Jumbo Loans for Vets

What Are They?

The Veterans Administration has been providing guarantees for private home loans for veterans for the past 70 years.

They offer conforming loans up to $417,000 and $625,000, depending on the area of the country.

Mortgage loans above this amount are known as "jumbo loans," and these loans are also available through the VA.

When veterans wish to purchase higher-end properties that exceed the limits for a conventional VA home loan, they can apply for jumbo home loans through the VA.

What Is A Jumbo Loan?

A jumbo loan is a home mortgage that exceeds the traditional mortgage amount imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-directed agencies that purchase mortgages from lenders.

These loans are used when buyers wish to purchase high-end properties that are available for sale.

Because the risk of default on these mortgages are higher, particularly in some areas of the country that were hit hard by the mortgage crisis -

- individuals applying for these loans may be subject to additional requirements beyond what is needed for a conventional loan.

During the mortgage crises when prices inflated significantly, jumbo loans were common.

When home values fell dramatically, many of these loans went into default.

As a result, jumbo loans began to disappear. However, with the economic recovery, the availability of jumbo loans began to expand.

Today, these loans are available at very low interest rates, making them a good choice for some buyers.

Veterans must follow the required application process for acquiring a VA home loan, which includes proof of current or past service.

Higher Rates For

Jumbo Loans

These loans generally are at higher rates than conventional mortgages because of the increased risk for the lender.

This risk is not simply due to the credit worthiness of the borrower.

The problem lies in the real estate market for high-end properties, which are particularly sensitive to market highs and lows.

These more expensive properties have fewer buyers and may be on the market for longer periods of time.

To cover this increased risk, lenders generally ask 0.25 to 0.50 percent more in interest for these loans.

However, VA guaranteed these loans are competitive with conforming home mortgage rates.

Down Payments

Loans from conventional lenders may require higher down payments than conforming loans.

However, if you are applying for a loan through the VA program of home loans for veterans, the amount of down payment may be significantly lower, which allows veterans to invest in more expensive homes at a reduced initial expense.

Mortgage Insurance

Individuals who apply for a home loan from a private lender may be required to acquire private mortgage insurance to ensure that the lender's risk is covered in case of mortgage default.

These conventional jumbo mortgages may also require the applicants to have a significant amount of money in their accounts after closing to ensure that payments will continue to be made.

Some lenders may require six months of payments in reserve or as much as 20 percent of the loan.

If some question about credit worthiness exists, the lender may request the applicant to have private mortgage insurance to ensure repayment of the loan.

Our VA Loan Specialist helps veterans obtain the loans they are entitled to.

He served in the United States Marine Corps, and now devotes himself to the Veteran home buyer in the Phoenix area, fulfilling a passion of his while at the same time helping others achieve home ownership.

Be a proud homeowner today.