VA loans: Everything you need to shop with confidence
When it comes to VA loans, there can be a lot of jargon to decipher, like ‘amortization’, ‘escrow’, and ‘GFE.’ There can also be a lot of fees (more on that later). But never fear—we’re here to help, with everything you need to understand the VA loan process, how to shop with confidence, and all the ways Guaranteed Rate guides you through the process.
Dedicated specialists, and no VA lender fees
VA loans are available to veterans, active members of the military or their families, and offer powerful benefits to homebuyers, including low or no down payment options, no Private Mortgage Insurance and potentially fewer credit restrictions than a conventional mortgage. All borrowers work with one of our experienced VA loan specialists, who bring years of experience to the process and are able to answer all your questions. And for all of 2023, qualifying military homebuyers pay no lender fees (a common fee associated with most mortgages), which can save buyers up to $1,440[1].
How we help navigate the process
At Guaranteed Rate, we’re proud to partner with the USO and their USO Pathfinder® program to make sure VA borrowers get the guidance and support they need at every stage of the homebuying process. As our name and logo implies, we’re all about good rates, and we work to get each customer the best mortgage rate we can. We also work to help VA borrowers navigate and compete in a competitive housing market. Due to the tight supply in many of today’s housing markets, the ability to move quickly gives buyers an advantage. Guaranteed Rate offers buyers a streamlined, digital process and tools like FlashClose™[2] that allow you to save time at the closing table by pre-signing many of your closing documents online.
Support and guidance through the process
The homebuying process can be complicated, and often fast-paced. We work hand in hand with our borrowers to anticipate and answer all their questions and make them feel at ease with each step of the journey. Each loan officer and their team stays in contact during every stage of the financing process, so you’re never in the dark. We can also help you be prepared for all the new tasks and responsibilities of homeownership, from budgeting mortgage insurance and taxes[3] to changing HVAC filters each month.
The importance of options
While we’re passionate about VA loans and have dedicated VA loan specialists to guide you through the process, we also understand the importance of options. Guaranteed Rate offers a wide variety of financing options to help you find the perfect fit. Even if you’re a veteran, sometimes a VA loan might not be the best possible choice. For example, if you’re refinancing, it could be better to refinance into a conventional product and decrease your monthly payment so that you could free up your VA entitlement to use on your next PCS move.
Homeownership can be a big transition. We’re here to help, with the options and expertise you need to move forward with confidence.
[1] Waived $1,440.00 lender fee available for VA loans that have a triggered RESPA app date as of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at 11:59pm EST. This offer does not extend to Housing Finance Agency loans. ‘Triggered RESPA’ in accordance with Regulation X, is defined as lender receipt of all six pieces of information received in a secure format; applicant name, property address, home value, loan amount, income and SSN. Not all borrowers will be approved. Borrower’s interest rate will depend upon the specific characteristics of borrower’s loan transaction, credit profile and other criteria. Offer not available from any d/b/a or operations that do not operate under the Guaranteed Rate name. Restrictions apply.
[2] Not eligible for all loan types or investors. Conventional loans only. Eligible for primary, 2nd home and investment properties. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Title company restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information.
[3] Guaranteed Rate does not provide tax advice. Please contact your tax adviser for any tax related questions.