Understanding eligible uses for VA loans can help military members maximize their home loan benefits during PCS season.
VA loans can be useful during PCS season. V A mortgages of up to $417,000 are partially backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, meaning that the VA guarantees lenders a portion of each loan to encourage those lenders to make loans to eligible veterans. These loans can help eligible borrowers purchase or refinance many types of primary residences including:
- Single-family homes
- Approved condominium units
- Townhouses
- Multi-family dwellings (up to four units per borrower with landlord experience)
- New construction
- Qualified manufactured homes
These types of homes can be considered for VA financing if they meet the program’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPR) as determined by a VA-approved appraisal. For purchases, the property or home must appraise for at least the sales price agreed upon between the buyer and the seller. In the case of VA refinance loans, the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio may be as high as 100%.
If PCSing from one station to another, it’s likely you may need or want housing besides what’s offered on the military base. According to some housing reports, owning a home is cheaper than renting in most metro areas which cover some military bases. A VA purchase loan this PCS season can be one of the most practical decisions an eligible borrower can make.
For additional information about using VA home loan benefits during PCS season, contact a direct VA loan officer.
