The VA does not require a certain credit score in order for approval.

However, the actual mortgage lenders are allowed to set their own standards for Boise Idaho VA loan requirements.

In the recent years, eligible veterans and military personnel have enjoyed an easier mortgage process than was available to many home buyers obtaining conventional loans. Occasionally, a veteran could receive a loan through the VA with a lower credit score and little or no down payment.

Changing economic conditions and increased losses due to loan defaults have motivated lenders to limit the availability of such mortgage deals.

Since early 2010, most lenders in the U.S. have tightened their lending and credit score requirements, making these loans harder to come by.

As a result, getting a loan without a down payment is more difficult, though one of the few remaining options for 100% financing is a Boise Idaho VA Mortgage. Major lending groups have generally resolved to set the minimum credit score requirement at 620.

These conditions similarly impact the Idaho VA Streamline Refinance program. Previously, the program let borrowers with a standing VA loan refinance to another VA loan without an appraisal. This allows veterans to navigate the process with much less paperwork by streamlining the process.

Most lenders now require borrowers to pay up to $300 or more for their own appraisal, which varies in price depending on the location and value of the home. If the appraisal shows the home value to be less than the VA loan amount, the lenders are likely to decline the application.

There is some good news for those eligible for a Boise Idaho VA loan, and the VA lenders who offer them: VA borrowers default significantly less (2.6%) than prime borrowers in general (3.4%).

However, the credit scores of V.A. insured borrowers are generally lower than other prime borrowers, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

All things considered, Boise Idaho VA Mortgage loans remain a great opportunity. Veterans and active duty military personnel who qualify can often secure a low mortgage rate and meet the VA loan requirements even if their credit score is less than perfect.

In addition, about 25% of applicants to the Boise Idaho VA Mortgage loans, such as disabled or retired veterans, qualify for exemption from the one-time insurance fee that amounts to about 0.5% – 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on the scenario.

Frequently Asked Idaho VA Home Loan Questions:

Q: What is a VA Guaranteed Home Loan?

A: VA guaranteed home loans are loans made to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home as their primary residence. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you fail to repay the loan. The guaranty replaces the protection the lender normally receives by requiring a down payment allowing you to obtain favorable financing terms.

Q: Does my entitlement guarantee that I will get a home loan?

A: No VA cannot compel a lender to make a loan that would violate their lender policies.

Q: How much is my entitlement?

A: Your basic entitlement is $36,000. For loans in excess of $144,000 to purchase or construct a home, additional entitlement up to an amount equal to 25 percent of the Idaho VA county loan limit for a single family home may be available .  This means that qualified veterans could get a no down payment purchase loan for those amounts.

Q: How do I apply for a VA guaranteed loan?

A: You can apply for a VA loan with my company who is a mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. At some point you will need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA to prove to the lender that you are eligible for a VA loan.

Q: How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?

A:  Complete a VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility. You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility by submitting a completed VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan Benefits, to the Winston-Salem Eligibility Center, along with proof of military service.

Q: Can my lender get my Certificate of Eligibility for me?

A: Yes, it’s called Web LGY. Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system. This internet based application can establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through Web LGY – only those for which VA has sufficient data in our records.

Q: I have already obtained one VA loan. Can I get another one?

A: Yes, your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstances. Normally, if you have paid off your prior VA loan and disposed of the property you can have your used eligibility restored for additional use. Also, on a one-time only basis, you my hae your eligibility restored if your prior VA loan has been paid in full but you still own the property.

Q: Is the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability is eligible for the home loan benefit. In addition, a surviving spouse who obtained a VA home loan with the veteran prior to his or her death (regardless of the cause of the death), may obtain a VA guaranteed interest rate reduction refinance loan.

If you have any questions about a VA home loan feel free to contact me.

Rick & Jane May
Mann Mortgage
Branch Manager/Loan Officer
Direct: 208-861-0000
mannmortgagemeridian@gmail.com
ID MBL-2550 / NMLS # 173614/12870
www.idahohomegroup.com