Who Pays VA Closing Costs on A VA Mortgage?

The VA home loan program benefits active military members, veterans, and surviving spouses. Some of these benefits include no down payment and lower interest rates. However, just like any other loan, there are closing costs and a VA funding fee involved.

Closing Costs And VA Loans

When it comes to VA loans, the answer to who pays the closing costs can vary. Generally, both the buyer and seller can negotiate who pays before the closing date. However, with a VA loan, there are certain fees that cannot be charged to the veteran borrower.

The seller is allowed to pay up to 4% of the total home value in concessions toward closing costs. These concessions can cover things like title fees or prepaid taxes and insurance. If these concessions exceed 4%, then any excess must be returned to the seller.

Be aware that the borrower may need to pay appraisal and inspection costs.

Understanding who pays for what during the VA loan closing process is essential when planning your VA home-buying budget. Be sure to discuss this topic thoroughly with your lender and real estate agent before finalizing any transactions!

What Lenders Can Charge for VA Loan Closing Costs?

One important aspect of obtaining a VA loan is understanding the closing costs associated with it. Closing costs are expenses that occur when buying or refinancing a home. They vary based on location, property type, and lender’s fees.

Generally speaking, closing costs for a VA loan range from 2% to 5% of the home’s total cost. This means that if you’re purchasing a $250,000 home, your closing costs could be anywhere from $5,000 to $12,500.

Closing costs for VA loans typically include:

• Appraisal fees
• Title insurance premiums
• Recording fees for deeds and mortgages
• Credit report charges
• Origination fees charged by lenders

It’s worth noting that sellers can also contribute towards some or all of these costs through what is called “seller concessions.” However, seller contributions have limits set by law – they cannot exceed more than 4% of the purchase price.

While it may seem like an extra expense at first glance, closing costs are necessary to complete any real estate transaction. This will help you prepare financially for closing on your new home with a VA loan.

VA loans offer numerous benefits to eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and active-duty service members. One of the advantages is that the borrower can save money on closing costs. 

It is true that someone must pay the fees associated with a VA loan. However, the borrower does not have to pay for them alone. Sellers or lenders can contribute to the fees.

It’s important to understand what goes into closing costs and how they differ from regular loans. Working with an experienced VA lender, like HomePromise, helps borrowers gain clarity on the loan terms. Such lenders specialize in VA loans and can provide insight into what borrowers are agreeing to.

VA loans have helped millions of military families achieve homeownership over the years. Veterans choose this financing option due to its low-interest rates, no need for mortgage insurance, and flexible credit requirements. It’s easy to understand why this option is so popular.

Closing Cost FAQs

Q. What are the common closing costs that a veteran might expect to pay when taking out a VA mortgage loan?

A. Closing costs for a veteran taking out a VA mortgage can include appraisal fees, loan origination fees, title search, and insurance fees, surveys and recording fees, attorney or settlement fees, and other miscellaneous charges. Many lenders charge a 1% origination fee which would be $4,000 on a $400,000 mortgage amount.  HomePromise has a very low origination fee of only $590.

Q. Are there any fees or charges unique to VA loans that veterans should be aware of during the closing process?

A. Veterans should be aware of one unique charge associated with VA loans. These are the VA funding fees.  The VA funding fee is charged by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to provide their loan guaranty.

Q. How can veterans minimize their out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to closing costs for a VA mortgage loan?

A. Veterans can use several strategies to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for closing costs for their VA mortgage loan. The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers certain waivers and discounts to veterans when it comes to obtaining a home loan. These include no monthly private mortgage insurance, which could save you thousands over the lifetime of the loan. Also, veterans qualify for various discounted rates on services or fees which may be associated with acquiring a VA loan. But, the biggest fee to watch for is the Origination Fee which varies by lender.  Many lenders charge an Origination Fee of 1% of the loan amount.  On a $500,000 loan that would be $5,000.  HomePromise has a very low origination fee of only $590.