Most military members and retired veterans know about the VA military home loan guarantee with 100% financing, low interest rate and no mortgage insurance. The VA home loan can be a great deal for many veterans and active military.
Does Everyone Qualify for a Military Home Loan?
You qualify for a VA military loan if you are currently on active duty with a minimum of 90 consecutive days of service. As a veteran, you meet length-of-service criteria, typically requiring 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.
You must satisfy at least one of the specified service requirements outlined above. If you haven’t, you should be the spouse of a military member who sacrificed their life in the line of duty or due to a service-related disability, with typically no remarriage permitted.
How Challenging is it to Secure a VA Military Loan?
Given that the government provides guarantees for these military home loans, qualification is generally more accessible, as the risk for lenders is reduced. In fact, obtaining a VA loan with no down payment is feasible, and eligibility remains possible even if your credit score is not robust or if you have a history of foreclosures.
Do Military Loans Get Better Mortgage Rates?
Due to the backing of VA military home loans by the federal government, lenders have the advantage of offering highly competitive low-interest rates. Veterans and eligible service members often discover that VA interest rates are typically lower compared to those associated with conventional mortgages.
As per the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the highest permissible interest rate on a qualifying Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan is capped at 6% throughout the duration of the servicemember’s qualifying military service.
8 Special Military Home Loans Guaranteed by State Governments
There have never been more military home financing opportunities guaranteed by the U.S. government.
But did you know there are other special military home loan programs offered to military members at the state level? Below are some of the guaranteed loan programs for the military in some states.
Colorado
Qualified military veterans can get a military home loan through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and their FirstStep and FirstStep Plus programs whether it is their first, second or subsequent home.
The program requires a credit score of 620, but if you do not have a credit score at all, you still may qualify.
There are second mortgages available that can be used to help with down payments and closing costs.
Connecticut
This state has the Military Mortgage Option that is provided by the housing finance authority. The interest rate can be reduced by .125% for certain participants who want to buy their first home, or their first home in the last 36 months. The program is open to current and ex-military, as well as to surviving spouses of military members who died in the line of duty. There are income and property price limits, and the new home must be your primary residence.
Delaware
Qualified military veterans can use the Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit even if they are not buying their first house. You can get 35% of your taxable interest as a tax credit or a $2,000 credit, whichever is lower.
Illinois
This state provides military veteran support through several programs, such as Home Illinois, with $5,000 in down payment assistance and help with closing costs. The 1st Home Illinois program provides $7,500 in closing cost and down payment help on a 30-year loan in some counties. Veterans do not need to be buying their first home. Ask about the Illinois War Veteran Program as well.
Iowa
This state has the Military Homeownership Assistance Program that is run by the finance authority in the state of Iowa. It offers eligible veterans $5,000 towards a down payment or their closing costs. It is open to those who were on active duty during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield and after September 11, 2001. It also is open to surviving spouses of such veterans.
Louisiana
Qualified military veterans can qualify for the Market Rate Program through the Louisiana Housing Corporation. It allows certain military beneficiaries to get a VA backed, 30-year fixed rate home loan at a low interest rate, below market rates. Note that you have to have a credit score of at least 640 and must use a lender approved by the program.
Maine
Certain military veterans and active military can get .125% off their 30-year, fixed rate mortgage rate by using the SaluteMe and SaluteMe Home Again loan program that is offered through the Maine State Housing Authority. The program is related to the First Home Loan Program, which can offer some people $3500 for down payment help and closing costs.
Oregon
Since 1945, Oregon has been one of the few states that offers special state home loans to veterans. This benefit is different and distinct from the federal VA home loan program. It has lent approximately $8 billion low interest home loans to 334,000 veterans over the years.
These are conventional loans that are not related to the VA program. You can get up to 95% LTV, so you need to have a 5% down payment. Private mortgage insurance is required if you put down less than 20%. The property must be in Oregon, but you do not have to be a resident of the state when you apply. Occupancy has to happen within 60 days of closing.
Loan terms are available from 15 to 30 years, and interest rates are typically below both conventional and FHA mortgage rates.
Takeaway on Military Home Loans
For those considering purchasing or refinancing a home with a VA military loan, the RefiGuide is here to assist. We facilitate connections with leading VA lenders, recognizing the distinctive needs of servicemembers and their families, and aiding you in leveraging the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
The bottom line is that while the VA program at the federal level is fantastic, there are programs that can help veterans at the state level too. Be sure that you take a look in your state if you are a military veteran or active military who wants a home loan.
References: Not just VA: 7 more states with veteran-friendly home-loan programs
About RefiGuide
Bryan Dornan is a financial journalist and currently serves as Chief Editor of RefiGuide.org. Bryan has founded several mortgage and marketing companies and has worked as a loan officer and mortgage broker in the industry for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in providing mortgage clients with the highest level of service in the industry. Bryan's continual focus is to promote affordable home-ownership to consumers like you across the United States. He also writes for RealtyTimes, Patch, Buzzfeed, Medium and other national publications. Find him on Twitter, Muckrack, and Linkedin
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