Armed Forces Bank 320 Kansas Avenue Fort Leavenworth , KS 66027
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Down Payment & Closing Costs
Down Payment
One of the greatest benefits of a VA loan is that it doesn't require a down payment. The only time a down payment may be required is when the home is in particular "high-cost areas" as defined by the VA or when the selling price or amount you intend to refinance exceeds.
Here's an illustration of how significant this benefit is when purchasing a home.
| Details | VA Loan Down Payment | Conventional Loan Down Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | 0% | 5% | 10% | 20% |
| $150,000 | $0 | $7,500 | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| $225,000 | $0 | $11,250 | $22,500 | $45,000 |
| $300,000 | $0 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 |
Closing Costs
While there are closing costs associated with a VA loan, you may be able to avoid paying for them out-of-pocket—which is yet another great benefit of the VA loan.
While your VA benefit won’t help pay for the closing costs, you have several "non-cash" approaches you can take with closing costs if you want:
- If you’re purchasing a home, you can ask the seller if you can pay closing costs during negotiation. A financial gift from a relative can also be applied toward closing costs.
- If you’re refinancing a home, you can ask your loan advisor to add the closing costs to your loan amount. A financial gift from a relative can also be applied toward closing costs on a refinance loan.
- You may also be able to get a cash-out refinance. The purposes for which the cash-out proceeds will be used are generally subject to approval by the lender.
More Information on a Cash-Out Refinance
With cash-out refinancing, the following requirements must be met:
- Cash-out refinances limit loan amounts to 90% of the value of the home plus the VA funding fee.
- If there are any existing lien(s) on the property, the borrower must pay it off.
- If you plan on using the cash-out proceeds to pay off existing debts, you must supply an itemization of the debts you intend to pay off with the loan.
- The purposes for which the cash-out proceeds will be used are generally subject to approval by the lender.
*If you’re a service member on active duty planning to refinance a VA loan, be sure to check with your legal counsel on any benefits that may be affected.