If you’re in the market for a new home, a VA loan preapproval can benefit you in many ways. It shows sellers that you’re serious about buying a home, and you’ll have an idea of how much the lender is willing to let you borrow for the purchase. It also gets you one step closer to the closing table and can help expedite the lending process, particularly if you get preapproved before shopping for a home.
This guide dives deeper into the benefits of getting preapproved, how it affects your home search and the VA’s eligibility guidelines. You’ll also learn more about the VA loan preapproval process specifics so you’ll know what to expect when you’re ready to move forward.
Importance of Preapproval in the Home Buying Process
Shopping for a home is exciting. But without a preapproval letter in hand, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. Hence, it is essential to get preapproved before visiting properties or conducting tours of model homes.
When you apply for mortgage preapproval, the lender examines your finances and estimates how much you can potentially borrow to buy a home.
The Benefits of Getting Preapproved
Here’s a closer look at the specific perks that come with a mortgage preapproval:
- Negotiating power: Sellers generally take preapproved buyers more seriously, as it shows that you’re committed to buying the home.
- Expedited lending process: During the preapproval, the mortgage lender conducts a preliminary review of your credit and overall financial profile. So, you can skip this step if you find a home and the seller accepts your offer.
- Shop with confidence: You can shop around for the perfect digs for you and your family without second guessing if you’ll qualify for a mortgage. While there are no guarantees you’ll receive formal approval, the likelihood of sealing the deal is much higher.
Can I Get Preapproved for a VA Loan?
Yes, you can get preapproved for a VA loan. However, you must meet the lender’s eligibility requirements. More on the specifics shortly.
How a VA Loan Preapproval Impacts Your Home Search
When you get preapproved for a VA-backed mortgage, here’s how it affects your search for a new place to call home.
Setting a Realistic Budget
As previously mentioned, the preapproval process involves the lender evaluating your creditworthiness, income, debt load and other financial information to determine how much to lend you. Knowing this figure helps you focus your search more and narrow down options that don’t quite suit your budget.
Enhancing Your Bargaining Power
Again, sellers find prospective buyers with preapproval letters more attractive. It demonstrates that you’ve already taken the first step towards making your homeownership goal a reality. Getting preapproved can also help you negotiate better terms with the seller.
Streamlining the Final Loan Approval Process
If you want to expedite the lending process, getting preapproved is a must. Doing so prevents you from working backward and potentially extending the lending process. Instead, you’ll know how much you can borrow and what the lender needs from you to get the loan closed.
Eligibility Criteria for VA Loan Preapproval
Before formally applying for a VA mortgage, it’s worth understanding the eligibility requirements so you’ll know what to expect.
VA-approved lender
You must use a VA-approved lender to secure a VA home loan. They are well-versed in VA lending guidelines and can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
Income Stability and Employment History
Lenders want to know that you can afford the monthly mortgage payments on top of all your other obligations. So, they assess your employment history to confirm you have a steady, adequate source of income.
Most lenders prefer at least two years of work experience in your current job or field. If you recently changed jobs, you’ll likely need to provide documentation to confirm your new income source is stable.
Keep in mind that frequent job changes can cause red flags. If you fall into this category, be prepared to explain your situation to the lender.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures the percentage of your monthly gross income used to cover debt obligations. Lenders use it to gauge your ability to handle the new mortgage payments alongside your existing monthly expenses.
Ideally, your DTI should be below 41 percent to have the best chance at securing a VA loan with competitive terms. However, some lenders are a bit more lenient and will approve you for a loan with a higher DTI if there are other compensating factors.
Credit History and Score
Most lenders prefer a credit score of at least 640 to approve applicants. That said, some approve applicants with scores of 620 or even lower, as the VA does not set a minimum credit score threshold.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A COE confirms your entitlement to VA loan benefits. You can request it on your own through the eBenefit’s portal or by mail. You can also contact the lender and ask them to assist you with retrieving this document.
Steps on How to Get VA Loan Preapproval
Now that you’re familiar with the eligibility criteria, the next step is to get preapproved for a VA-backed mortgage. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to move forward.
Gathering Necessary Documentation
You’ll need your COE and income documentation when you apply for preapproval. The latter often includes recent pay stubs, W-2 forms and bank statements. The lender typically requests at least two years of tax returns if you’re self-employed.
There’s a possibility that the lender will want additional documentation from you. Be sure to inquire before starting the process so you’ll know what to expect.
Selecting a VA-Approved Lender
It’s not hard to find a VA-approved lender. However, the abundance of options can make it difficult to identify the best fit. So, it’s worth asking around for recommendations and comparing advertised rates and terms to get a feel for which lender offers the most competitive terms.
Filling Out the Preapproval Application
Once you select a lender, complete the preapproval application in its entirety and review the entries before submitting it to confirm it’s free of errors or omissions. Including any requested documentation with the application is equally important to avoid inadvertent denial or processing delays.
Receiving the Preapproval Letter
The final step is to await a response from the lender. If you’re preapproved for a VA loan, you will receive a letter stating the maximum amount you can borrow and the terms you qualify for. Be sure to keep this letter handy, as you’ll need it when you begin your home search.
Tips for a Smooth VA Loan Preapproval Process
Getting preapproved for a VA loan doesn’t have to be an arduous process. Below are some suggestions to help make the process more seamless.
Keeping Financial Documents Organized
When you apply for loan preapproval, you want to have your financial documents organized and easily accessible. Consider creating a digital folder and parking electronic copies of what you need inside so you can retrieve them when needed.
Avoiding Major Financial Changes
Now is not the time to apply for new credit or make big-ticket purchases. Doing so could be the difference between getting preapproved for a mortgage with competitive terms, having to jump through hurdles or receiving a denial.
Regularly Checking Your Credit Report
Stay on top of your credit report during this process so you’ll know where you stand. Free copies are available weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. Be sure to review your reports from the three major credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax – and file disputes if needed. Doing so helps ensure your credit profile is accurate and gives you the best chance at qualifying for a loan with competitive terms.
Addressing Employment Gaps
Again, lenders want borrowers with consistent, verifiable employment and income. If you have recent gaps in your employment history, plead your case that you’re a good fit for a loan by providing a letter of explanation. It also doesn’t hurt to provide supporting documentation that you’re now financially stable if you have it handy.
Managing Existing Debt
Making timely payments on your current debts is vital, as payment history accounts for the largest component of your credit score. Also, pay down your revolving debts (i.e., credit cards, lines of credit) if possible before applying to lower your utilization ratio – another major part of your credit score.
What are the Next Steps After Receiving a VA Loan Preapproval?
Once you have a VA loan preapproval in hand, it’s time to go shopping for the home of your dreams. Use this letter as leverage to negotiate a good deal with the seller, and once your offer is accepted, work with your lender to get formal approval and clearance to close.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It to Get a VA Loan Pre Approved?
Getting a VA loan preapproval is a smart move, as it gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow. It also shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re serious about buying a home. And you can expedite the lending process by being proactive.
FAQs About VA Loan Preapproval
If you meet the eligibility criteria, getting approved for a VA loan is not challenging. Consider getting preapproved before shopping for a home to avoid any surprises.
Yes, as a preapproval does not guarantee a final approval and clearance to close. This could happen if your credit rating, income, debt load or employment situation changes, or if you finance a purchase that negatively impacts your DTI ratio.
You could get preapproved in just days, but it may take a few weeks. It depends on how quickly you provide the lender with the documentation needed to make a decision.
