The devil is in the details. This is true whether you are flying off a carrier or filling out an application to get a VA Loan. Accuracy definitely matters when applying for VA Loans. You will need to take time to collect all of your documents, pull a copy of your credit report and , if necessary, get it in good shape to qualify for a VA Loan.

It’s best to start working on your VA Home Loan applicationabout a month before you want to buy a home. Pull a copy of your credit report (or request one from VA HLC) to check your credit scores and those of your spouse if you have one. Check your credit report carefully for accuracy. If you find anything wrong get it corrected. If you have time you can pay down balances, start paying all your bills on time and improve your debt to income ratio before you apply for your VA Loan. Living frugally to improve your credit score is a great way to understand what it feels like to pay for a home before you actually make the commitment.

Start collecting all the papers you will need to fill out your VA Loan Application. These will include your Veterans certificate of eligibility, copies of your discharge or separation papers, two years of tax returns, your last pay-stub, your last bank statement and copies of any retirement and investment accounts. You may want a copy of your spouse’s tax returns etc if he/she is to be a co-borrower on the loan. Keep all these documents ready and available in one place along with your credit report. Xerox everything so that you can give the lender anything they want without disrupting your file.

It’s time to sit down and apply for a VA Loan. Because you are familiar with your finances and have all your documents in one place this should go fairly smoothly. You MUST fill out your VA Loan Application accurately and completely. It should match the most up to date information on your credit report, bank statements and payment stubs. It’s very important you get all the dates and numbers correct because your VA Loan could be denied if you make mistakes. In today’s climate lenders are very wary and any mistake could be interpreted as deception. These mistakes could mean that your VA Loan is denied. If your loan is denied it will be harder and/or more expensive for you to get a loan in the future. Proof read your application three times. If you have done your homework and have an accurate application there is a good chance you will get your VA Loan.

Finally, it’s time to look for a house, once you find one you will enter into a purchase agreement and getting your VA Loan will be one of the contingencies. If you don’t get the VA Loan you won’t get the house. At the same time contact the nearest VA home loan centers office. They can help connect you to VA approved lenders.

————————

To get a VA loan, visit http://www.vahomeloancenters.com or call VA HLC.