VA loans are loans guaranteed and administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are offered as a benefit to qualified individuals who have served in the armed forces. The significant advantage of a VA loan is that a down payment is not required. If you are a qualified veteran and wish to purchase a home with little or no down payment, a VA loan may be your best bet. If you have funds that you wish to use for a down payment, it is wise to compare Conventional loans with VA loans to determine which financing type is best for you.
To officially determine if you are a qualified veteran we will need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. If you are unable to locate your Certificate please contact your Loan Officer for assistance. Additional information about VA home loan eligibility requirements, are available on the VA website at the following address:
www.homeloans.va.gov.
In general, any veteran who served on continuous active duty during the timeframes and for the number of days listed below and has received an honorable release or discharge is eligible for a VA home loan:
World War II (09/16/40 to 07/25/47) - 90 Days
Pre-Korean (07/26/47 to 06/26/50) - 181 Days
Korean Conflict (06/27/50 to 01/31/55) - 90 Days
Post Korean (02/01/55 to 08/04/64) - 181 Days
Vietnam Conflict (08/05/64 to 05/07/75) - 90 Days
Post Vietnam (05/08/75 to 09/07/80) - 181 Days (Enlisted)
Post Vietnam (05/08/75 to 10/16/81) - 181 Days (Officers)
Pre-Persian Gulf (After 09/07/80) - 24 Months (Enlisted)
Pre-Persian Gulf (After 10/16/81) - 24 Months (Officers)
Persian Gulf (08/02/90 to TBD) 2 Years or period called to active duty (not less than 90 days)
In addition, the following individuals may also be eligible for a VA home loan.
- Reservists or National Guard members who have served at least six years.
- Veterans discharged due to service related disabilities, even if the timeframes above are not met.
- Surviving spouses (not remarried) of veterans who died as a result of service connected injuries or diseases during service or after separation.
- Commissioned Public Health Officers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Officers, Environmental Science Service Administration Officers, and Coast and Geodetic Survey Officers.
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