VA calls on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024 – VA News

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VA calls on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024 - VA News

By pausing foreclosures and extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program, we can continue assisting Veterans with their loans while we launch our newest home retention option, the VA Servicing Purchase (VASP) program.

What loan program the borrower can qualify for a 6-unit apartment (Purchase)? What are the documents needed?
728 FICO with experience renting out properties (currently have 4 other rental properties).

Va loan with a 500 credit score, any way that has ever been done. Lady was married spouse passed and then she got cancer. Which she is cancer free now. So they have foreclosed on the home she is living in that was her husbands. She was not on loan. She is an RN, I know VA is not so much credit score. This below picture of info came from a Realtor friend. We would love to be able to help get some way, if possible purchase the home that foreclosed. She is still living in it still. She is an heir to property, so I was unsure how it would affect. As her name is on deed but not mortgage.

This is for my son who is married to a gay man. They live in California together and been married 4 years in gay church. Antonio is a Navy Veteran and wants to buy a house with a VA LOAN. He told me that he needs a cosigner on his VA loan and wanted me to cosign for him. But the loan officer said VA loans does not allow cosigner except husband or wife. He told the loan officer that his husband will be cosigner. The Loan officer said gay people married people don’t count. Is this true?

What are the lending options for homebuyers on community property states.

I know HUD requires nonborrowing spouse’s debts to be counted on FHA home loans in community property states on FHA loans by mortgage lenders. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac does not require NONBORROWING spouse’s debts to be counted on conventional loans on Conventional loans. What is the Veterans Administration (VA) requirements on NONBORROWING spouse’s debts on VA loans when a veteran applies for a VA LOAN? Does the NONBORROWING spouse’s debts count towards the debt to income ratio on VA loans in community property states.

Can anybody let me know where one can find the VA loans interest rate? Another thing, my score is significantly more than my husbands For Va loan can we use my score? Lender said she cant because I am new in the country and I am here just 1 year and 2 months/ But if my credit score is 768 why not. I think it discrimination because like if iam new and a foriegner. May be in my country I had good rating. They wanted me to be a co signer but then why dont use my credit score

I am a Disabled Veteran looking to make a home purchase in California, but unfortunately I have around a 50% DTI with a 675 credit score, and 100% payment history. This has been very problematic with getting a mortgage approved due to my DTI. I am under contract for the home I wish to purchase with 8/27/18 being the close date, and I would like use the VA loan to avoid a down payment. What are my options?

I am looking to use my VA Loan in California but I am having a hard time finding a lender with no or little overlays. My current credit score is 600 and my DTI is anywhere from 48-56% depending on the loan amount. I do not have any collections or late payments on my report. I have almost 3x the residual income required for a family of 3 in California. I wanted to see if you would be able to help me out. DONE

Gustan Cho Associates and Lending Network LLC are Mortgage Lenders licensed in Alaska and can help borrowers who need residential, business, and commercial loans.

What are the guidelines on gift of equity on VA LOANS. What are the VA GUIDELINES on purchasing a home from a family member under market value.

What are the Alternative Credit Tradelines, when and how to use?

What happens if you are in the VA loan process and the property has issues and you can’t close? Can you just find another with the same price or less? Or does that mean you would have to file for court approval again?

Once credit is cleared/ improved could I be approved in the state of Texas for Mortgage loan originator license? As far as the states that was mentioned, California, Illinois, & Arizona would I have to hold or establish a residency to qualify? Also I’m interested in the commercial loan officer opportunity. What is the process, and would it give me the experience and expertise needed to becoming a licensed mortgage originator ? Thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply!

Respectfully,
Vernise Green

How can I qualify for a VA loan as a veteran or service member?

I’m a veteran interested in using a VA loan to buy my first home, but I’ve heard that the process can be complicated. What should I know about VA loans to get started, and how can I ensure I’m prepared?

What is the difference between FHA AMENDATORY CLAUSE and VA AMENDATORY CLAUSE?

• This discussion was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by  Sapna Sharma.

Can you explain what an VA OTC NEW CONSTRUCTION LOAN IS? How do I qualify and get approved for an VA One-Time-Close New Construction Loan? What are the eligibility requirements? How does it work? What is the steps of the mortgage process on the VA OTC NEW CONSTRUCTION LOAN?

Veterans and Credit History Length: The Long Game of Building Trust

Welcome to Day 11 of our series dedicated to assisting our nation’s veterans in understanding the intricate fabric of credit. Today, we unravel the role and importance of credit history length. As veterans transition and adapt to civilian financial systems, realizing how the duration of credit history influences their credit scores can be instrumental.

Understanding Credit History Length: A Timeline of Trust

Credit history length refers to the duration you’ve had open credit accounts. This includes both the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts. Representing roughly 15% of your FICO score, it acts as a testament to your long-term reliability as a borrower.

Why is Length of Credit History Vital for Veterans?

Length of credit history provides lenders a more extended window into your borrowing habits. For veterans, especially those who might’ve had limited opportunities to build credit during service, understanding its implications becomes essential as they navigate civilian financial systems.

Strategies to Bolster Credit History Length

• Think Twice Before Closing Old Accounts: While it might seem logical to close unused or seldom-used accounts, doing so can reduce the average age of your accounts, potentially impacting your score.

• Be Cautious with New Accounts: Regularly opening new credit accounts can decrease the average age of your credit history.

• Become an Authorized User: If a trusted family member or friend has a long-standing credit card account with a positive history, consider asking to be added as an authorized user. This can sometimes help boost the length of your credit history.

Special Considerations for Veterans

• Military Campaigns and Credit: Extended deployments can sometimes mean limited credit activity. However, some credit scoring models might view military service favorably, considering the length of active duty as a positive credit behavior.

• Post-Service Financial Rebuilding: Some veterans might only begin earnestly building their credit post-service. In such cases, focusing on other aspects of credit, such as payment history or credit utilization, can help offset a shorter credit history length.

• Leveraging VA Benefits: VA loans, or other veteran-centric financial products, might have more accommodating criteria, understanding the unique financial trajectories of service members.

Navigating Potential Pitfalls

• Avoiding Credit Altogether: While it’s prudent to avoid unnecessary debt, shying away from all forms of credit can leave you with a nonexistent or very short credit history.

• Frequent Account Churning: Regularly opening and closing accounts, often lured by short-term bonuses or offers, can harm the length of your credit history.

• Ignoring Old Accounts: Even if you don’t use an old account frequently, ensure it’s in good standing. An old delinquent account can harm more than just your credit history length.

Embracing the Marathon, Not the Sprint

Building a robust credit history length is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about the consistent and strategic nurturing of credit accounts over time. Veterans, accustomed to the long-haul dedication and commitment of service, can resonate with this approach in the financial realm.

The message is clear: While immediate financial decisions are crucial, it’s equally essential to have a vision for the future, ensuring decisions made today pave the way for a robust credit profile tomorrow.

Concluding Day 11: The Legacy of Financial Trust

Every financial transaction, every credit decision, leaves a mark, contributing to the legacy of one’s credit history. For our nation’s heroes, understanding this legacy becomes part and parcel of their post-service journey.

As we wrap up our insights for today, our dedication to guiding veterans through this journey remains unwavering. With every piece of knowledge shared, we aim to illuminate the path towards financial empowerment.

Join us on Day 12 as we delve deeper, ensuring that every veteran, every hero, is equipped to chart their financial course with confidence and clarity.

Veterans and the Importance of Diverse Credit: The Multi-Faceted Approach to a Robust Credit Profile

Welcome to Day 5 of our dedicated series on credit for U.S. military veterans. As we journey together, today’s focus shifts to an often under-emphasized yet critical aspect of building a robust credit profile: the importance of diverse credit types. For veterans transitioning into civilian life, understanding the value of a well-rounded credit portfolio can be a game-changer.

Diverse Credit: More Than Just Credit Cards

When we talk about credit, the immediate image that often comes to mind is credit cards. However, credit diversity encompasses more than just those plastic cards. It refers to having a mix of different credit types in your credit history. The major credit types include:

• Revolving Credit: This includes credit cards and home equity lines of credit. With these, you have a limit, and you can borrow as much or as little as you want up to that limit.

• Installment Credit: Loans with fixed terms and regular payments, like mortgages, auto loans, and student loans.

• Open Credit: The most common example is a charge card which you need to pay off in full every month.

Why Diverse Credit Matters for Veterans

Credit mix constitutes about 10% of your FICO credit score. While it may seem like a minor percentage, for someone teetering between a “good” and “excellent” score, this 10% can make all the difference.

For veterans, understanding and implementing credit diversity can:

• Show Lenders Versatility: A diverse credit portfolio illustrates to lenders that you’re adept at managing different types of credit responsibilities.

• Provide Safety Nets: Different credit types can offer varied advantages in financial emergencies.

• Optimize Credit Score: As mentioned, a healthy credit mix can give your credit score that extra push.

Achieving a Balanced Credit Mix: Steps for Veterans

• Start with What You Need: Don’t rush to diversify your credit just for the sake of it. Start with what you genuinely need. If you’re considering buying a car, an auto loan would be a natural addition.

• Consider Retail Accounts: Store cards or retail accounts can be easier to qualify for and can add another layer to your credit mix. Just be wary of high-interest rates and always pay off the balance in full, if possible.

• Explore Personal Loans: If you have a significant purchase or expense, consider a personal loan instead of maxing out a credit card. This introduces installment credit into your mix.

• Stay Current on All Payments: The importance of diverse credit doesn’t mean neglecting the basics. Always ensure you’re up-to-date with payments on all accounts.

• Regularly Review Your Credit Report: As you diversify, regularly check your credit report to ensure all your accounts are correctly reported and to catch any discrepancies.

The Potential Pitfalls: What Veterans Should Avoid

While diversifying credit has its advantages, it’s not without potential pitfalls:

• Overborrowing: Just because you have access to diverse credit doesn’t mean you should max out all available options. Always borrow responsibly.

• Opening Too Many Accounts Too Quickly: This can be a red flag for lenders and might temporarily lower your credit score due to hard inquiries.

• Neglecting Older Accounts: Older accounts bolster your credit age, which is another factor in your credit score. Ensure you keep and occasionally use your oldest credit cards even as you diversify.

Looking Beyond the Horizon: The Long-Term Perspective

Diverse credit is not a short-term tactic but a long-term strategy. For veterans, the journey from military service to civilian life is filled with significant decisions. While building a diverse credit portfolio, always align it with your long-term financial goals. Whether it’s homeownership, entrepreneurial aspirations, or securing your child’s education, let your credit decisions reflect your broader life goals.

Wrapping Up Day 5: The Symphony of Diverse Credit

Think of diverse credit as an orchestra. Each instrument (or credit type) has its unique sound, but when played together, they create a harmonious symphony. For veterans, understanding this symphony and playing each instrument with care can lead to a financially stable and prosperous civilian life.

As we conclude today’s exploration into the world of diverse credit, we remain committed to our mission: ensuring that our veterans, the heroes of our nation, are equipped with the knowledge they need for a bright financial future. Join us tomorrow as we delve further into the intricacies of credit, always aiming to empower and enlighten.

What type of loans can I qualify during and after Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? How long after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can I get an FHA loan? How long after Chapter 13 can you get a VA loan? Bankruptcy Waiting Periods For VA Loans Vs. Other Mortgages. Bankruptcy Waiting Periods For FHA Loans Vs. Other Mortgages. How long after Chapter 13 can I get a home equity loan? Lenders generally require a waiting period of between one and five years from discharge or dismissal — and up to seven following foreclosure — before they’ll approve you for a home equity loan. This is because they want to be sure you’ve righted your finances and can manage new debt. What is manual underwriting and how does manual underwriting work?

• This discussion was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by  Ollie.

Found that HUD does not guarantee FHA LOANS DURING CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY REPAYMENT PLAN. WILL GET THIS FACT CHECKED.

There are mortgage lenders that have no overlays on VA loans. Lender overlays are higher lending requirements set by individual mortgage lenders above the minimum agency guidelines from the Veterans Administration on VA loans.

Original Article:

https://www.mortgagesensei.co/blog/how-to-get-a-mortgage-as-a-first-time-home-buyer

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This is a common question that I answer all the time. It’s easy to explain but may be difficult to execute. No worries! I’m going to lay it all out in the simplest and easiest way possible. At the end of this blog, you will know what financial areas you should focus your attention on as a first time home buyer

Understanding the 5 Pillars of a home loan will help you identify the financial factors that a lender evaluates to determine if you’re eligible for a home loan. In this article, we’re going to focus solely on what it takes for you to become a well-qualified borrower. If you simply focus on that and develop good financial habits, you will soon find yourself in a position to not just be able to qualify for a home loan, but to be considered a well-qualified borrower in the eyes of lenders, realtors, sellers, or anyone else involved in the home buying process. Take your time to read through this, and feel free to reach out to me here for any assistance that you may have.

What credit score do you need to buy a house for the first time?

Depending on your selected home loan program, you could qualify for a home loan with as low as a 500 FICO credit score. However, let’s not worry about “how low of a credit score can I have and still qualify for a home loan?” and focus instead on “what do I need to financially focus on daily?” With that being said, I recommend focusing on the FICO factors that impact your credit the most. Using myFICO Education as a guide:

Payment History (35%): This is simple to understand—don’t miss any minimum monthly payments for ANY of your credit accounts. A lot of people, when they read this, will say, “No duh, Sensei!”. Well, if it’s that obvious, why are so many people missing the mark here? There are many reasons, but I’ll list two:

1. Over-extending your credit/spending capacity, and
2. Limited amount of emergency/reserve funds.

Did you know that you only need a TOTAL of 3-4 credit accounts aged for 2+ years and properly managed to get a 700+ FICO score! Keeping your total credit accounts under 5 will help you in managing your credit accounts to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Here’s my recommended financial habits to help you in raising your credit score:

1. Frugal spending habits: “How much you keep is slightly more important than how much you bring in”. One of my favorite books is “The Richest Man in Babylon”. The concept is pretty simple: “Priority saving and investing over any other spending choices”.
2. Fanatical saving: One of the main reasons people credit suffers is through some kind of financial hardship whether that’s unexpected medical expenses, job loss, or something that tends to be outside of your control. Having enough savings to weather the storm for months or even years, will give you a large enough financial safety net to make it through recessions, rapid inflation, unexpected expenses, etc.

Amounts Owed/Credit Utilization (30%): Our areas of focus are:

1. Revolving: “how much of your credit limit is drawn and owed.”
2. Installments: “how much of the credit debt is still owed compared to your starting amount.”

Developing frugal spending habits will greatly help you in keeping your credit utilization low. I understand that emergencies come up and you have to use your credit cards, but the truth of the matter is that FICO doesn’t care about your emergencies, or why your credit cards are maxed out. They only care that your credit card is maxed out. If you cannot quickly pay down your credit card balance under 10%-30% of the credit limit within 30 days of charging it, then you probably should not charge the product/service to your credit card.

Negative Status: Collections, charge-offs, repossessions, bankruptcies, foreclosures, Late payments within 2-years, etc. You can do everything right, and getting one of these can set you back overnight. All of these derogatory events result from some negative financial event that occurred, whether unintentional or intentional, the results will be the same. For those who have been victims of identity theft, you know from experience that creditors don’t care that your identity was stolen and a criminal damaged your credit. All they’re going to tell you is “take responsibility in fixing your credit.” Working towards preventing these negative financial events from reporting on your credit or removing them from your credit is your third focus. If you need help, reach out to Kredit Kleanse for expert credit repair assistance, or schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

How much income do I need to buy a home?

After the 2008 housing crash, our government implemented S.A.F.E. requirements for lenders to do their due diligence to ensure that the borrower is protected from predatory lending. One of the main focuses was on DTI (Debt-to-Income ratio). For the sake of this blog, I’m only going to focus on two aspects of DTI that are more relevant to this article:

Total Income: In this case, the borrower simply doesn’t make enough to afford the home regardless of how little debt they may have. For instance, the borrower earns $100,000 per year for income and wants to purchase a $1,000,000 home. Those numbers, in most cases, won’t work. Here’s my personal calculation: whatever your “total annual income” multiplied by 3x-4x should put you in the range of a home you can afford AND still enjoy life/save/invest/etc. This is not stating what you will qualify for, but simply a measuring equation to see if you are in the ballpark. Please note that (1) your area could be more or less expensive, (2) current interest rates, and (3) the lender you choose WILL affect your final qualification. The best course of action here is to either:

1. Increase your qualifying income: This is VERY tough conversation to have, and honestly the part of the job that never sits quite right with me. But truth is truth regardless of how I feel about it. Ways to increase your income are:
   1. Ask for a raise
   2. Go for that promotion
   3. Create passive income
   4. Start a business/side hustle (you’ll need a 2-year history of having that business)
   5. Get a 2nd job (you’ll need a 2-year history of working both jobs)
   6. Add a co-borrower/signer
   7. Obtain a higher paying job
2. Reduce your housing price if possible: I’ve helped people that simply weren’t able to increase their income, maybe because they are retired on fixed income, can’t change jobs due to their needed benefits or family, etc. To those people I would suggest reducing they’re home buying price by adjusting their home search parameters. The more flexible you are on the type, location, etc. of your new home, the more options you will start to have. Maybe a smaller starter-type home is what you need.

Usable Income: In this case, the borrower makes enough “gross income”; however, the challenge is the borrower has too many debt obligations that are eating away at the potential income we could use for a housing payment for the home they want. This is normally when the lender will tell you “your DTI is too high to qualify”. The best course of action here is to reduce/eliminate your monthly credit debt obligation. You can use a method called “debt-snowball”. The debt snowball method is a debt payoff strategy that involves paying off debts from smallest to largest balance. Once a debt is paid off, the money that was previously allocated to that debt is then used to pay off the next smallest debt. This strategy can help build momentum and keep you motivated as you pay off your debts. As each debt is paid off, payments increase in size, similar to a snowball rolling down a hill. We are also able to help our clients quickly identify exactly which credit accounts to pay off to move the DTI ratio meter the most. Schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

How much cash should you have before buying a house?

Lastly, we have to address the “Where’s the money coming from?” aspect. This is the red pill of our housing market/economy. Meaning that it’s ALWAYS better to bring money to the table over not bring anything. You have to be able to invest in the purchase of your home. The ideal scenario is a borrower that can fully fund all expenses needed to purchase a home without needing any assistance. Now don’t get me wrong, we will help anyone get into a home. However, if we look at the true data, people that need financial assistance to buy a home tend to have a more difficult time becoming homeowners: (1) loan programs are too restrictive, (2) sellers don’t want to sell to someone using a loan assistance program, (3) they’re not able to qualify for as much house as a traditional loan program, etc. These are the four areas you should consider:

Down Payment: This normally ranges from a minimum of 3%-5% for primary residence loan programs. If you don’t have the funds, there may be a home down payment assistance program available for you.

Closing Costs: Title costs, government recording fees, appraisal fee, credit report fee, setting up your prepaid/escrow account for property taxes and homeowners insurance, etc. This normally ranges from 3%-6% of the purchase price, depending on the area.

Moving Expenses: Will you need to rent a moving truck, hire movers, take time off from work, pay for deposits for utility hookups, build new furniture, throw a housewarming party, etc.? Many lenders will tap you out at closing, and you may be blinded by the excitement of buying your first home and you simply forget about these costs that are unrelated to buying a home. This is an unknown number because everyone is different. All I’m doing here is making sure you’re aware of this and plan for it the best way you can.

Once you add up everything the starting line is anywhere between 6-11% of the purchase price. If you don’t have it or simply don’t want to spend that amount, then you’ll need to work with the right people that have a strong understanding of creativity financing. schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

Give it to me straight and don’t sugarcoat it Sensei!

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the grittiest people I’ve ever had the pleasure meeting. Some of those people “had no hope” of buying a home as a first time home buyer. What allowed them to become homeowners was knowing how the game works. It’s like golf—if you don’t know how to (1) pick the right club, (2) examine the landscape, and (3) swing with the right technique using the right amount of force and accuracy, you’ll easily get tired of “trying” to play golf. There are a lot of people today who are trying to buy a home, instead of actually being able to buy a home.

One of the biggest misconceptions, in my opinion, is that people are trying to get a lender to qualify or approve them for a home loan, instead of just being a well-qualified buyer for a home loan before they even reach out to the lender to “verify their financial status”. Credit, repayment ability, funds needed for closing—these are your core pillars that truly make up the borrower aspect of a home loan.

I’ve been in this business since 2011, and I can tell you without a doubt that traditional loans walk, look, and act similar. Yeah, there are guideline differences, but the truth of the matter is that even with these differences, the essence of the home loan is still the same. Working with someone that has these core home loan assessment experience will put you on the right track FAST. Schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

What would you do Sensei?

The 5 Pillars of a home loan are made up of: Credit, Repayment Ability, Funds Needed for Closing, Subject Property, and Loan Program. For this subject of “How to get a mortgage as a first-time buyer,” you have to find out what you qualify for. My recommended sequence of focus is: (1) Credit, (2) Repayment Ability, (3) Funds Needed for Closing, (4) Loan Program, and (5) Subject Property.

Here’s the honest truth:

1. Before you go under contract to purchase a home (i.e., subject property), you should know what you qualify for (i.e., loan terms/program),
2. Before you know what you qualify for (i.e., loan terms/program), you will have to go through the lender’s evaluation process (pre-qualification/pre-approval),
3. When you go through the lender’s evaluation process (pre-qualification/pre-approval), we will be verifying and evaluating your credit, repayment ability, and available funds for closing.

When you want to buy a home your credit, repayment ability, and available funds are the areas that YOU control. A lender does not control these aspects of your financial life. Your financial habits do. These three (credit, repayment ability, and funds needed for closing) are the pillars that you build up to be in a position to purchase a home. The last two (loan program and subject property) are the aspects of the home loan process that are more of an effect of the first three pillars.

We live in an instant gratification society and want everything now, fast, and easy. The truth of the matter is, that’s not how buying a home works. Now let’s be clear, your home-buying process can and should be simple and easy. If it’s not, you’re probably working with the wrong loan officer/lender. But you should not expect it to be “instant.” It takes time to buy a home, even more so to buy a home “right.”

When you first enter the housing market to purchase a home, you may have some challenges ahead. However, if you stay focused and dedicated, you will find the right home for you and your family. By following these steps and being prepared, you can increase your chances of securing a home loan and becoming a homeowner. It’s important to be patient and diligent throughout the process, as it can take time and effort to achieve your goal of homeownership. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule time to start your home loan qualification process by clicking here.

Happy house hunting! – Mortgage Sensei “Financing Futures, Building Dreams”

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Author Bio:

Nelson C. Thompson, Jr., President of The Mortgage Sensei Company. With years of experience in the mortgage industry, Nelson specializes in helping first time home buyers navigate the complexities of obtaining a mortgage. His mission is “Financing Futures and Building Dreams”

References

• List any sources or references used in the blog post.:
• Mortgage Sensei – 5 Pillars of a home loan – https://www.mortgagesensei.co/blog/5-pillars-of-a-home-loan
• myFICO.com – Education – https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/whats-in-your-credit-score
• FICO – https://www.fico.com/
• Kredit Kleanse – https://kreditkleanse.com/
• NMLS Resoruce Center – https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/safe/SitePages/default.aspx
• CFPB – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-en-1791/
• Mortgage Sensei – Home Page – https://www.mortgagesensei.co/
• Special Thanks to Gustan Cho Associates’s GCA FORUMS: https://gcaforums.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fgcaforums.com
• Special Thanks to NEXA Mortgage: https://nexamortgage.com/
• Special Thanks to Candice Thompson: https://candinichelle.co/
• Special Thanks to Whitni Bell: https://whitnibell.exprealty.com/

• This discussion was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.
• This discussion was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.
• This discussion was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by  Sapna Sharma.
• This discussion was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.

mortgagesensei.co

How to Get a Mortgage as a First Time Home Buyer

As a First Time Home Buyer learn what financial factors you should focus on BEFORE you reach out to a lender or start shopping for your next home.

How does borrower paid compensation on VA loans work? Why is the borrower paid compensation limited to 1% and cannot be somewhere in between 2.75% and 1.0%?

What does manual underwriting mean on VA Loans? What are the VA manual underwriting guidelines? What is the difference between VA approve/eligible and VA manual underwriting? When is manual underwriting required on VA loans? Do all mortgage lenders do manual underwriting on VA loans?

VA manual underwriting refers to the process of manually evaluating a mortgage loan application for a home purchase or refinance that is backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans are a type of mortgage loan program available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. These loans are designed to help veterans and their families purchase or refinance homes with favorable terms and conditions.

In most cases, VA loans are processed and underwritten using automated systems, which assess factors like credit scores, income, and debt-to-income ratios to determine an applicant’s eligibility and the terms of the loan. However, in some situations, borrowers may not meet the automatic underwriting criteria, and their loan applications will be subject to manual underwriting.

Here are some common reasons why a VA loan application might undergo manual underwriting:

1. Low credit score: If the applicant’s credit score falls below the minimum required for automated underwriting, the loan may need to be manually underwritten.

2. Limited credit history: Applicants with a limited credit history may also require manual underwriting since there may not be enough data for automated evaluation.

3. High debt-to-income ratio: If an applicant’s debt-to-income ratio is higher than the automated underwriting system’s threshold, manual underwriting may be necessary to assess their ability to repay the loan.

4. Irregular income: Borrowers with income that is difficult to document or verify, such as self-employed individuals, may need manual underwriting.

During the manual underwriting process, a human underwriter carefully reviews the borrower’s financial documents, credit history, and other relevant information to make a lending decision. This process may involve more in-depth analysis and documentation than automated underwriting.

It’s important to note that manual underwriting doesn’t necessarily mean that a borrower won’t qualify for a VA loan. It simply means that their application will be evaluated through a more hands-on and thorough process. Borrowers should work closely with their lender to provide all required documentation and information to facilitate the manual underwriting process.

Keep in mind that VA loan eligibility and underwriting guidelines can change over time, so it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable VA loan specialist or lender to get the most up-to-date information and guidance on the VA loan application process.