Ohio Grant Programs
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WHAT IS A VA LOAN?
The VA Loan became known in 1944 through the original Servicemen's
Readjustment Act also known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed
into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with a
federally guaranteed home with no down payment. This feature was designed to
provide housing and assistance for veterans and their families, and the dream
of home ownership became a reality for millions of veterans. The GI Bill
contributed more than any other program in history to the welfare of veterans
and their families, and to the growth of the nation's economy.
With more than 25.5 million veterans and service personnel eligible for VA
financing, this loan is attractive and has many advantages. Eligibility for the
VA loan is defined as Veterans who served on active duty and have a discharge
other than dishonorable after a minimum of 90 days of service during wartime or
a minimum of 181 continuous days during peacetime. There is a two-year
requirement if the veteran enlisted and began service after September 7, 1980
or was an officer and began service after October 16, 1981. There is a six-year
requirement for National guards and reservists with certain criteria and there
are specific rules concerning the eligibility of surviving spouses.
VA will guarantee a maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250,
which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the reasonable
value of the property or the purchase price, whichever is less, plus the
funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must qualify, for they are not
automatically eligible for the program.
VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings &
loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home,
which must be for their own personal occupancy. The guaranty means the lender
is protected against loss if you or a later owner fails to repay the loan. The
guaranty replaces the protection the lender normally receives by requiring a
down payment allowing you to obtain favorable financing terms.
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