If you want to buy a home in Oklahoma, purchasing it with the VA loan benefits that you’ve worked hard for can indeed be rewarding.
That said, it is vital that you know at least the basics of a VA loan process, especially those that can help you land a VA loan:
Begin Without a COE
While you might disagree with the advice, it is essential to know why some veterans suggest that you begin the process without a Certificate of Eligibility. The main reason for this is that the more information you give the lender at this stage, the more work can be done on your behalf.
If you begin without a Certificate of Eligibility, the lender will gather the necessary information from other sources. These sources include your military records, your DD214, and your credit report. Once they have this information, they will then use it to determine whether or not you qualify for your new home.
Understand Your Credit Report
It is essential for you to understand your credit report and how the VA lender will use it.
The VA lender is interested in your credit report because it helps them determine whether or not you will be able to make your monthly loan payments. You need to review your credit report before you begin your new home search. If you find that your credit report does not accurately reflect your current financial situation, you should rectify the matter before beginning your new home search.
Learn the Acceptable Uses
It is also vital for you to know the acceptable uses of your VA loan benefits. As such, you should understand that your VA loan benefits cannot be used to pay off existing loans and cannot be used to build your new home from scratch.
They can, however, be used to pay for your down payment and closing costs. You can also use your VA loan benefits to help buy a second home. However, you have to have a resident relative occupying the home eligible for the benefits.
You should also know that your VA loan benefits can only be used for a new home or for a home that no one has owned for the past three years. This is because the VA loan benefits were not meant to be used to purchase homes that need repair.
Understand Occupancy Requirements
You should also know that the VA loan benefits can be used to purchase your home if you are the owner occupant or living in the house with a family member. It is also worth pointing out that the loan can only be used to purchase a home that is a single-family home or a condominium unit.
Another thing to remember is that the loan can be used to purchase a home that can be used for business purposes, but not as a vacation home or as a rental property.
Know That a Stable Income Is Key
The VA believes that the monthly mortgage payments are a burden to most veterans, especially those living on a fixed income. This is why they have made it a requirement that you have a stable income to make your monthly mortgage payments.
Having a stable income is a good thing, but it also poses a problem to many veterans who want to purchase a home. This is because they cannot obtain a loan without a stable income.
This is where the VA loan guarantee comes into play. The VA loan guarantee assures lenders that they will be repaid if you default on your loan. As such, you will still be able to get a VA loan even if you do not have a stable income.
Ralize That You Need a VA-Savvy Real Estate Agent
It would be best if you had a real estate agent that is VA-savvy, which means that they are familiar with the VA loan process and know what they need to do to get you approved.
This is especially the case if your credit score is below the threshold that would typically allow you to get a conventional loan.
Furthermore, you will also want to make sure that your real estate agent is familiar with the county you plan to buy in and the lenders that work in that area.
Conclusion
You can go from being a renter to a homeowner with a VA loan.
But first, you must learn how to obtain a VA home loan in Oklahoma and purchase your new home. To do that, you need to understand how you can qualify for a VA home loan, how you can find a VA-approved lender, and how you can purchase your new home using your VA loan benefits.
You will also want to understand the requirements for a VA loan, how to read your credit report, and how you can use the VA loan benefits to purchase a new home.
Cross Timbers Mortgage can help you buy a home in Oklahoma with a VA loan. Contact us today to know more about our loan solutions!