Veterans loans are specifically for active and retired service members to help them finance home purchases. The real estate market can be tough to navigate, even if you have a VA loan in Florida. Shirley Mueller, an expert at VA Loans in Florida, is here to help with these tips for success when looking for a home with a VA loan.
How Do VA Loans Work?
VA loans are available for current or veteran service members. VA loans often have better loan terms, like no mortgage insurance requirements, no down payments, lower interest rates, and closing cost exemption. VA loans also have more eligible uses, and they have more flexible credit and debt-to-income requirements. A VA loan is not a secured loan, but the VA does guarantee it.
For example, it is generally possible to get a VA mortgage loan or home improvement loan even with a credit score as low as 500. Most conventional lenders require a credit score of at least 620. The process of acquiring a VA loan is largely the same as acquiring a conventional loan, aside from the different eligibility requirements.
Finding a House With a VA Loan
VA loans have a lot of benefits over traditional loans, but navigating real estate markets can still be difficult. Fortunately, VA Loans Florida can help.
Find a Realtor
The first step to finding any house is working with a realtor. Fortunately, there exist realtors specifically for veterans. These real estate agents understand everything about the VA loan financing process and can help you find properties and navigate the VA loan procedure.
A good realtor can mean the difference between finding the property of your dreams and having no luck.
Know Your Benefits
Veterans loans have several differences and benefits that traditional home mortgages do not have. For example, you don’t have to put a down payment with a veteran’s loan. Additionally, veterans may be able to use their VA loan benefits multiple times for primary residences. You can also still be eligible for a VA loan if you have recently gone through bankruptcy or debt consolidation.
Pay Attention to Financing Requirements
Pay attention to any loan amount or financing requirements for properties. It can be frustrating to find a home put in an offer, but find out the seller won’t accept a VA loan. Unfortunately, the additional requirements and benefits of VA loans may be seen as an additional risk to some sellers, and they may only be willing to sell to someone with a conventional home mortgage.
Explore Other Financing Options
VA loans are a good option for no-down-payment loans, but it can sometimes make sense to opt for a traditional loan. Even if you are eligible for a VA loan, it can be worth exploring additional financing opportunities to see what options you have.
VA Loans in Florida
With nearly 20 years of combined experience, the Shirley Mueller, VA Loans Expert for Florida dedicates herself to helping service members find the home of their dreams. Call us at 561-810-1711 or apply online to see if you pre-qualify for VA loans in Florida!