.

If you're not planning to stay in your home for a long period of time, a home-equity loan, might be the better choice since the closing costs are less than those of a refi.

Refinancing is basically finding a new lender to pay off your old mortgage balance in exchange for a new mortgage at a lower rate. Sometimes your current lender will do a refinance, too.

President Obama delivered his State of the Union address last night and boy it sure sounded good

He spoke about a plan to make America built to last. In this plan he asks simple things such as higher taxes for the rich such as Warren Buffet and lower taxes for those earning under 250,000 dollars a year.

They even brought in Warren Buffet’s secretary to be present. That way when the president addressed the issue of taxes for the rich and less for the middle to lower income he could show the example of how the tax system is so backwards that Warren Buffet’s secretary pays more in taxes than her boss.

Even more dramatic effect was added when they peaked the camera at her for an instant as he was speaking of this issue.

Obama also went onto the usual bread and butter subject. That is no more outsourcing or incentives for companies who seek to outsource American jobs. Instead create incentives for insourcing of U.S. jobs. “send me the bill and I’ll sign it” Obama announced.

I was pleased to hear that he seeks to bring car companies manufacturing back home and with a green energy twist to boot. We have seen the new influx of completely electric cars in the last year. If America can just get with the program and embrace the future we can grab the reigns of this industry before other companies snatch it from our grasp. Getting this industry back means more jobs, more revenue, more taxes, reemergence of dying cities such as Detroit and others. It could be an American renaissance so to speak.

I’m not endorsing Obama for president just yet. He has still not spoken about the atrocities that the federal reserve is creating, barely addressed the national debt. He only offered about a total of 1 min to the national debt talk to say that they’ve worked out a 2 trillion dollar cut. Which I don’t know if that cuts it at all since he has these huge plans of rebuilding America’s roads bridges and things of that nature. Where would this money come from?

It all sounds idealistic but realistic I guess I’d have to see it to believe it and that’s where this State of the Union gets voters. It all sounds good and gravy but the only way to test his plan for validity is to re-elect him and see what happens. We’ve already went through that once with Mr. Obama electing him thinking, man all his change, hope and ideas they sound awesome we need that guy only to find most of it didn’t pan out like we wanted it to. The speech also spoke about how we got in this mess and who caused a lot of it aka Mr. Bush and Chenney.

He didn’t directly blame them but he did however make it clear that he didn’t exactly inherit a prosperous on the up economy nation. He had the opposite. A nation in a war that couldn’t be won. Costly to the people and veterans. It cost the non military adults their checkbooks, the veterans their health, and the youth their future.

Most of all the speech sounded like a diagnosis much of OWS would agree with. The middle class is failing, foreclosures on the rise and the poor struggling with homelessness and healthcare. It was very Occupy Wall Street-esque in the sense that his answers to these problems were very broad. No exact answers as a speech as short as 7000 words can’t tell the exact details of how to fix the problem but it can tell you there’s a problem and it needs fixing today.

Now how does this tie into VA Home Loans you may be asking since in fact this is a home loan site? A strong and aware America is a better America is the answer. If we know what the problems are and keep fighting for solutions eventually we’ll get them. Like the SOPA and PIPA bill shutdown the people still do have a voice.

It’s only when the American people get together as a whole and agree on what needs to be done that politicians actually listen. When they pass a law we need to be right next to them breathing down their neck reminding them that they represent us not companies or anyone else other than citizens of THIS COUNTRY.

Secretary Announces Protections for Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced its participation in the largest state-federal legal settlement in history that deals with problems within the mortgage industry.

“Through this historic settlement, VA has ensured that Veterans, Servicemembers, and National Guard and Reserve members will continue to receive every possible opportunity to retain their homes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

VA joined with the Department of Justice, a coalition of state attorneys general and other federal agencies in the settlement.

The nation’s five largest mortgage servicers have agreed to this landmark $25 billion settlement that addresses past mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuses, provides substantial financial relief to borrowers, and establishes significant new homeowner protections in the future.

In addition to cash payments to avoid litigation, the banks also agree to undertake other activities, such as principal forgiveness, interest-rate-reduction refinancing, and forbearance during unemployment.

The settlement also enhances protections available under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and provides additional assistance when Servicemembers are forced to sell their home at a loss due to reassignment to another location.

“VA will continue its oversight of lenders and servicers to ensure that Veterans and Servicemembers are able to enjoy the benefits of VA’s home loan program, including access to no-downpayment loans and assistance in retaining their homes should they encounter payment difficulties,” added Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.

VA has always provided assistance to Veterans and Servicemembers who experience trouble paying their mortgage, whether they have a VA loan or not.  Depending on the situation, VA’s loan specialists can intervene on a Veteran’s behalf to help pursue home-retention options such as repayment plans, forbearances and loan modifications.

To get help, Veterans and Servicemembers – even those without a VA guaranteed loan – may call a national toll-free number, 1-877-827-3702 to speak with VA loan specialists who will provide information about the process of obtaining a VA-guaranteed home loan, or assistance in retaining their home loan or avoiding foreclosure.

Information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty program is also available online at http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans.  To see videos of Veterans who reached out to VA and were able to keep their homes or avoid foreclosure, please visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/alt-foreclosure.asp.

Since 1944, when home loan guaranties were first offered under the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 19.4 million home loans worth $1.18 trillion.  VA helped over 72,000 (83 percent) Veterans who were in default on their VA guaranteed loan avoid foreclosure in FY 2011, a 10 percent increase from FY 2010.  This assistance resulted in a 30 percent reduction in foreclosures over the same year.

VA’s foreclosure rate for the last 14 quarters and serious delinquency rate for the last 11 quarters have been the lowest of all measured loan types, according to a survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The Benefits of a VA Loan - The VA Home Loan Program has helped over 18 million veterans and active duty service members achieve homeownership since 1944. After over 65 years of service, the VA Home Loan Program remains one of the most progressive lending programs on the market continually striving to offer military members exclusive benefits they wouldn’t be able to find with other conventional lending programs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not own each VA loan, but they do insure part of each VA loan allowing VA-approved lenders greater lender confidence. This greater lender confidence, grants VA lenders the opportunity to provide eligible military members with low interest rates and flexible loan terms. In addition to these money saving perks, other benefits of a VA loan include:

<>    No Mortgage Insurance Required
<>    No Down Payment
<>    Regulated Closing Costs

The VA’s guarantee also allows VA loans to have higher loan limits than other lending programs in the same class. Eligible military members may secure a loan up to $417,000 in most areas of the United States, while those wishing to purchase a home in a more expensive real estate market can secure a loan up to $1,094,625.

VA loans are generally easier to qualify for as well. 8 out of every 10 military members who secure a VA home loan would not have been able to secure financing through a conventional loan. The VA Home Loan Program makes home financing more accessible by allowing:

<>    No Income Requirements
<>    No Credit Requirements
<>    Higher Debt-to-Income Ratios

The VA Home Loan Program also has no income or credit requirements so even those with imperfect credit are encouraged to apply as those with a history of bankruptcy and foreclosure have been approved in the past.

VA Funding Fee - VA Home Loans - The VA Home Loan program aims to alleviate financial pressure on military homebuyers. With no down payments, low interest rates and no private mortgage insurance, a VA loan represents one of the most flexible and low-cost lending options available.


But there’s one cost that’s unique to the VA program: the VA Funding Fee. This fee helps the Department of Veterans Affairs keep the program going. Without it, the agency would struggle to cover its losses in the event of foreclosure or default.

The Funding Fee is applied to every loan, purchase or refinance. There are exemptions for borrowers with service-connected disabilities and some surviving spouses.

Regular military personnel pay smaller VA Funding Fees for home purchases than Reservists and Guard members. Below is a breakdown of fees for purchase loans for regular military members:

Here is the fee table for members of the Reserves and the National Guard:

 

Borrowers don’t have to cover the cost of the Funding Fee out of pocket. Most simply include the cost of the fee in their overall loan amount, a maneuver that results in a slightly higher mortgage payment each month.

Veterans who seek to refinance existing mortgages must also pay a VA Funding Fee. Those fees vary slightly depending on the type of refinance and the type of borrower.

    VA Home Loans Today - VA New and Refinance Home Loans using the Veterans Administration Benefits Act for U.S. Military Veterans.
    Equity VA Loan - New Home Loans and Refinance Mortgages for U.S. Military Veterans. Fast, Efficient, Lowest Interest Rates guaranteed by the U.S. Veterans Administration and Benefits Act

The United States has had the same AAA credit rating for 70 years. Up until August of last year when our credit rating was downgraded to AA+.

This means the government cannot borrow to fund its operations overseas or pay for public schooling as cheaply as it once did. The interest rates at which the government borrows money at have gone up.

There is still denial by the Obama administration that the downgrade conducted by Standard & Poor was justified. It was said that the budget could not be balanced adequately with the bipartisan agreement of 2.1 trillion dollars in savings that are available to implement.

Luckily for veterans the VA Home Loan Centers announced that loan applications for veterans will not be compromised despite the downgrade. Veterans also have the benefit of not worrying about skyrocketing interest rates which is a plus.

“Smart Veterans are taking advantage of the record low interest rates caused by the S&P announcement,” says Phillip D. Georgiades the VA Home Loan Centers’ Chief Loan Steward. “We’re happy that we’ll be able to help our nation’s veterans even more now, and not cause additional strain.”

The U.S. Veterans Administration Loan Guaranty Loan Benefit

Mortgage VA Loans Veterans Administration Home Loan Program is for U.S. Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel and certain members of the reserves and National Guard. The VA program provides an excellent product and benefit for those individuals who have served or are serving to protect our families and our nation, as well as giving them a form of financing that will allow real estate professionals to sell more homes.


For those who are unfamiliar with the program, there are several advantages to using the VA Home Loan Program. The VA allows a veteran who qualifies income and credit-wise to purchase a primary residence without putting money down towards the sales price, as long as the sales price does not exceed the appraised value. Veterans do, however, need money towards closing costs and the earnest money deposit, which the seller generally requires when a sales contract is signed. Closing costs may be paid by the seller, which is an item to consider when the sales price is being negotiated.

Other benefits of using the VA Home Loan program (other than the 100% financing of the sales price) include:

* Loans are assumable, provided the assume is qualified.
* Veterans closing costs are limited by VA.
* Additional assistance is offered by VA should veterans have problems making their home loan payments in the future.
* Prepayment of the loan without a penalty.


Here are some quick facts you may find useful concerning purchase transactions:

* VA does not have a maximum loan amount. However, lenders do sell loans on the secondary mortgage market, so they will generally limit loans to $417,000 ($625,500 in Hawaii, Guam, Alaska and U.S. Virgin Islands) with no down payment. With a down payment, loans may exceed these amounts.
* The veteran does have to qualify income and credit wise.
* The veteran does have to occupy the home as their primary residence.
* The veteran does not have to be a first time home buyer and may reuse his/her benefit.
* The lender, not VA, sets the interest rate and discount points, so they may vary from lender to lender.
* There is no private mortgage insurance, but VA does charge an up front VA funding fee, which may be financed. The exception to this is that if a veteran is in receipt of VA service connect disability payments each month, he or she does not have to pay a VA funding fee.
* The seller can pay for closing costs. There is a requirement that seller concessions do not exceed 4%, but only certain items are considered as part of the concession; i.e., payment of pre-paids, VA funding fee, payoff of credit balances or judgments on behalf of the veteran, funds for temporary buy downs (not discount points).
* The veteran is not allowed to pay for the wood destroying insect (termite) report; it is generally paid by the seller.
* VA does not approve the majority of loans. The majority of transactions are handled directly by the lender with little VA intervention.

How much can the veteran afford (and other important factors)?

Please note that VA uses two methods for qualification purposes. The primary method of evaluating a veteran's income is the residual income method. Under this method, the underwriter determines that a veteran has sufficient income to cover day-to-day living expenses after paying housing expenses, taxes, and other debts such as car payments and credit card payments. VA also uses a debt-to-income ratio method like many programs. However, VA uses only one ratio which is the ratio of total debt (both housing and other debt) to income. To calculate the ratio click here.


Important: This is provided for informational purposes only. A VA approved lender is the best resource to see how large a VA loan the veteran truly qualifies for. The lender will look at income (amount and stability), credit and compensating factors involved when rendering a decision. VA also allows lenders to use certain approved automated underwriting systems.

Other Useful Links:
* Ginnie Mae - This site will give you information on the process and calculators
* HUD - Contains information on shopping for a home, closing costs and terminology
* MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association of America) - Will give you information on the purchase process, calculators and real estate terms.
* Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.) - Site will give you information about the purchase process and real estate terms.
* FNMA (Fannie Mae) - Contains information on the purchase process.


Steps in the Process of a VA Home Loan:

There are five basic steps when obtaining a VA backed home loan. Although there are los of details within each step and some may overlap, here is a basic overview of how the process works.

    The veteran selects a home they are interested in. The purchase and sales agreement should contain a VA option clause. Sample wording for a VA option clause:

    "It is expressly agreed that, notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, the purchaser shall not incur any penalty by forfeiture of earnest money or otherwise of be obligated to complete the purchase of the property described herein, if the contract purchase price or cost exceeds the reasonable value of the property established by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The purchaser shall, however, have the privilege and option of proceeding with the consummation of this contract without regard to the amount of the reasonable value established by the Department of Veterans Affairs."

    The contract must also allow the veteran to "escape" from the contract without penalty if he/she is unable to obtain a VA loan. Some veterans prefer to contact a lender to get "pre-qualified" (see how much they can afford) prior to searching for a home. Veterans may also apply for a certificate of eligibility prior to looking for a home or contacting a lender. Please review our site for information on certificates of eligibility and a listing of lenders.

    Contact a lender to apply for the loan. At this point, if the veteran has not already obtained his/her certificate of eligibility, they will need to. The lender may be able to obtain it off the internet or the veteran may have to complete a form and send it to the appropriate eligibility center. In either case the lender will be able to assist in the procedures of how to obtain a certificate of eligibility. The lender will complete a loan application and gather supporting documentation, i.e., pay stubs and bank statements. An important item for veterans to know is that lenders set their own interest rates, discount points and closing points.

    The lender will "process" (develop) all credit and income information. Lenders are allowed to use VA approved automated underwriting systems. The lender will also order a VA appraisal. The VA appraisal is not a home inspection or a guaranty of value. It is an estimate of the market value as of the date the inspection is made comparing it to similar homes that have recently sold in that area. Although the appraiser does look for obviously needed repairs, VA does request that appraisers not address cosmetic items. VA does not warrant the condition of existing homes. The appraiser is a licensed individual who does not work for VA but is chosen by VA to assure his/her review is unbiased in any way. The lender can not request which appraiser to use, they are assigned on a rotation bases.

    Upon receipt of the appraisal and all supporting documentation on credit, income and assets, the lender will "underwrite" the loan. It is the lender who reviews all the data collected and decides if the loan should be granted, developed for additional data or if the veteran does not qualify and must be denied. Although VA does "underwrite" some loans, it is very rare. The decision on whether or not to approve the loan is generally made by the lender.

    The final step for loans that meet VA regulations and guidelines is the loan "closing" (when the transfer actually takes place). The lender chooses the title company, attorney or if their representative will conduct the closing. The title company, attorney or lender representative who will handle the closing will coordinate the date and time. If there are any questions during the process that the lender can not assist you with, please contact a VA representative.