Home Loans for Veterans With Bad Credit

VA loans are a top military benefit for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses but keep in mind that being eligible does not always mean you will get a loan. For a VA-backed home loan, you’ll also need to pass your lender’s credit scoring, credit history on your credit report, and income loan requirements to receive financing. So, it really matters what lender is providing home loans for veterans with bad credit.

Credit scoring is used by lenders to help decide whether to extend or deny credit, but credit score minimums may be different for each VA lender. Even If your credit score is low, there may be hope at HomePromise! Military members with bad credit may be able to overcome their financial difficulties and be approved for HomePromise VA loans. If you have had difficulty paying bills on time we may still be able to help. Call us if you’ve had difficulty paying an unsecured credit card or any other kind of debt.

If you’re trying to pay off debt as a veteran homeowner, we have government-backed VA home loan debt relief options available to you that may not be available to civilians. They can help you pay off your debts and free up money in your monthly budget. Do you want to find out more about your options? Contact a HomePromise VA expert at 800-720-0250 today.

“Our loan officer patiently walked us through many difficulties and obstacles.” – Maryland G.

How to Get a VA Loan With a Challenging Credit History

A VA loan is a specialized type of government loan, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It allows you to qualify for a low-cost mortgage when you’re looking to purchase or refinance a house even if your credit isn’t perfect. If you’re on active duty in the military, a military surviving spouse, or are a veteran, you’re potentially eligible for a VA loan.VA Loan with a Challenging Credit History

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VA Loan Requirements for Veterans With Bad Credit

To qualify for a VA Loan, you must meet service requirements, you need your income, assets, and credit to check out. You also need an appraisal of the home you own or are buying. You must also meet your lender’s requirements, and this is how HomePromise helps you when other lenders may not; By setting a lower credit score requirement than many other lenders we may make VA loans other lenders turn down. Also, the HomePromise origination fee paid at closing is lower compared to many other lenders.

Credit requirements are set by lenders, not by the Veterans Administration. Compared to some other lenders who have strict credit and payment history requirements, HomePromise helps again by sometimes allowing credit problems like a bankruptcy less than 2 years ago if you have extenuating circumstances for the bankruptcy.

When it comes to fees at closing, HomePromise also helps by charging a flat rate of $590 instead of 1% of the total loan amount like other lenders. The HomePromise low origination fee may save you thousands in closing costs. Also, ask us about special VA loan cost-saving options for disabled veterans who receive compensation from the VA for a service-connected disability.

To be eligible for a loan your lender will also evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to judge your ability to pay back the loan. Your DTI represents how much of your monthly income goes toward paying back debt. Veteran homeowners dealing with debt also have access to debt relief options with HomePromise.

As a Veteran homeowner, you may qualify for an MDCL (Military Debt Consolidation Loan), also known as a VA Consolidation Loan which can help you overcome financial difficulties. As a VA-eligible homeowner, you may also be able to get an MDCL which is a kind of VA Cash-Out refinance loan which is designed to pay off existing monthly debt like high-interest credit card debt. Do you want to learn more about getting a VA mortgage with a low credit score? Ask our VA home loan experts at 800-720-0250.

Minimum Credit Score for VA Loan

Although the VA determines the guidelines for VA loan eligibility, private lenders who finance the home typically have an additional set of requirements borrowers must satisfy. To be approved for a loan, you must meet your lender’s financial requirements. These requirements include having enough income, acceptable levels of debt (debt to income ratio), and a credit score that meets the lender’s credit requirements.

Many lenders require a 640 minimum credit score to obtain VA financing, but HomePromise only requires 580. Sometimes it can take many months or a year or more of working on your credit to get your credit score from 580 to 640. With HomePromise you may not have to wait for your score to rise. So, you may qualify for a VA loan even if you have had trouble making on-time payments.

VA Bankruptcy Waiting Period

You can still qualify for a VA loan after bankruptcy or foreclosure. Veterans who file for bankruptcy may see their credit score drop between 130 to 240 points, according to credit scoring experts. Many VA lenders require a credit score of at least 640, and this decrease knocks many borrowers out of the qualifying range. The good news for VA borrowers is that the waiting period after discharge of bankruptcy is typically lower for VA loans than what you’ll need for conventional financing.

The two common forms of consumer bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves erasing debts like credit cards while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy focuses on repayment of debt over a proposed period usually lasting for three to five years. When you complete a bankruptcy it is important to get new credit accounts. A VA mortgage loan builds credit and may help improve your credit score.

Most lenders, prospective military homeowners, or homebuyers with a bankruptcy need to wait for two years or more from the date a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is discharged or one year from the date a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is filed. With HomePromise we may be able to give you a VA loan in less time. Call now at 800-720-0250 to see if you qualify.

VA Loans for Military Personnel

To apply for a VA loan, you need your certificate of eligibility (COE) which can be obtained through HomePromise by calling 800-720-0250. Sometimes Veterans may have an old VA loan from years ago that went into foreclosure. This may be five, ten, or even twenty years ago. Some VA lenders won’t give a VA loan to a veteran who had a past foreclosure.

With HomePromise, military personnel who have previously been denied VA loans because of a VA foreclosure two or more years ago can own their own homes as we have less strict lender requirements. In fact, you may even qualify for a VA loan with a foreclosure less than 2 years ago if the cause was certain types of circumstances beyond your control. If you have less than perfect credit, you can still apply for a VA mortgage loan with HomePromise and you may qualify when others tell you no

Best VA Loan Lenders

VA home loans are issued by private lenders like HomePromise but are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a result, qualifying requirements for the VA loan benefit are less stringent than for standard conventional loans. With HomePromise, it may be faster and easier to get a loan with our less strict credit score requirements, lower origination fees, and competitive interest rates.

Many lenders can offer you loans, but the best VA loan lenders like HomePromise offer loans with no down payment requirements, no private mortgage insurance, and relaxed credit score standards. With bad credit and even after a bankruptcy or foreclosure you may still be able to get a home purchase loan. Call our VA experts at 800-720-0250 and discuss your options today and learn about VA loan terms and conditions!

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Pay Off Debt With a VA Home Loan

by | | HomePromise Lending News

Pay Off Debt With a VA Home Loan

Debt accumulation can happen to the best of us but luckily as a Veteran homeowner, you have an advantage. Your VA home loan program eligibility means you may qualify for an MDCL (Military Debt Consolidation Loan), also known as a VA Consolidation Loan which may help you overcome financial difficulties. With HomePromise, it’s possible to pay off high interest debt with a VA home loan.

Being eligible for VA home loan benefits as a result of your military service is a low-interest rate way of consolidating your debt. VA loans are special because not only can you buy a home with zero down payment, you may be able to get a VA cash-out refinance loan to pay off debt. One big benefit of the VA home loan program is that most of the time, the VA loan limits can be ignored which means you may qualify for a VA loan for $1,000,000, 1,500,000 or even $2,000.000!

Many types of conventional mortgages will only allow a borrower to borrow 70-80% of the home’s value to pay off consumer debt. Plus, if you can’t bring a 20% down payment you’ll be paying monthly mortgage insurance which can be expensive. When considering VA loans, some VA lenders only allow you to tap 90% of your home’s value. The HomePromise Military Debt Consolidation Loan (MDCL) allows you to borrow up to 100% of your home’s current appraised value. Are you interested and wondering if you qualify for an increase in your VA loan amount? Contact our HomePromise VA loan experts today at 800-720-0250.

“This was the only lending company that did not ignore me.” – John O.

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VA Debt Consolidation Loans & Military Debt Consolidation

Even with the best of intentions, bills can start to pile up. From unexpected medical bills to high interest credit cards, debt can happen to anyone. Other expenses like college tuition, delinquent taxes, and second mortgages can also cause financial stress. For veterans and military families currently experiencing financial difficulties, VA military debt consolidation loans can help.

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Does the VA Help With Credit Card Debt?

How to Get a VA Loan With a Challenging Credit History

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How to Get a VA Loan With a Challenging Credit History

A VA loan is a specialized type of government loan, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It allows you to qualify for a low-cost mortgage when you’re looking to purchase or refinance a house even if your credit isn’t perfect.

If you’re on active duty in the military, a military surviving spouse, or are a veteran, you’re potentially eligible for a VA loan.

VA loans have several advantages over conventional loans including lower interest rates, less strict borrowing requirements, and no down payment due at closing.

VA home loans also don’t have any monthly mortgage insurance. In this guide, you’ll learn to navigate your VA home purchase or refinance with or without excellent credit.

VA loans are issued by private lenders, such as a HomePromise, and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Because of the government backing, if you’re considering a VA loan, you don’t need to have a perfect credit report.

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Home Loans for Veterans With Bad Credit

Credit requirements are set by lenders, not by the Veterans Administration. Compared to some other lenders who have strict credit and payment history requirements, HomePromise helps again by sometimes allowing credit problems like a bankruptcy less than 2 years ago if you have extenuating circumstances for the bankruptcy.

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You can secure VA financing or get a low rate and excellent terms. These loans are often easier to get than conventional loans because of their easier credit requirements.

Eligible VA loan borrowers don’t need to abandon their dreams of owning a home because of a low credit score. The best part about credit is that it is fluid which means that it changes constantly.

An improvement in your financial habits will cause your credit score to go up but knowing what to improve on can be confusing. If you’re not an expert in credit reporting, it’s hard to decide if you should pay off a debt, add more debt or close a credit card account.

If you’re ready to get started on your VA loan but need help navigating your credit options, you need help from an expert in VA loans with credit history problems.

Learn how you can get a VA loan with a challenging credit history from our VA loan experts at 800-720-0250.

Can You Get a VA Loan With Bad Credit?

When it comes to credit scores, anything less than a 680 FICO Score is considered bad by some VA lenders. Other may consider credit scores under 640 a problem.

Beyond credit scores, lenders will be checking your credit report for things like how much you have available for a down payment, your overall amount of debt, and how much income you earn.

Cash is sometimes key when you have bad credit. The reason for this is that you may benefit from paying down or paying off various debts to improve your credit.

Picking a lender like HomePromise important because HomePromise does not add lots of extra rules on top of the VA lending guidelines like many other lenders.

One key benefit of HomePromise is our ability to help people with difficult credit histories by approving loans for credit scores as low as 580. Get in touch with us and see if you qualify.

Lenders Who Specialize in Bad Credit VA Loans

If you’re a would-be home buyer looking for the best mortgage lenders for bad credit, you’re not out of options. Home loans for bad credit are often backed by government agencies like the Veterans Administration (VA).

VA Loans are issued by private lenders and the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees the loan. No down payment is required unless the home appraises for less than you’re paying for it.

You however do need to be a military service member or have a prior record of military service with an honorable discharged as a veteran. Surviving spouses of servicemen and women may also be eligible.

Lenders charge an origination fee which is an upfront fee for processing a new loan application, Most lenders charge an origination fee of 1% of the loan amount meaning $2,500.00 on a $250,000 loan. The HomePromise origination fee may save you thousands because its only $590!

Want to talk to VA loan specialists and find out more? Call 800-720-0250 today.

What It Takes to Buy a House With a Bad Credit VA Loan

VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and allow for the purchase of homes with $0 down. Unless you are a veteran receiving disability compensation, the VA will make lenders collect from you a one-time funding fee at closing.

Your home must meet specific minimum standards to qualify for VA financing. If you want to improve your credit, here are steps you can take that may improve your chances of buying a house with bad credit:

● Decrease debt

● Correct errors on your credit record

● Ask creditors to remove negative information on your credit report

● Don’t apply for more credit

These are general suggestions that help many people, but your specific situation might be different. Our VA loan experts are available to help you with ways to raise your credit score that are unique to your situation.

Please call today and talk to a HomePromise VA loan expert today at 800-720-0250.

How to Apply for a VA Home Loan With Bad Credit

Before applying for a VA loan, you need a Certificate of eligibility which you can get through HomePromise. With that paperwork, you can apply for a loan online with a lender like HomePromise. After serving your country, you deserve to have an easy time buying a home.

A VA loan could be your ticket to an affordable mortgage and a place to call your own. You can apply with HomePromise over the phone or online.

Final Thoughts

Having bad credit doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of homeownership as a service member, military surviving spouse or veteran. Instead, it might just require additional research when looking for financing. With a government-backed loan like a VA loan, you may qualify for a mortgage even with a bad credit score.

To find out if you’re eligible and how the VA loan works, give us a call at 800-720-0250 and talk to our VA loan experts.

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Purchase Refinance

VA Debt Consolidation Loans & Military Debt Consolidation

by | | HomePromise Lending News

VA Debt Consolidation Loans

Even with the best of intentions, bills can start to pile up. From unexpected medical bills to high-interest credit cards, debt can happen to anyone including veterans and military personnel. Other expenses like college tuition, delinquent taxes, and second mortgages can also cause financial stress. For veterans and military families currently experiencing financial difficulties, VA military debt consolidation loans can help.

Using the VA home loan program for debt consolidation is designed to help alleviate some of these financial burdens and give veterans and military families a better option for paying off their debt faster and easier.

When determining your eligibility for a military debt consolidation loan, lenders will consider your credit report, your income and debts, the equity in your home, and your VA loan repayment history. If you have questions about how a VA debt consolidation loan could work for you, call HomePromise at 800-720-0250. Their experts will answer your questions, review your credit score, and provide you with a free quote.

VA Military Debt Consolidation

Military debt consolidation loans work similarly to cash-out refinances. If you own a home, you are able to refinance that loan for a higher amount to cover the debt. Upon closing, that additional money is pulled out and given to you. You then have paid off personal debt with higher monthly payments. The amount of debt you can pay off depends on several factors including how much home equity you have.

“Our situation was a little unique and challenging but HomePromise made it happen.” – Tonya H.

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Refinancing VA Loans With HomePromise

As a military homeowner, you can use cash back on a VA refinance for a variety of needs ranging from paying off debts to making home improvements.

Do you want to lower your mortgage payments? Refinancing may help in a big way! You can get started by calling 800-720-0250 to talk with our VA experts.

Should you refinance using the VA program or with a conventional mortgage?

Refinancing VA Loans

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Note that you don’t have to have an existing VA loan presently to qualify.

For example, if your current home loan balance is $150,000 and you need $20,000 to cover existing debt from credit cards, delinquent taxes, or college tuition payments, your loan would be refinanced to $170,000 plus any financed closing costs. You would receive the $20,000 and your new mortgage payment would reflect the new loan amount of $170,000 plus financed closing costs. You can use these kinds of loans to pay off any type of debt or personal loan.

The benefits of a VA debt consolidation loan may include reducing your interest rate, having longer repayment plans or terms, decreasing your overall non-mortgage debt and having fewer monthly payments. Military debt consolidation loans also provide more options for veterans and military families with low credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios.

Some veterans may choose a debt management program but finding out if you qualify for a VA cash-out refinance VA debt consolidation loan may be a better option. Always remember that if you’re struggling with your debts, you have special rights if you’re presently on active duty through the Military Lending Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

VA Loans to Pay off a Second Mortgage

If you have a second mortgage or home equity line of credit and are looking to pay off that loan, a VA debt consolidation loan could be a helpful option for you. With a military debt consolidation loan, you can pay off your second mortgage, and many times receive a more competitive interest rate and consolidate your monthly payments into one easy payment.

If you’re considering a VA debt consolidation loan and want to discuss your options, call HomePromise at 800-720-0250 to receive a free quote from one of our VA home loan experts.

VA Loans to Pay off Credit Cards

There is hope for those experiencing financial difficulties due to growing credit card debt: VA debt consolidation loans can help alleviate this financial burden. Veterans and military families who own a home as a primary residence are eligible to take out up to 100% of their home’s equity with HomePromise to help pay off credit card debt. The money you receive from refinancing your existing home loan would pay off your credit cards and leave you with an updated mortgage payment to reflect the higher loan amount.

It is important to note that many VA lenders limit you to 90% of the value of your home when taking out a new loan to get cash out of your home. This is not required by the VA home loan program and a few lenders will let you go all the way up to 100% of the value of your home. HomePromise is one of those lenders so call the HomePromise VA loan experts at 800-720-0250 to apply for a 100% cash-out refinance VA home loan.

Paying off your credit card debt and having it rolled into one easy mortgage payment shortens the amount of time it will take you to pay off your debt. It will reduce your interest rate and decreases your overall non-mortgage debt amount.

It also eliminates the never-ending credit card bills with their high credit card interest rates and the harassing calls from credit card companies.

Credit card debt is considered unsecured debt. When you take out a VA debt consolidation loan to pay off your credit card debt, that debt is now considered secured debt. The debt is now called secured debt because your home is acting as collateral for your loan. Just like any VA home loan, there is a risk of foreclosure if you don’t pay your mortgage.

Military debt consolidation loans are a great option for veterans and their families because these loans offer more competitive interest rates than high-interest credit cards and closing cost caps compared to other mortgage loan types. Applying for a VA debt consolidation loan to pay off your credit cards may also improve your credit score in some cases. Contact HomePromise at 800-720-0250 to receive your free quote today.

VA Loans to Pay off Delinquent Taxes

If you’re behind on your income or property tax payments, you could be facing fines, high-interest rates on your debt, and potentially garnishing or placing a levy on your wages. Taking out a VA debt consolidation loan may allow you to quickly pay off your delinquent taxes and consolidate your monthly payments into one simple payment.

Some VA lenders will deny your loan if you are behind on your taxes. HomePromise is different, many times we may be able to approve your VA loan even with unpaid state, federal, or real estate taxes. Call HomePromise at 800-720-0250 to see if you qualify for a VA debt consolidation loan today.

VA Cash Out Refinances to Pay for College

It’s no secret that paying for college tuition is expensive. Whether you’re paying for your children to go to college or you’re going to college yourself, it’s an expensive undertaking. A VA debt consolidation loan could help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with furthering your education or that of your children.

Using a VA cash-out refinance to pay for college may be a great option to lower the interest rate on your student debt with a low-rate VA mortgage. This kind of VA loan option may provide you with a significant amount of money to put toward tuition or pay off student loans while maintaining one monthly payment with a low-interest rate.

Get a Free Quote for a VA Debt Consolidation Loan

When faced with the burden of paying off a second mortgage, credit card debt, college tuition, or delinquent taxes, you need to work with a trustworthy lender who has competitive interest rates. HomePromise is a lender approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to provide VA loans. We have some of the lowest loan origination fees in the country, and we provide veterans and military families with convenient ways to apply. If you served or currently serve in the armed forces give us a call.

Whether online or over the phone, HomePromise will handle all of your VA home loan and VA debt consolidation loan questions with compassion and care. We will review your credit history along with your unique circumstances and provide you with a free quote if you qualify. If you’re having difficulty getting your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on the Department of Defense website, we can help you get it. Call HomePromise at 800-720-0250 to learn what options may be available to military service members and veterans for VA debt consolidation loans.

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VA Home Loans For Disabled Veterans

by | | HomePromise Lending News, VA Mortgages

VA Home Loans For Disabled Veterans: Everything You Need to Know

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases a Veteran makes. As a result, the process can often feel overwhelming and hard to navigate. One of the biggest challenges Veteran buyers face is financing the home.

For veterans, VA home loans are available to make homeownership possible. And extra VA loan benefits are available to veterans who have a military service-related disability. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or refinance your current home, these benefits can be very valuable.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at VA home loans for disabled veterans along with other lesser-known benefits that are available.

“HomePromise made our retirement home dream happen.” – Eric M.

What is The VA Loan Origination Fee?

When considering different mortgage lenders, one important factor to be aware of is what fees they will charge you. One of the fees mortgage lenders will charge you is the VA loan origination fee.

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VA Loans for Disabled Veterans

Regardless of disability rating, disabled veterans who have VA loan entitlement are eligible for a VA home loan as long as they meet the qualifications for the loan. While requirements vary, veterans typically need to meet minimum service standards, have an acceptable credit score, meet the minimum income requirements, and have an acceptable debt-to-income ratio.

The debt-to-income ratio is the minimum mortgage payments on all your debts divided by your gross monthly income before taxes are taken out. One of the benefits of the VA loan program for disabled veterans is you can “gross up” your disability income by 25% to qualify for a VA loan. This increase in income can mean the difference between loan approval and denial.

Lenders typically want to see a credit score of 620, but having a lower credit score isn’t an immediate disqualification, especially for a lender like HomePromise that will allow VA credit scores even lower. Regular, reliable income is important to show lenders that you’ll have the ability to make your monthly payments while keeping up with your other bills.

These loans offer veterans many benefits that aren’t available in a typical mortgage, including:

No down payments are necessary
No monthly mortgage insurance no matter how little the down payment
Lower than average interest rates over the life of the loan
No penalties for early VA loan pay-offs
Less strict credit requirements for approval
Lower-income requirements than Conventional loans
Lower closing costs for disabled veterans
High loan amounts with the lifting of the VA loan limit
Cash-out refinance loans to 100% of the value of your home*
Manufactured home VA loans with no money down

* only available from a select group of VA lenders like HomePromise

A veteran’s disability rating will not hurt the chances of being approved for a VA loan as long as those minimum requirements are met. In fact, there are even more benefits available to help disabled veterans buy their own homes, refinance their homes, or modify their current homes.

Disability Compensation as Income

All veterans who apply for a VA mortgage need to document their income. Lenders need to know that the applicant has a steady source of income and a reasonable debt-to-income ratio to consistently pay their mortgage on time. The VA requires income to be stable, and reliable and the income has to be expected to continue.

If you’re receiving disability compensation, you’ll be able to include that as income on your application. This is in addition to any other source of income you may also have. Since your disability compensation is reliable and expected to continue, it will help you meet the qualifications for loan approval. The VA rules for income are complicated, please call our VA home loan experts at 800-720-0250 for help.

VA Funding Fee Exemption

When you take out a VA loan, you’re required to pay a VA funding fee. The Department of Veterans Affairs charges these fees to cover their losses on defaulted loans. The amount you’re required to pay depends on several factors, including your service time and the size of your down payment.

If you’re a first-time buyer without a down payment, the funding fee is 2.3% of the total loan amount – so if you’re applying for a $150,000 loan, the funding fee would be $3,450. So, this exemption can help save a lot of money at closing.

However, veterans who are entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability are exempt from paying this VA funding fee. Surviving spouses are also exempt from this fee if the veteran died in service or from a disability related to their service. Veterans who received their disability rating soon after they closed on their loan may also be able to obtain a refund of the VA funding fee.

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans

In addition to these loans and programs, disabled veterans may qualify for grants to help fund the purchase of a home or to modify their current home to make it more accessible.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant programs are available to veterans with qualifying service-related disabilities. Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants are also available to qualifying veterans to fund adaptations like ramps, wider doorways, and kitchen and bathroom modifications.

Property Tax Exemptions and Credits for Disabled Veterans

Depending on the state or county where you live and the amount of your disability rating, if you’re a disabled veteran you may qualify for property tax exemptions and credits. These exemptions can lead to thousands of dollars in savings. In some areas, veterans with a 100% disabled status qualify for real estate property tax relief, but other areas offer benefits to veterans with lower disability levels as well. If you call our VA lending experts at 800-720-0250 we can help you find out what is available to you in your area.

VA Home Loans Can Help Make Homeownership a Reality

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to the mortgage process. Thankfully, VA home loans for disabled veterans can help make your homeownership goals a reality with no down payment, lower credit score requirements, and no monthly mortgage insurance (often called Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI). You may also qualify for benefits as a disabled veteran like grants, property tax exemptions, and a funding fee exemption.

HomePromise is a lender approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to make VA loans. Call HomePromise today at 800-975-0640 to talk to one of our VA home loan experts to see if you qualify for VA home loan benefits and we can help see if you can get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

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Purchase Refinance

What Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

by | | HomePromise Lending News

What Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

We are often asked who is exempt from paying the VA funding fee at closing. At HomePromise, our VA home loan experts are standing by to answer your questions and help guide you as you make these important financial decisions. In this article, we will look at what Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions.

What is the VA Funding Fee?

The VA funding fee is an additional cost that service members, veterans, or surviving spouses must pay when obtaining a VA loan. The funding fee helps cover the losses from other defaulted VA loans made to military members and veterans who stop making their mortgage payments. It keeps the VA loan program healthy and makes sure this program is still available for veterans and their families for years to come.

“I would absolutely recommend HomePromise to anyone in need of a lender!” – Amy G.

What is The VA Loan Origination Fee?

When considering different mortgage lenders, one important factor to be aware of is what fees they will charge you. One of the fees mortgage lenders will charge you is the VA loan origination fee.

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The History of the VA Home Loan Program

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, most commonly referred to as the GI Bill of Rights, was passed in 1944. The GI Bill of Rights included the VA home loan program. This piece of legislation was signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt with the goal of reshaping the American economy by creating a level playing field for veterans of World War II. Helping make home loans more accessible through the VA home loan benefits program was a major part of accomplishing this goal.

There have been many updates to the laws and rules surrounding VA loans since the program began. Some increased the buying power and capabilities of veterans using the VA loan program, while others provided more regulation to make sure this program remains available for future generations.

HomePromise understands the long history of the VA home loan program and the important role it plays in helping veterans and their families buy homes. Whether you have questions about funding fee rates, discount points, the benefit of qualifying by receiving VA compensation, or any other VA mortgage questions, we’re here to help.

What Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

VA Funding Fee Exemptions for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses

Disabled veterans are exempt from the VA funding fee. If you are currently receiving compensation for a service-connected disability, you can waive the VA funding fee regardless of your level of disability. Surviving spouses of veterans who passed away in action and active-duty military service members who have received a Purple Heart are also exempt from paying the VA funding fee.

Here is a detailed list of qualifications for exemption from the VA funding fee: What Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

VA Funding Fee Exemptions

You’re a disabled veteran currently receiving VA disability compensation for a disability sustained during service
You’re currently in the process of applying for VA disability compensation but you haven’t started receiving payments yet. In this case, the VA funding fee would be returned to you after your disability payments begin as long as get your disability approved soon after closing.
You’re an active-duty service member who has received a Purple Heart
You’re the surviving spouse of a veteran who passed away in action or from a service-related disability

How Much is the VA Funding Fee?

Being exempt from the VA funding fee can help disabled veterans and surviving spouses save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket fees when purchasing a home or refinancing their current one. If you closed on your loan before you started receiving your disability benefits, you may be able to have your VA funding fee refunded back to you. However, you must receive your disability benefits approval within a short time after closing on your VA loan.

The cost of the VA funding fee is based on your total loan amount, not the purchase price of your home. It varies based on the size of the down payment and if this is your first time using the VA loan program. Return users of the VA loan program pay a higher VA funding fee compared to buyers who are using the VA loan program for the first time.

Below is a chart detailing how mortgage lenders calculate the VA funding fee: What Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

First-Time VA Loan User	After First Use of the VA Loan	Down Payment Amount
2.3%	3.6%	Less than 5%, including no down payment
1.65%	1.65%	5% or more
1.4%	1.4%	10% or more

These percentages have a big impact on out-of-pocket costs at closing if you are not exempt from the VA funding fee. Below are a few examples of how much the VA funding fee can cost people based on their total loan amount: What Qualifies for VA Funding Fee Exemptions?

	Down Payment Amount	$150,000 VA Loan Amount	$200,000 VA Loan Amount	$250,000 VA Loan Amount
First-time use	Less than 5%	$3,450	$4,600	$5,750
First-time use	5% or more	$2,475	$3,300	$4,125
First-time use	10% or more	$2,100	$2,800	$3,500
After first use	Less than 5%	$5,400	$7,200	$9,000
After first use	5% or more	$2,475	$3,300	$4,125
After first use	10% or more	$2,100	$2,800	$3,500

As a VA borrower, if you have questions about your exemption from the VA funding fee, call HomePromise to speak with one of our VA home loan experts at 800-720-0250. They will review your credit score, income sources, and credit history before providing you with a free quote.

How Does the VA Funding Fee Work with a Cash-Out Refinance?

A cash-out refinance helps you take full advantage of the equity you’ve built in your home. At loan closing, you receive funds to use for various purposes. Perhaps you are looking to refinance your home with the goal of pulling cash out to pay off existing liens, renovate your home, or cover other expenses. Below is a chart showing the VA funding fees for cash-out refinances:

	First-Time Use	After First Use
VA Funding Fee Percentage	2.3%	3.6%

This means that if you are refinancing to the below total loan amounts, the VA funding fees would be:

	$100,000 Total Loan Amount	$200,000 Total Loan Amount	$250,000 Total Loan Amount
First-Time Use	$2,300	$4,600	$5,750
After First Use	$3,600	$7,200	$9,000

Being able to waive the VA funding fee offers those who are exempt significant cost savings when doing a cash-out refinance. To learn more about a cash-out refinance for your home, call HomePromise at 800-720-0250.

Other VA Loan Benefits Available to Disabled Veterans

In addition to being exempt from paying the VA funding fee, disabled veterans may also be eligible for special housing grants, real estate property tax exemptions, and disability compensation benefits for veteran income. These benefits are in addition to the benefits already available to veterans, military service members, and surviving spouses when applying for VA loans, including options for lower credit scores, limits on closing costs, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance. Call our VA lending experts at 800-720-0250 for more information.

How Your Credit Score Impacts Your VA Home Loan Eligibility

The Department of Veterans Affairs has no minimum credit score requirements when applying for a VA home loan. Instead, the Department of Veterans Affairs requires mortgage lenders to review the overall credit history, sources of income, and credit score of the person when determining their eligibility for a VA loan. The HomePromise minimum credit score for VA loans is 580.

In general, having a higher credit score typically means you will receive a lower interest rate. Having a higher credit score means you are less of a credit risk for mortgage lenders, which is why they reward you with a higher rate.

To further understand how your credit score impacts your VA home loan eligibility, call our HomePromise VA loan experts at 800-720-0250. Our professionals will review your credit score and provide you with a free quote.

Talk to a HomePromise VA Loan Expert

HomePromise is a knowledgeable and compassionate lender approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide VA home loans. We provide convenient options for applying for VA home loans, including online and over the phone. If you have questions about how to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or how to qualify for a VA streamline refinance (IRRRL) please give us a call.

Learn more about how your exemption from the VA funding fee can save you thousands of dollars at closing by calling our HomePromise VA loan experts at 800-720-0250!

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