TABLE OF CONTENTS

    In this fireside chat video, Scott Van Vugt and I discuss the myths and truths of VA Home Loans. We highly recommend watching this informative video to gain a comprehensive understanding of VA home loans. VA home loans are a great benefit for veterans, but there are many myths and misconceptions about them. In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths and provide you with the truth about VA home loans.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • VA home loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.
    • VA loans can be used multiple times throughout a veteran’s lifetime.
    • VA loans often have lower interest rates compared to conventional loans.
    • No down payment is required for most VA home loans.
    • VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance.
    • VA loans have flexible credit requirements.

    Understanding VA Home Loans:

    VA home loans are a unique benefit offered to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. These loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, but are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The guarantee acts as a safeguard for lenders, enabling them to offer favorable terms and conditions to qualified borrowers.

    Griffin Funding is dedicated to providing our veterans with unparalleled service and the most favorable terms.

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    Debunking Common Myths:

    Myth: You have to have a perfect credit score to qualify for a VA home loan.

    Truth: This is not true. In fact, VA home loans don’t require a credit score at all. The only requirement is that you have served at least 90 days of active duty service.

    Myth: VA loans are only for first-time homebuyers.

    Truth: VA loans can be used multiple times throughout a veteran’s lifetime, allowing for flexibility and enabling veterans to purchase subsequent homes.

    Myth: VA loans have high-interest rates.

    Truth: On average, VA loans have lower interest rates than conventional loans, resulting in potential savings for borrowers. This is because the VA guarantees the loan, which makes it less risky for the lender.

    Myth: VA loans take longer to close.

    Truth: While there may have been delays in the past, VA loans now have streamlined processes, and the closing time is comparable to other types of loans.

    Myth: VA home loans are only available for veterans who served during wartime.

    Truth: This is not true. VA home loans are available to all veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service, regardless of when they served.

    Myth: VA home loans are only available for single-family homes.

    Truth: This is not true. VA home loans can be used to purchase a single-family home, a condo, a townhouse, or a manufactured home.

    Myth: You can only use your VA home loan benefits one time.

    Truth: This is not true. VA home loans can be used multiple times.

    Myth: VA mortgage loan amounts are limited to the county’s conforming loan limit.

    Truth: No VA loan limits exist after The Blue Water Act of 2020.

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    Unveiling the Truths:

    Truth: No down payment is required for most VA home loans.
    This unique benefit allows eligible veterans to purchase a home without needing a down payment, making homeownership more accessible. This can be a huge benefit for veterans who may not have a lot of money saved up for a down payment. If the veteran has a VA loan on another property and only has partial entitlement, then a down payment may be required depending on the loan amount.

    Truth: VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
    Unlike conventional loans, VA loans do not require PMI, reducing veterans’ monthly payment burden.

    Truth: VA loans have flexible credit requirements.
    VA loans have more lenient credit score requirements compared to conventional loans, providing opportunities for veterans with less-than-perfect credit histories.

    Truth: There is no VA funding fee if you have a service-related injury. VA loans have a funding fee required by the government. However, you are exempt from the fee if you have a service-related injury. If you have a VA funding fee, it can be rolled into the loan, so you don’t have to come out of pocket with the fee.

    With a simple 10-step mortgage process, Griffin Funding strives to make applying and securing a home loan easy, transparent, and quick.

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    Additional statistics and data on VA home loans:

    • In 2021, there were over 2 million VA home loans originated.
    • The average VA home loan amount was $275,000.
    • The VA home loan program has helped over 22 million veterans become homeowners.
    • The VA home loan program is one of the most popular and successful government programs ever created.
    • 80% of Griffin Funding’s veteran clients choose a VA home loan, and 20% choose a civilian conventional loan. We highly recommend comparing the two to see what is best for your unique situation. Just because you are VA eligible doesn’t mean that it automatically means that the VA mortgage is best for you.

    If you have any questions about VA home loans, please don’t hesitate to contact Griffin Funding, a VA-approved lender. One of our licensed Loan Officers will be able to answer all of your questions and help you get started on the path to homeownership. Apply now.

    Bill Lyons

    Bill Lyons is the Founder, CEO & President of Griffin Funding. Founded in 2013, Griffin Funding is a national boutique mortgage lender focusing on delivering 5-star service to its clients. Mr. Lyons has 22 years of experience in the mortgage business. Lyons is seen as an industry leader and expert in real estate finance. Lyons has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Wall Street Journal, HousingWire, and more. As a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Lyons is able to keep up with important changes in the industry to deliver the most value to Griffin's clients. Under Lyons' leadership, Griffin Funding has made the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies list five times in its 10 years in business.