
A VA mortgage is a type of mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You probably already know that VA loans offer numerous advantages, including zero down payment requirement, no PMI, easy credit qualifications, and affordable rates. But you may still have questions about VA mortgages. Below, we answer a few common questions you might have.
- Q: What is a Certificate of Eligibility, and how do I get one?
- A: A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document that states that you are eligible for the VA mortgage benefit. What you need varies depending on your current status. For example, if you are a veteran, your COE is your DD214 discharge or separation papers. If you are active-duty, on the other hand, your COE is a signed statement from your commander, personnel officer or adjutant. You do not need to get your COE yourself; you can ask your lender to do it for you through an online system called Web LGY.
- Q: Do I qualify for a VA mortgage?
- A: Whether you qualify for a VA mortgage depends on whether you have met the service requirement for your era of duty. We also will look at your credit score, income, employment history and status, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, just as we would if you were applying for any other type of mortgage. Along with veterans and active-duty service members, eligible surviving spouses can also use this VA benefit to buy a home.
- Q: Can I use my VA mortgage benefits more than once?
- A: Yes, it is possible to re-use your VA mortgage benefits. Although it is possible to use the benefits an unlimited number of times, you should note that the VA will only guarantee so much at a time (this is referred to as your “entitlement”). Also, you can use a VA mortgage for a primary residence.
- Q: Can I refinance a VA loan?
- A: Yes, you can refinance a VA mortgage. In fact, there is a specialized product for this purpose called an interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL). This product is a popular one, in part because it is streamlined, fast and easy.
- Q: Are VA loans assumable?
- A: Yes, VA mortgages are assumable. If you buy a home from a seller who had a VA loan, you can assume that loan, regardless of whether you would qualify for a VA mortgage.
- Q: Do VA loans have PMI?
- A: No, VA loans do not have private mortgage insurance (PMI), even if you put no money down on your new home. That is one of the features that makes them so appealing.
Apply for an VA Loan in Ohio
Still have questions about VA loans? Liberty Capital Services is based in Columbus, and can help you apply for a VA mortgage for home purchase or refinance anywhere in Ohio. To get started, please give us a call at (614) 505-0620. We look forward to walking you through the VA loan process.