(May 30, 2023)
But what if you don't have enough money? What if you cannot pay the down payment in cash? Well, we've got some good news - VA loans in Leon County are perfect for veterans who want to buy a house but don't want to put any money down.
The VA loan program offers zero-down payments, so even first-time homebuyers can get an affordable mortgage without affecting their credit score. So if you're looking for a way out of paying rent or moving into your dream apartment this year, look no further than VA loans in Leon County!
Are you a Hometown Hero? Find out your eligibility for the Hometown Heroes Loan Program in Leon County, Florida.
Exploring the VA Loan
There's a lot of confusion around the Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage loan. You've probably heard some talk about it in the past and maybe even wondered if it was right for you. Let's explore all the details about this type of loan and how it can help you get the home of your dreams!
What's A VA Loan?
VA loans are only available to veterans in the U.S. They're given out by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans with their home purchases.
VA loans go back to World War II when many people came home from the war and needed help paying for their homes. At the time, most lenders weren't offering mortgages to people who weren't already homeowners—and so VA loans became a popular alternative.
They work like any other mortgage - You pay back a specific amount each month until your loan is paid off. The difference between VA loans and regular mortgages is that you don't have to interest them (which means they're cheaper than traditional mortgages).
What is the VA Guaranty?
The VA guaranty is the best way to protect you and your lender if you can't make payments on your mortgage.
It's not a loan—it's a guarantee.
The government gives you money, but they don't make the loan. They rely on private lenders like Veterans United Home Loans to do that. So that's why there's a guarantee - if you don't make payments, Veterans United Home Loans will still be willing to give the loan because they can get the money back.
And because it's not a loan, there are no PMI fees! All of this means that you won't have to pay any extra costs for late payments or skip a payment altogether.
What Are VA Loan Limits?
The VA loan limits are the maximum amount of money you can borrow from the VA to buy a home. Qualified veterans can borrow the total amount of their VA loan entitlement without a down payment from any lender. Even if you have an existing loan (even one with a lower interest rate than your VA loan), you still qualify for a VA loan for up to 100% of your home's value—as long as you meet specific eligibility requirements.
The VA loan limits only apply to purchasers who fall short of their full entitlement due to one or more ongoing VA loans or the loss of an earlier loan due to foreclosure.
What Is The VA Funding Fee?
The VA Funding Fee is a fee the government set up to help fund the VA home loan program. Depending on your situation, the cost is an additional one you must pay when applying for a VA loan; it can be anywhere from 2.3 percent of your home's purchase price to 3.6 percent (or even more).
It's important to remember that this additional fee is not just for new borrowers. It applies to everyone who has used their benefits —including those who took out a refinance loan using their benefits.
The purpose of this funding fee is simple - to ensure that future generations of Veterans and military homeowners continue to be able to access these benefits. It does so by relieving taxpayers and Veterans of any additional obligations.
Note - If you're a veteran or surviving spouse, you might wonder if you need to pay a financing fee when applying for a VA loan.
The answer is… yes!
But not all veterans and surviving spouses are affected by it. The VA alone has the authority to decide whether or not to waive this financing fee.
What Are The Benefits Of VA Loans?
One of the most common reasons people choose VA loans is that they offer a lower interest rate than conventional loans. However, there are other benefits to using VA loans as well. The following are some of the top advantages of this type of loan:
The Application Process Is Easy
The VA loan program is more accessible to qualify for than conventional loans. With the VA loan, you can use your military discharge papers as proof of service. You will not need to provide additional documentation of income or assets.
No Down Payment Require
Unlike conventional mortgages, VA loans don't require you to put up any cash upfront. As long as you are employed by the government and have served in the military, you can apply for a VA loan with no down payment. This is one of the main benefits of getting a VA loan over other types of home loans.
Competitively Low-Interest Rates
The interest rates on VA loans are typically lower than those on other types of mortgages because the government and its guarantees back these loans. In addition, these loans offer more flexible terms than most conventional ones, making them easier to qualify for and refinance.
No need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
PMI is a mortgage insurance policy that protects lenders from losing money if borrowers default on their loan payments. If you have a credit score above 650 and no late payments in the past three years, you can skip the PMI requirement altogether on your new home loan! This mortgage insurance can also cost thousands of dollars to buy and maintain, but it's not required when you get a VA loan from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Types Of VA Loans
VA Loans are some of the most flexible and exciting financing options available in the market. They're also a bit complicated, so let's break them down. Here are the main types of VA loans:
VA Purchase Loan
The VA Purchase Loan is perfect for veterans looking for an affordable place to live. This loan type is available only for veterans or active-duty military members who want to buy single-family homes, condos, mobile homes, multi-unit properties (such as duplexes), and brand-new buildings.
But wait—there's more! The VA purchase loan might not be available by all lenders. That's because each bank has its policies and procedures regarding veterans' loans. So if you're interested in using this type of loan, make sure your lender is willing before applying!
VA IRRRL
IRRRLs are an excellent option for veteran homeowners who want to make their homes more affordable without getting a new VA loan and going through the hassles of that process. Because they're straightforward and inexpensive refinance loans that sometimes don't involve credit underwriting, income verification, or an appraisal, IRRRLs are sometimes referred to as "VA Streamlines."
Why would you want one? Well, because they're easy and fast! And because they're available only to veterans who already have a VA loan, you can feel confident knowing that it won't affect your credit score negatively (and could even help improve it).
VA Cash-Out Refinance
Veterans with or without outstanding VA loans are eligible for these loans, allowing you to take cash out of your property's equity to refinance. The VA Cash-Out Refinance is up to 90% of the value of your home, so even if you have a house that's worth less than $1 million, there's no reason why you can't get a loan for more than $900,000—and pay back only what you put into it!
You might be thinking - "Why would I want to do this?" Well, there are a lot of reasons. First off, if you have an existing mortgage and want to refinance it at the same time (which is typical), this option saves you money by reducing the interest rate on your current mortgage. You also won't have any future monthly payments (or any down payment for that matter) because cash-out refinancing immediately comes with an interest-free period.
VA Energy Efficient Mortgage
A veteran who has served the military and looking to purchase or refinance is eligible for an energy-efficient mortgage. This type of mortgage is for veterans, their spouses, and dependent children and can finance up to an additional $6,000 in costs for eligible energy upgrades.
The VA Energy Efficient Mortgage program offers veterans the opportunity to get loans or grants for making improvements in their homes, such as:
- Storm windows
- Thermal windows
- Heat pumps
- Solar heating and cooling units
- Appliances such as dishwashers, laundry machines, and refrigerators
Unfortunately, this option does not include purchasing appliances, window air conditioners, or other mobile modifications.
Requirements For A VA Home Loan In Leon County, Florida
The first step in getting a VA home loan in Leon County is ensuring you meet all the program requirements to make mortgage payments. These are:
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You are the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty.
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You must have served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. military for at least 90 days during wartime or 181 days of active service during peacetime.
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You will need to provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to demonstrate to lenders that you are qualified. Check out this list of eligible VA loan lenders in Leon County.
- You have served in the National Guard or Selected Reserve for over six years.
Is the VA loan a good option in Leon County, Florida?
Leon County, Florida, has more than 290,000 people and only 130,000 houses. That's a big problem for homeowners who want safe and sound housing for their families.
And it's even more of a problem for veterans who're injured or disabled in service to us. They deserve better than to be shut out of the market because they can't afford all the costs associated with buying a home.
So yes, the VA loan is one of the few options available for veterans in Leon County that isn't based on location or price point. This makes it a perfect choice if you've been eyeing a particular neighborhood or area but don't know whether or not it's within your budget yet—you can still find something that fits your needs without breaking the bank!
Can You Use A VA Loan To Buy A Home In Leon County, Florida?
Leon County, Florida, is one of the best places to live because of its beautiful beaches and local attractions. The people are friendly and welcoming. You will find plenty of parks where you can enjoy your leisure time or go hiking with your loved ones. It is also an excellent place to raise a family.
Most of the people who live here are from different parts of the world. They come from different backgrounds and have different ways of life, but they all have one thing in common - they love spending time outdoors! So if you are also one of them, this guide will help you learn more about outdoor activities in Leon County, Florida, so that you can participate in them too!
You can always enjoy these outdoor activities here no matter what season it is:
Hiking
Veterans in Leon County, Florida, can enjoy hiking at several different locations around the county. The Tallahassee Trail is located in two various program requirements parks, Cascades Park and AJ Henry park. Both of these are open to the public and feature multiple trails ranging from one mile to ten miles. The trails are well-marked, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
If you're looking for a more challenging hike with more elevation gain, try the Leon Sinks Geological Area. This park features trails over 10 miles long and includes gum swamps, sinkholes, and many animals (turtles, raccoons, snakes, salamanders, and deers ). You'll get a great workout while enjoying the geological scenery along the way!
Paddling
Paddling is a great way to spend time outdoors if you love water sports but don't have a boat at home. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from local shops or resorts in Leon County. There are also several lakes where you can rent boats on weekends (early April to late May through late September to early November). The best way to learn how to paddle is by renting a boat first so that once you get good at it, you can rent one at least once per week!
Paddling is also a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise while spending time outdoors with friends and family. If you're looking for an activity that doesn't require much effort or equipment, this may be the perfect sport for you!
Birding
Birding is an outdoor activity that many veterans enjoy. It can be done in various ways, including driving around looking for birds, visiting parks and gardens, or even sitting on a park bench for hours. There are many benefits to birdwatching, including the identification of new species of birds and the conservation of endangered species.
Veterans who wish to try birdwatching can learn more about the hobby by contacting the Florida Audubon Society chapter. The organization can provide instruction on identifying different species of birds in their regions and keeping track of them during migration seasons.
Biking
Biking in Leon county is a great way to get around. The area has many miles of bike trails like Tom Brown Park, perfect for mountain bikers, road cyclists, and even those who prefer to ride on their own two feet. If you want to get out of the city for a day, Leon county has plenty of places where you can enjoy some fresh air and exercise your body.
The Leon county bike trails are also perfect for hiking or running because they provide scenic views along the way. If you're looking for a place to stay while you're out on the trails, plenty of hotels in the area have easy access to all kinds of public transportation options.
Clubbing
Leon County has many places to go clubbing. You can find clubs in Tallahassee, Saint Peter, and Woodville. One of the prominent nightclubs is called The Warehouse on College, located in Tallahassee. This club is a high-energy, electric dance club. It has an extended dance floor, Gratified brick walls, and VIP tables. This club is excellent for those who love to dance because it has a large dance floor. Also, it has a bar where you can get drinks, relax, and hang out with your friends when you are not dancing.
Live and Work in Leon County, Florida
As you can see, the benefits of being armed with both a VA mortgage are potentially huge. So capitalizing on this opportunity to live and work in Leon County, Florida, is your ticket to purchasing a home instead of renting. So ensure you talk to your trusted VA lender to get the most out of this mortgage.
(May 30, 2023)
