A loans are mortgages granted to veterans, service members on active duty, members of national guards, reservists, or surviving spouses, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As long as the person was given a DD 214 document, which proves honorable discharge on good terms, they may qualify. VA loans are intended to help growing populations of homeless veterans in the U.S. find affordable houses. VA loans make up a small portion of all mortgages in the U.S. due to the specific demographic who qualify, but studies have shown that they have the lowest foreclosure rates of all loans.

VA Funding Fee

A VA funding fee is a one-time payment that borrowers typically pay as part of acquiring a VA loan. The fee is a percentage of the loan amount that varies from 0% to 3.3% depending on factors such as the down payment amount, veteran’s military experience, type of home, and loan purpose. It is the fee that goes towards the upkeep of the program and is used in the case that a borrower defaults.

For applicants with 10% or more service-related disability (or their surviving spouse), the fee is waived.

The VA funding fee can be financed into the loan amount. All other fees must be paid in cash at closing after negotiations to determine whether the buyers or sellers are responsible for them.