
The Dept. of Veterans Affairs will issue a V.A. Certificate of Eligibility that must be presented to the lender when the loan is submitted for approval. To get a printed version of your certificate, please visit the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs at https://vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/Home Veterans can purchase a new or existing residence; refinance the balance of an existing mortgage, or do a debt consolidation loan if the equity position in the current home allows for it.
Below are some of the highlights of our Louisiana VA Loan programs:
Guarantee Amount
VA will guarantee up to 50% of a home loan up to $45,000. For loans between $45,000 and $144,000, the minimum guaranty amount is $22,500, with a maximum guaranty, of up to 40 percent of the loan up to $36,000, subject to the amount of entitlement a veteran has available. For loans of more than $144,000 made for the purchase or construction of a home or to purchase a residential unit in a condominium or to refinance an existing VA guaranteed loan for interest rate reduction, the maximum guaranty is 25% up to $50,750.
You may generally borrow up to the reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever is less, plus the funding fee, if required. For certain refinancing loans, the maximum loan is limited to 90% of the value of the property, plus the funding fee, if required. To determine the reasonable value, VA requires an appraisal of the property.
Eligability
Veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, during World War II and later periods are eligible for Louisiana VA loan benefits. World War II (September 16, 1940 to July 25, 1947), Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955), and Vietnam era (August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975) veterans must have at least 90 days' service. Veterans with service only during peacetime periods and active duty military personnel must have had more than 180 days' active service. Veterans of enlisted service which began after September 7, 1980, or officers with service beginning after October 16, 1981, must in most cases have served at least 2 years.
Persian Gulf Conflict. Basically, reservists and National Guard members who were activated on or after August 2, 1990, served at least 90 days and were discharged honorably are eligible. Louisiana VA regional office personnel may assist with eligibility questions.
Members of the Selected Reserve, including National Guard, who are not otherwise eligible and who have completed 6 years of service and have been honorably discharged or have completed 6 years of service and are still serving may be eligible. The expanded eligibility for Reserves and National Guard individuals will expire September 30, 2003. Contact the local VA office to find out what is needed to establish eligibility. Reservists will pay a slightly higher funding fee than regular veterans. (See paragraph entitled "Costs of Obtaining a VA Loan").
To obtain a VA loan, the law requires that: