A VA loan is a United States government-backed mortgage for veterans, military spouses, or surviving members of the military. The government does not provide mortgage lending institutions, but instead, borrowers can borrow from banks that service VA mortgage loans. However, what is the mortgage rate for a VA loan?
You must enrich your knowledge about VA mortgage loans if you have never used one. This information will assist you in getting more affordable loans. Get the information and keep scrolling!
Understanding a VA Home Loan
The US Department of Veterans Affairs publishes a home loan program known as the VA loan. This loan is specifically assisting veteran families, surviving military members, and military spouses be able to purchase a home with an affordable down payment.
In fact, VA loans provide a 0% down payment, which is certainly impossible to find in other types of loans. Military members who want to get a VA home loan can contact a mortgage company or credit union designated by the United States government.
VA Loan Rates
Compared with other mortgage loans, the VA home loan interest rate is more competitive because it has government support. However, The Department of Veterans Affairs is not the party that sets interest rates, but rather the lending company.
Typically, mortgage companies will provide eligibility requirements to service members or veterans to obtain lower interest rates on mortgage loans than conventional mortgages. Thus, high or low mortgage loan interest rates will depend on the uniqueness of your financial situation.
What is the mortgage rate for a VA loan? Basically, VA interest rates keep changing over time based on market conditions. You can find out the latest VA interest rates for various types of VA loans as follows.
| VA Loan Type | Interest Rate | Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Points |
| 30-Year Fixed VA Purchase | 6.500% | 6.907% | 1.1250 ($3318.75) |
| 20-Year Fixed VA Purchase | 6.500% | 7.036% | 1.1250 ($3318.75) |
| 30-Year Fixed VA Jumbo Purchase(Based on a $750,000 loan amount) | 7.625% | 7.960% | 0.1250 ($937.50) |
| 30-Year VA Cash-Out Refinance | 7.250% | 7.590% | 0.2500 ($737.50) |
| 30-Year VA Cash-Out Jumbo Refinance(Based on a $750,000 loan amount) | 7.500% | 7.870% | 0.5000 ($3750.00) |
| 30-Year Streamline (IRRRL) Refinance | 7.625% | 7.804% | 0.2500 ($737.50) |
| 30-Year Streamline (IRRRL) Jumbo Refinance (Based on a $750,000 loan amount) | 7.500% | 7.741% | 0.8750 ($6562.50) |
What Factors Influence the Mortgage Rate?
All borrowers want to get relatively low mortgage interest rates. However, four factors affect mortgage rates. What are they? Please check out the factors below.
1. Credit Score
Lending companies often use credit scores as a primary consideration in providing credit and setting interest rates. If you have had an excellent credit score so far, you can get lower loan interest.
An excellent credit score is proof that you are a trusted prospective borrower and can pay the loan well. Getting a lower interest rate offer is certainly profitable because you can save thousands or even millions of dollars.
2. Loan Term
Considering that the mortgage loan amount is relatively large, the mortgage company will provide a long loan term to make it easier for the borrower to pay the loan. You can take a loan term starting from 15 or 30 years.
Of course, the longer the loan term you choose, the higher the interest rate you will need to pay. Otherwise, a long loan term will reduce monthly payments. Choosing a 15 loan term means you have the opportunity to get a lower interest rate.
Conversely, you have to pay high monthly bills, too. To ensure smooth monthly bill payments and avoid the risk of bad credit, choose a loan term based on your financial capabilities.
3. Economic Conditions
What is the mortgage rate for a VA loan that you will also get depending on economic conditions? Domestic or global economic conditions will impact mortgage loan interest rates. To illustrate, your estimated mortgage interest rate could increase if the Federal Reserve raises federal interest rates.
Mortgage loan interest rates may also decrease during an economic downturn. Typically, many people take advantage of this condition to refinance or purchase a house. Hence, you can save money on purchasing a house if you are always up to date with economic news.
4. Down Payment
Generally, mortgage companies that are not supported by the government require borrowers to pay a down payment of a specified minimum percentage. The larger the down payment you pay, the lower the monthly payments and interest rate you pay.
Fortunately, VA loans do not require a down payment, so they are a lifesaver for those who don’t have the money to pay the down payment.
What are the Requirements For a VA Home Loan?
After knowing the answer of what is the mortgage rate for a VA loan, you need to know the requirements for getting a VA loan. Let’s find out the requirements:
1. Property Type
The house or property you choose will affect the requirements for obtaining a VA home loan. Ensure you select a house that is livable so it does not endanger the safety of the residents. Instead, a type of house that is not livable will not be able to get a VA loan because it does not meet the requirements.
2. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Loan repayment ability will be an essential consideration for any mortgage company. That is why they will calculate your debt ratio to determine the feasibility of borrowing.
If your debt ratio is over 41%, you do not meet VA loan eligibility requirements. The solution is to pay off your debt until it reaches a ratio below 41%.
3. Income
Another crucial requirement to get a VA home loan is a stable income. The mortgage company will evaluate your finances to determine the stability of your income. Therefore, the mortgage company will ask for tax returns and pay stubs.
Is The Post About Mortgage Interest Rates Helpful?
Lastly, VA home loan interest rates are relatively lower than those of conventional mortgage lenders. So, what is the mortgage rate for a VA loan? Four main factors influence mortgage interest rates, such as credit score, loan term, economic conditions, and down payment.
Remember, VA loans are only for military members or veterans who meet eligibility requirements. Prepare the requirements before applying for a loan to make it run smoothly and quickly.
