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BUYING HOME FROM FAMILY WITH VA 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.
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5 Replies
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Ok, guidelines for gift of equity on VA loans allow a qualified veteran to use equity in a family member’s home as a gift towards their down payment.
The family member must be a close relative, and the gift of equity can cover the difference between the home’s appraised value and the purchase price.
For purchasing a home from a family member under market value, VA guidelines require that the home’s sale price must not exceed its appraised value.
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Va does not require any down payment when buying a house from a family member. So no gift or gift of equity is required.
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How does FHA loans work with gift of equity?
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So gift of equity on VA loans is basically fir closing costs since VA offers 100% financing. If you get seller concessions you don’t even need the gift of equity.
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This article is likely to be informative to many of you. We will discuss the gift of equity, VA loans, and some of our favorite related guidelines.
VA Guidelines on Gift of Equity
Definition:
A gift of equity occurs when a family member sells their house to a related family member at a price lower than the fair market value of that house. The difference between such a house sale and its fair market price is a gift.
Eligibility:
To obtain a VA loan, the borrower must satisfy only a few criteria. The borrower should be a qualified veteran or an active service member.
This transaction must take place between immediate family members. This usually means parents, children, siblings, and sometimes other relatives and in-laws.
Market Value:
Registering an appraisal is necessary to establish the appropriate market value of the house. The VA will order an appraisal to guarantee that the real estate meets minimal property standards.
Loan to value ratio:
The loan amount should be determined based on the appraised amount, not on the sale amount. The gift of equity can be used as a down payment or closing fees.
Documentation:
A gift of equity does require specific documentation that serves as an explanation for such a gift. This includes:
A family member signed a gift letter stating that the equity was a gift, not a loan.
The sales contract stated the sale price, agreed upon, and the amount at which it was appraised.
Down Payment:
In most cases, VA loans will not need a down payment. However, in the case of a gift of equity, it may reduce the loan amount or pay closing costs.
Debt-to-Income Ratio:
Borrowers are still subject to the VA’s debt-to-income ratio, which normally should be up to 41 percent. Still, in some compensating factors, it can be up to higher ratios.
Equity gift use in a VA loan transaction makes sense because it helps family members interact when purchasing a home. Ensure you comply with all the guidelines, such as getting the right appraisal and having the gift on documentation.
Let me know if you have specific questions or if I need to elaborate further on any of the points!