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VA Loans

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What Is the Minimum Credit Score for a VA Loan?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that in 2022, nearly 750,000 VA home loans were issued, and the average loan amount was $343,895. For veterans and service members (and their families), a VA loan remains one of the most viable paths to homeownership.  Those interested in the program typically have questions about the...

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Joint VA Loans: Everything You Need To Know

With perks like no required down payment and free mortgage loan counseling, it’s no wonder U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are a popular option for the military community. The catch is you must meet minimum service requirements to apply for a VA loan. However, with joint VA loans, non-military borrowers also have an...

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Can You Use a VA Loan for a Second Home?

A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan is one of the best ways active or veteran military service members can secure a mortgage. With a VA loan, veterans can get the money they need and not have to make a down payment. And your VA loan is a benefit you can reuse. You can use...

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VA Funding Fee: Costs and Exemptions Explained

The VA loan program is one of the best ways for qualified service members, veterans and surviving spouses to become successful home buyers. VA loans make home loans accessible and offer some of the most competitive rates around.  But there is one fee borrowers will pay with a VA loan that they wouldn’t pay with...

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VA Loans vs. Conventional Loans: What’s Different and How Do You Choose?

When you’re house hunting, finding the right home is only part of the battle. You’ll also need to decide how to finance your home purchase. If you’re going to take out a loan, you need to know which type of mortgage to use. Conventional loans and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are among...

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Do VA Loans Have Closing Costs?

Qualifying service members, veterans or surviving spouses turn to VA loans to help make buying a home less expensive and becoming a homeowner more affordable. With a VA loan in hand, borrowers can close on a new home without a substantial amount of money upfront.  One of the biggest benefits of a VA loan is...

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How To Use a VA Loan for an Investment Property

Like many Americans, U.S. military veterans and active duty service members may want to purchase an investment property. After all, real estate has proven to be one of the most lucrative investment opportunities.  As an added bonus, service members and veterans get access to VA loans, which often come with more favorable terms and fewer...

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What Are the VA Loan Spouse Requirements?

If you’re the spouse or surviving spouse of a U.S. Armed Forces veteran (including the U.S. National Guard), you may qualify for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan – either as a co-borrower or sometimes as a standalone applicant.  Considering everything spouses of active service members and veterans do for their families, as...

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VA Streamline Refinance (VA IRRRL) Defined and How It Works

If you currently have a home mortgage loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be looking for a way to refinance your loan so you can lower your interest rate.  One option is a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (VA IRRRL), sometimes known as a Streamline Refinance loan. It’s a quick...

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How Does a VA Home Loan Work?

A VA home loan is a specific type of mortgage extended only to military members, veterans and qualifying surviving spouses. These loans offer more favorable qualifying terms, including lower credit scores and less money down – even no money down in some cases!  Whether you’re doing research for yourself or a family member, let’s look...

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