You cannot use the VA Loan as a home improvement loan, but you may be able to obtain a Cash-Out refinance and use the proceeds to achieve your goals. You may also be able to utilize an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), which allows homebuyers to finance up to $6,000 worth of energy-efficiency improvements. You can talk to a loan specialist about EEMs at 888-212-1958. -Chris
Sellers can pay all of a VA buyer's closing costs. Combine that with the program's $0 down payment and you've got a pretty powerful homebuying tool. Talk with your real estate agent about closing costs before you make an offer. I'm here anytime at chris@vu.com. -Chris
A Realtor who knows VA loans and the unique needs of military borrowers can make a huge difference when it's time to start your home search. Talk to a Veterans United loan specialist about how to connect with a military-friendly agent at 888-212-1958. Have a great week! -Chris
Bankruptcy and foreclosure aren't deal-breakers for a VA loan. In fact, you may be eligible just two years after one of these -- even if you lost a home backed with the VA mortgage. Send me any and all loan questions at chris@vu.com. -Chris
Credit score holding you back? Check out the Department of Secondary Approval at Veterans United. The credit experts there work with veterans and active military (for FREE) to develop a plan to boost their scores and get on the road to VA loan prequalification. Reach a DSA credit expert at 888-392-7421. -Chris
I know it's only April, but right now the VA loan program is on track for its biggest year ever -- and that's after guaranteeing 540,000 loans in 2012. Talk with a Veterans United loan specialist about how to get started at 888-212-1958. -Chris
Remember: You DO NOT need your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in hand to start the VA loan process. Often lenders will get this for you later down the road. You can send me your questions at chris@vu.com. Have a great night. -Chris
Not sure how to start the VA loan process or what you might qualify for? Talk with a Veterans United loan specialist at 888-212-1958. Reach me anytime with your questions at chris@vu.com. -Chris
Want to get a sense of your purchasing power or learn more about VA refinance options? Talk with a Veterans United loan specialist at 888-212-1958. Have a great weekend. -Chris
Remember that when it comes to shopping for a home, paint colors never have to be permanent.... Send your VA loan questions my way at chris@vu.com, or talk to a Veterans United loan specialist at 888-212-1958. Have a great weekend! -Chris
Credit is probably the most common obstacle to a VA home loan. Right now VA lenders are typically looking for at least a 620 score, and that's for every person on the mortgage. If you need help, I urge you to contact our Department of Secondary Approval at 888-392-7421. They'll help you develop a plan (for free) to get your score on track. Every month we see former DSA clients become homeowners. -Chris
What's the biggest obstacle keeping you from a VA home loan? I can't (and wouldn't) promise we can help, but I'd certainly like to try. Let me know here or at chris@vu.com. -Chris
Your DTI ratio will be based in part on the loan amount you're seeking. So if yours is too high, you may still be able to qualify for a loan using a smaller loan amount. Talk with a Veterans United loan specialist about what might be possible at 888-212-1958. -Chris
When is your credit score not your credit score? Remember that lenders can and often do see different scores than consumers. The ones they use are weighted for mortgage-related factors. So the 700 you see might only be a 630 to a mortgage lender. Find out where you stand credit-wise and talk with a Veterans United loan specialist at 888-212-1958. -Chris
Questions about VA loan eligibility, credit scores or anything else related to military homebuying? Send them my way here or at chris@vu.com. Have a great week! -Chris
A word about new construction: It's tough to find VA lenders willing to fund the construction of your new home by paying drawdowns to a builder. What's more common is a construction-to-permanent refinance, where you get a short-term/construction loan from a builder and then refinance it into the VA program. -Chris
)Looking to use your VA home loan benefits this spring? Send me your questions at chris@vu.com. You can talk to a Veterans United loan specialist about prequalification and preapproval at 888-212-1958. Have a great weekend. -Chris
Need help getting your credit score in VA loan shape? Check out the Department of Secondary Approval at Veterans United Home Loans. They help veterans and active duty personnel (for free) build a path toward repairing their credit and getting prepared to prequalify. Talk to a DSA specialist at 888-392-7421. -Chris
Using your VA loan benefits after a foreclosure -- even on a VA mortgage -- is something veterans do every month. You'll typically need to wait at two years from the foreclosure date. Talk with a Veterans United loan specialist at 888-212-1958. Send me your questions at chris@vu.com. -Chris
Just a reminder: The VA doesn't actually issue home loans. It basically insures them, and that financial guaranty is what gives lenders the confidence to extend no-down payment financing to qualified veterans. Send me your VA loan questions at chris@vu.com. -Chris
If you're struggling to boost your credit score, I really recommend you touch base with our Department of Secondary Approval. The credit experts there help veterans and their families for free to develop a plan to strengthen their scores. DSA doesn't repair credit -- it gives veterans the information and the tools necessary to do it themselves. Call DSA at 888-392-7421. -Chris
Questions about your VA home loan benefits or ready to see what you might qualify for? Talk to a Veterans United loan specialist at 888-212-1958. Have a great Saturday. -Chris
Beware the "no-cost" or "no closing costs" mortgage. There's no free lunch in the mortgage industry. Often in these cases you're getting a higher interest rate in order for the lender to cover those costs -- and that's a rate you're stuck with until you refinance or pay off the loan. Send me your VA loan questions at chris@vu.com. -Chris
VA lenders want to see you have stable, reliable income that's likely to continue. Ideally you have worked at your current job for at least two years -- but it's possible to have less and still secure a VA home loan. Talk to a Veterans United loan specialist about what might be possible at 888-212-1958. -Chris
The path to your front door starts with VA loan prequalification and preapproval. You can talk to a Veterans United loan specialist today at 888-212-1958. Send me your VA loan questions at chris@vu.com. Have a great Thursday. -Chris
