finance
5 mistakes to avoid when applying for a VA loan
The military, navy, and air force are the backbones of the nation, protecting it during turbulent times and safeguarding citizens from external threats. To help army veterans serving in these departments, the government introduced VA loans. These low-interest loans help veterans and even service members and their spouses buy homes with minimal or zero down payment. But when applying for a VA loan, one should avoid certain mistakes to ease the process. Overlooking closing charges Although VA loans don’t require a down payment, one must pay closing costs. Closing costs include the charges for developing and underwriting a mortgage, insurance, taxes, commissions, etc. The total amount can range from one to five percent of the total property price. So, one should always check for such overhead charges when applying for a VA loan. Not securing one’s Certificate of Eligibility early on Failing to secure one’s Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in time can delay the loan approval process, and there are even chances of the loan being rejected. That’s why it’s best to pull out one’s COE early, ideally before starting the application process, so there are no delays. Failing to consider the credit score While the approval process for VA loans is much easier than that for other home loans, creditworthiness is still an essential aspect.