Buying a home can be stressful for anyone. The process itself is complicated, and once you’ve decided on your dream home, getting the mortgage and closing the deal are two separate stressors you may not have anticipated. For veterans, however, much of the stress is reduced. Veterans can qualify for VA home loans in Florida, and here are some of the guidelines to keep in mind when checking Florida VA home loan rates and pursuing the right VA loan in Florida.
What Are VA Loans?
VA loans are home loans that are backed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. They are available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members, as well as to eligible surviving spouses of veterans. These VA loans provide a number of benefits to those who qualify for them, including low-interest rates and no down payment or private mortgage insurance requirements.
The Benefits of VA Loans
There are several benefits to VA loans that make them an attractive option for veterans who are looking to purchase a home. One of the most significant benefits is that there is no down payment required. For many people, coming up with a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. With a VA loan, you can finance 100% of the purchase price of your home.
Another significant benefit of VA loans is that they offer competitive interest rates. Interest rates for VA loans are typically lower than rates for conventional loans. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
VA loans also offer flexible credit requirements. If you have less-than-perfect credit, you may still be able to qualify for a VA loan. In addition, there is no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required with a VA loan. PMI is a type of insurance that protects the lender if you default on your loan. With a VA loan, you can avoid this added expense.
Eligibility for a VA Loan
In order to qualify for a VA loan in Florida, you must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, reservist, National Guard member, or eligible surviving spouse. You will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs to prove your eligibility.
You can obtain a COE in one of three ways:
- Through your lender
- Online through the eBenefits portal
- By mail through the VA Regional Loan Center
If you are a current or former member of the military, you can access your COE online through the eBenefits portal. If you are the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related injury, you can also access your COE online.
If you are not able to access your COE online, you can request one through your lender or by mail. To do this, you will need to complete and submit a VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility. You can get this form from your lender or the VA Regional Loan Center.
The Process of Obtaining a VA Home Loans in Florida
Once you have obtained your COE, you can begin the process of applying for a VA loan. The first step is to find a lender who participates in the VA loan program. Not all lenders do, so it’s important to ask before you begin the application process. Additionally, you want to make sure you are aware of Florida VA home loan rates as this can impact your mortgage.
For additional information about VA home loans and rates, contact a specialist at Ace Mortgage Loan Corporation today, and start your journey to homeownership!