VA Home Loans With Bad Credit: Special Qualifications and Tips
Category : Home Loan , Real Estate Loans , Residential Loans
Serving the country as a member of the armed forces comes with many benefits. The 1944 Serviceman’s Readjustment Act, which many also know by the term GI Bill, was created to help armed forces veterans to get ahead after their service time has ended. One such benefit offered by the GI Bill is VA home loan assistance. This program allows vets to purchase a home with a low or minimal down payment. The VA will guarantee 25% of the loan instead. Also, those with bad credit are also able to find relief through VA loans.
Get a VA Loan: Meeting the Qualifications
The benefit of the VA home loan received through the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act (GI Bill) is that there is a guarantee from the department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). This guarantee eliminates much of the risk associated with bad credit loans or low down payments. You can get a VA home loan with bad credit. However there are specific criteria that you need to meet as well. These qualifications include the following:
• No history of loan default within the last twelve months. Defaults in the distant past, though considered, can be disregarded if you have proven that you have reformed from your past mistakes.
• No bankruptcies on file in the past two years. Again, a bankruptcy on record will matter, but if you have made changes and allowed at least two years to pass, you can still get a VA home loan.
• Proof of current, gainful employment with a steady and reliable income. You need to display that you have the ability to pay for the home loan you seek.
Disabled Veterans
Armed service veterans who are currently disabled and receiving benefits due to their disability may still qualify for VA home loans with bad credit. This is because there are special additional programs that are offered for disabled vets. By speaking with a VA loan professional, you can see if you are able to get a VA loan with bad credit as a disabled veteran.
Improving Your Credit Score
Among the most important steps to take before applying for VA loans is making changes in your personal financial habits in order to increase the credit score you currently have. Simple steps that you can take in order to achieve this include consolidating debts and setting a clear budget to follow each month. Also, make sure that you have each month’s payments clearly marked on your calendar in order to avoid late payments that may make a bad credit score go down even more.