VA loans already offer a no money down payment purchase loan. But, what if we add Veteran down payment assistance of $7,500 – $10,000? Even though VA loans may allow no down payment, there are many uses for this Veterans mortgage assistance. Plus, it is available for buyers currently serving or has served in any branch of the U.S. military, their spouse, or surviving spouse. Furthermore, these funds are available for our qualifying buyers nationwide. Although, the assistance may expire as we have $1,000,000 available annually.

Veterans Mortgage Assistance Uses

Even if down payment is not necessary, there are some huge advantages for receiving up to $10,000 at closing. Uses include…

• Reducing principal
• Down payment
• Closing costs
• Pay VA funding fee
• Rehabilitation costs

Think of these advantages when buying a home. Often VA buyers need or at least prefer seller paid closing costs. Of course, the advantage is the buyer brings little to no money to closing. But, the downside of seller paid costs is that it drives up the price and loan amount. Conversely, Veteran down payment assistance gives a competitive advantage in buying a home. Seller paid costs and concessions are not needed. Additionally, the VA appraisal does not have to meet a higher price that includes these costs!

Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Through the FHLBank Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program, we have $1,000,000 available annually to fund assistance for first time home buyers, community partners, foreclosure recovery, rebuild and restore, Veterans, and returning Veterans.

What if the seller does pay the closing costs and the loan does not require a down payment? Fortunately, the buyer may use the mortgage assistance to pay the VA funding fee. If there are still funds available, then it may be paid towards reducing the first mortgage balance. Therefore a lower loan amount. Advantages mean lower housing payment and lesser loan balance. Thus, selling the home down the road is easier with increased equity because of a lower balance.

Veteran Eligibility Guidelines

Besides meeting VA loan guidelines, buyers must meet Veteran down payment assistance requirements. First, these funds are for purchases, not a VA refinance. Here are the main guidelines for qualifying for the assistance.

• Household income at or below 80% of county area median income
• No minimum borrower contribution (Veteran down payment assistance product only)
• $250 maximum cash back
• Complete home buyer counseling program
• 5 year retention period **

** Failure to own and occupy the property for 5 years could result in the recapture these funds on a pro rata basis.

First Mortgage Requirements

In addition to the above guidelines, there are first mortgage requirements. Basically, loan fees must be reasonable for the market. Terms of the loan must be 5 years or longer, fully amortized, and the rate may be fixed or adjustable.

$7500 Veteran Assistance

For buyers to use the $7,500 assistance, a home buyer must be currently serving OR has served in any branch of the U.S. military, their spouse, or their surviving spouse. So, current or former members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or National Guard Reserves could benefit from these funds.

$10,000 Veterans Mortgage Assistance

In order to use $10,000 in Veterans assistance, the home buyer must currently serve or has served in an overseas military intervention environment for any branch of the U.S. military, their spouse, or surviving spouse. For a list of the qualifying overseas military intervention environments, click on the button below.

Check Out Other Home Owner Assistance Products!

Through this same funding source, we offer several other down payment assistance options which include…

• First time home buyer $5,000
• Community partners $7,500
• Foreclosure recovery $15,000
• Community rebuild and restore $10,000

Community partners include currently employed or retired law enforcement officers, educators, health care workers, firefighters, and or any other first responder such as an emergency medical technician, National Guard, or reservist.

In addition, we offer down payment assistance products through NC Housing Finance Agency, VHDA, and the Chenoa Fund.

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