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- VA Loan Benefits
- GI Bill Benefits
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- Locating Buried Vets
- Civil Relief Act
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What if I've already had a VA loan?
Veterans who had a VA loan before may still have "remaining entitlement" to use for
another VA loan. The current amount of entitlement available to each eligible veteran is
$36,000. This was much lower in years past and has been increased over time by changes
in the law. For example, a veteran who obtained a $25,000 loan in 1974 would have
used $12,500 guaranty entitlement, the maximum then available. Even if that loan is
not paid off, the veteran could use the $23,500 difference between the $12,500
entitlement originally used and the current maximum of $36,000 to buy another
home with VA financing. An additional $24,000, up to a maximum entitlement of
$60,000 is available for loans above $144,000 to purchase or construct a home.
Most lenders require that a combination of the guaranty entitlement and any cash
downpayment must equal at least 25 percent of the reasonable value or sales price
of the property, whichever is less. Thus, in the example, the veteran's $23,500
remaining entitlement would probably meet a lender's minimum guaranty requirement
for a no downpayment loan to buy a property valued at and selling for $94,000.
The veteran could also combine a downpayment with the remaining entitlement for
a larger loan amount.
Veterans can have previously-used entitlement "restored" to purchase another home
with a VA loan if:
- The property purchased with the prior VA loan has been sold and the loan paid in full, or
- A qualified veteran-transferee (buyer) agrees to assume the VA loan and substitute his or her entitlement for the same amount of entitlement originally used by the veteran seller. Remaining entitlement and restoration of entitlement can be requested through the nearest VA office by completing VA Form 26-1880.
- The entitlement may also be restored one time only if the veteran has repaid the prior VA loan in full but has not disposed of the property purchased with the prior VA loan.
Frequently asked questions about the VA home loan program:
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