Where to start with using your VA Loan

Are you a Veteran or an active-duty military member interested in buying a home? If so, you may qualify for a VA loan. This type of loan can offer significant benefits and make the home buying process more affordable. However, before you start looking at homes, it's important to understand the process and how to get started.

First and foremost, you'll need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document proves to lenders that you are eligible for a VA loan. To obtain your COE, you can apply online through the VA's eBenefits portal, (linked below) or you can submit a Request for Certificate of Eligibility form by mail. You'll need certain information, such as your service history and discharge papers, to complete the application.

Click Here to request your COE Directly from Ebenefits. 

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, you'll need to also qualify for a mortgage. This means you'll need to have a good credit score, a stable income, and manageable debt-to-income ratio. Fortunately, VA loans often have more lenient requirements than traditional mortgages. 

Your next step will be to choose a mortgage lender. Any lender can issue a VA backed loan, but not every lender is equipt and knowlegeble enough about the VA Home Loan to give the BEST service though the process. The lender that you choose can have a big impact on which home you end up with and how smoothly the process goes. This is because many mortgage lenders operate differently. Large banking institutuions operate only during banking hours and can have a rigid, outdated method of servicing you, the client. That's why the Zunker Property Group has compiled a group of service minded mortgage lenders that have been proven to give great personal service and great deals to our Military Clients. 

Click Here to see our lending partners. 

One of the biggest benefits of a VA loan is that you can purchase a home with no down payment. This can make it easier to afford a home and reduce your upfront costs. Additionally, VA loans often have lower interest rates than traditional mortgages, which can save you money in the long run.

There are many nuences surounding the VA loan that can effect what you pay for your loan like disability status, how many times you have used your loan, if you opt to put a down payment. This is why it is so important to connect with not only a lender but also a Realtor that has extensive knowlage about how all of your VA Benefits, Military Status, and timeline can impact your buying experience. 

Preperation for using your VA Home Loan is key to kicking off a smooth buying process. If you're a veteran or active-duty military member looking to purchase a home, a VA loan can be a great option. To get started, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility and fill out the contact information below to connect with the Renee at the Zunker Property group. From there we will connect with you to set a game plan on how we will walk you through the entire process.