Charlotte NC VA Loan Guidelines

What is an VA Loan?

The VA Loan became known in 1944 through the original Servicemen's Readjustment Act also known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with a federally guaranteed home with no down payment. This feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership became a reality for millions of veterans. The GI Bill contributed more than any other program in history to the welfare of veterans and their families, and to the growth of the nation's economy.

With more than 25.5 million veterans and service personnel eligible for VA financing, this loan is attractive and has many advantages. Eligibility for the Charlotte North Carolina VA loan is defined as Veterans who served on active duty and have a discharge other than dishonorable after a minimum of 90 days of service during wartime or a minimum of 181 continuous days during peacetime. There is a two-year requirement if the veteran enlisted and began service after September 7, 1980 or was an officer and began service after October 16, 1981. There is a six-year requirement for National guards and reservists with certain criteria and there are specific rules concerning the eligibility of surviving spouses.

VA will guarantee a maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program.

VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home, which must be for their own personal occupancy. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you or a later owner fails 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.

Overview of the Charlotte NC VA Loan Program

VA Financing is a Good Deal for Veterans

More than 25.5 million veterans and service personnel are eligible for VA financing. Even though many veterans have already used their loan benefits, it may be possible for them to buy homes again with VA financing using remaining or restored loan entitlement.

Before arranging for a new mortgage to finance a home purchase, veterans should consider some of the advantages of VA home loans:

• Most important consideration, no down payment is required in most cases.
• Loan maximum may be up to 100 percent of the VA-established reasonable value of the property. Due to secondary market requirements, however, loans generally may not exceed $417,000.
• Flexibility of negotiating interest rates with the lender.
• No monthly mortgage insurance premium to pay.
• Limitation on buyer's closing costs.
• An appraisal which informs the buyer of property value.
• Thirty year loans with a choice of repayment plans:
  
  
  • Traditional fixed payment (constant principal and interest; increases or decreases may be expected in property taxes and homeowner's insurance coverage).
  • Graduated Payment Mortgage--GPM (low initial payments which gradually rise to a level payment starting in the sixth year).
  • In some areas, Growing Equity Mortgages-GEMs (gradually increasing payments with all of the increase applied to principal, resulting in an early payoff of the loan).

• For most loans for new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages to ensure compliance with the approved plans, and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder that the house is built in conformity with the approved plans and specifications. In those cases where the builder provides an acceptable 10-year warranty plan, only a final inspection may be required.
• An assumable mortgage, subject to VA approval of the assumer's credit.
• Right to prepay loan without penalty.
• VA performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans avoid losing their homes during temporary financial difficulties.

If you would like more information about the VA Loan Program in Charlotte NC, or would like to speak to a VA Loan Specialist in the Charlotte area, simply fill out the form below to get started. For immediate assistance you may call us directly at 704-965-3319.  

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Helpful Links:

Charlotte NC VA Loan Information

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