What is an VA Loan
The Veteran Affairs (VA) Loan is a great choice for military veterans and their families to qualify for 100% financing of a home purchase/refinance. This program is provided by Lending Hand Mortgage (NMLS #373538), one of the most experienced mortgage companies in Florida, through participating lenders at competitive interest rates.
When you want to speak with a mortgage originators in one of our offices in Florida, we are prepared to assist you. Our offices are conveniently located in Palm Harbor/Tampa, Jacksonville, Cape Coral, Destin and Bradenton.
Contact our Florida Mortgage Office
Learn more about how you could qualify for a Florida VA loan.
Why veterans get VA loans
Military home buyers have access to one of the most unique and powerful loan programs ever created.
Maximum VA Loan Amount
For a Florida VA loan, the maximum loan amount offered by lenders is $417, 000.
VA loan qualification requirements
All veterans seeking a VA loan need to gain a certificate of eligibility from the Veteran’s Administration. Loan Specialists at Lending Hand Mortgage (NMLS #373538) would be happy to help! Call our one of our offices, or get pre-qualified online today to receive help from a mortgage originator. As one of the most dedicated mortgage companies in Florida, we understand your needs.
Get an online today to see if you get PreQualified for a VA Loan.
get PreQualifiedSee how the VA Loan compares to a traditional home mortgage:
0% Down
Up to 20% Down
Conventional loans generally require down payments. It can reach up to 20% to secure a home loan.
No PMI
Since VA Loans are government backed, banks do not require you to buy Private Mortgage Insurance.
PMI Required
Private Mortgage Insurance is a requirement for borrowers who finance more than 80% of their home’s value, taking on additional monthly expenses.
Competitive Interest Rates
The VA guaranty gives lenders a greater sense of safety and flexibility, which typically means more competitive rate than non-VA loans.
Increased Risk for Lenders
Without government backing, banks are taking on more riskThis in turn, can result in a less competitive interest rate on your home loan.
Easier to Qualify
Because the loan is backed by the government, banks assume less risk. Therefore, less stringent qualification standards for VA Loans, making them easier to obtain.
Standard Qualification Procedures
Conventional options this means stricter qualification procedures. That can put homeownership out of reach for some homebuyers.
19 VA mortgage facts you need to know.
Do you know ...
... that a Veteran can have more than one active VA home loan at a time?
... that VA has no flip rules? This means that an investor can sell a flipped property and not have to wait 90 days or need two appraisals.
... that we can count the rent on a Veteran’s departing residence ( 75% of it ) to offset the payment, even if there is no equity?
,,, that you can use your Certificate of Eligibility as verification of income when the Veteran receives VA disability? Since the amount received is on the COE no further verification is required.
... that the county max loan limit is not the maximum loan you can do in your county? That limit is only the maximum no down limit. We can go above those limits with minimal down to a maximum loan of $1,500,000.
... that a VA mortgage loan is assumable, and the new buyer doesn’t have to be a Veteran.
... that ratio is secondary to residual income when underwriting a VA home loan? This allows for higher ratio VA loans to be approved.
... that if you have excess seller credit the balance can be applied to borrower's debt?
... that required repairs and or termite work is negotiable between buyer and seller and not always a seller cost.
... that with a VA Streamline, in most instances, all of the costs can be financed in the loan?
... that you can do a VA cash out refinance even if you have already used all of your eligibility? VA will restore your eligibility to do a cash out on your existing home and the COE will reflect that it is only for cash out on your address.
... that a person entering active duty military today becomes eligible for a VA mortgage loan after 90 days of active duty?
... that iServe Residential Lending will do a 100% cash out VA refinance?
... that any disability compensation from VA, no matter how small, will exempt a Veteran from the funding fee?
... that a Veteran can reduce the funding fee on a purchase by putting some money down?
... that if a Veteran had a foreclosure on a previous VA loan, he or she may still be eligible for another no down VA loan?
... that we do not need a Certificate of Eligibility to do an Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan (IRRRL)?
... that less than 7% of eligible veterans have used their VA home loan? How many of our markets are 93% available to us?
... that iServe will do an IRRRL in most cases without an appraisal?
Who qualifies for a VA Mortgage Loan?
- Veterans
- Reservists
- Active-duty personnel
- Surviving spouses of veterans
Please note: The length of your service or service commitment and/or duty status may determine your eligibility for specific home loan benefits.
What are the benefits of a VA Home Loan?
- Zero down payment
- No monthly mortgage insurance premiums
- 100% financing towards purchasing a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, or improving an existing home
- Closing costs may be paid by the seller
- VA rules limit the amount you can be charged for closing costs
- Can be used more than once
What properties qualify?
- 1-4 unit residential properties
- Approved condos
- Townhouses
The iServe VA Home Loan Program
- 100% Purchase Financing
- 100% Cash Out Refinance
- Up to 135% LTV on Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (on an existing VA loan)
- VA Adapted Housing Grants
Don't Forget About Your Closing Checklist
As the buyer and borrower, you will have items on your checklist that are required by your lender, the seller, and even the title company.
The closing checklist covers all the fees to be paid, the information to be provided, and the disclosures to be signed before the title is conveyed to you. Having this checklist ready helps you stay on track as a buyer, and ensures that your closing goes the way you expect.
IDENTIFICATION
All parties at the closing should have valid ID.
POLICY OF TITLE INSURANCE
You must pay for title insurance that guarantees the property is free of previous claims or liens.
INSURANCE
Before you can close on the property, you need to secure homeowner’s insurance, which insures the property in the case of damage.
CLOSING FUNDS
You must bring all funds agreed upon, in the form of a cashier’s check or via electronic wire. This is waived if you selected to finance the closing fees.
Take the time to discuss the items on your checklist with our loan officers, to make sure you forget nothing. You will have the peace of mind that after the closing settlement and you’ll be able to move into your new home.
Find the right Lending Hand loan officer near you to assist you with all your lending needs.
Find an office Get PrequalifiedWhy a Lending Hand Mortgage professional?
Lending Hand Mortgage (NMLS #373538) prides itself on providing unparalleled customer service and earning satisfied clients. Our purpose? Satisfy the mortgage needs of our customers and exceed their expectations.
We work with underwriters and loan processors from the application date until closing to gather necessary documentation and guide the file through the approval process.
Our mortgage loan originator is your main point of contact throughout the entire home loan process.
First and foremost, our loan officers are committed to a height standard of honesty and integrity.
Some of life's hardest financial decisions include buying a home, refinancing a mortgage, or obtaining a home equity loan. 
