Many people struggle to purchase their dream home because they can't afford to make the 20% down payment. Of course, you can put down less than 20%, but you'll be saddled with private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can make it more challenging to pay off your mortgage. Fortunately for veterans and active military members, they can fulfill their dreams of homeownership through a VA loan. Our REALTORS® break down some of the important things you should know about VA loans and how they work.
A VA loan is a mortgage loan that is made by private lenders through a program established by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The program was designed to help veterans, active-duty military personnel, eligible surviving spouses of veterans, and other classes of military personnel to become homeowners at an affordable cost. The VA guarantees a part of the loan, sets eligibility requirements, and dictates the terms of the loan offered. The VA loan does not require down payments, mortgage insurance, or some closing costs.
Determining your home buying budget can be confusing, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. Give yourself a significant advantage over other house hunters by gathering information about Midland homes for sale and home buying in general before you start your search. Our REALTORS® created this list of five tips to buy a house without breaking the bank.