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Imperial County, California VA Home Loan Information

Table of Contents

FAQ

What is the VA Loan Limit?

2021 VA Home Loan Limit: $0 down up to $5,000,000* (Subject to lender limits) /2 open VA loans at one time $548,250* (Call 888-573-4496 for details).

How to Apply for a VA Home Loan?

This is a quick look at how to apply for a VA home loan in Imperial County. For a more detailed overview of the VA home loan process, check out our complete guide on how to apply for a VA home loan. Here, we’ll go over the general steps to getting a VA home loan and point out some things to pay attention to in Imperial County. If you have any questions, you can call us at VA HLC and we’ll help you get started.

  1. Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    • Give us a call at (877) 432-5626 and we’ll get your COE for you.
  2. Are you applying for a refinance loan? Check out our complete guide to VA Refinancing.
  3. Get pre-approved, to get pre-approved for a loan, you’ll need:
    • Previous two years of W2s
    • Most recent 30 days paystubs or LES (active duty)
    • Most recent 60 days bank statements
    • Landlord and HR/Payroll Department contact info
  4. Find a home
    • We can help you check whether the home is in one of the Imperial County flood zones
  5. Get the necessary inspections
    • Termite inspection: required
    • Well or septic inspections needed, if applicable
  6. Get the home appraised
    • We can help you find a VA-Certified appraiser in Imperial County and schedule the process
    • Construction loan note: Construction permit/appraisal info
      1. Building permit
      2. Elevation certificate
  7. Lock in your interest rates
    • Wait until the appraisal lock in your loan rates. If it turns out you need to make repairs, it can push your closing back. Then you can get stuck paying rate extension fees.
  8. Close the deal and get packing!
    • You’re ready to go.

What is the Median Home Price?

As of March 31, 2021, the median home value for Imperial County is $267,755. In addition, the median household income for residents of the county is $47,622.

How much are the VA Appraisal Fees?

  • Single-Family: $600.
  • Individual Condo: $600.
  • Manufactured Homes: $600.
  • 2-4 Unit Multi-Family: $850.
  • Appraisal Turnaround Times: 7 days.

Do I need Flood Insurance?

  • The VA requires properties are required to have flood insurance if they are in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
  • Because it is mostly desert, there are not many flood zones in Imperial County. However, those that do exist are mostly along the riverbed and irrigation channels. Your agent can help you to check whether a property lies in a flood hazard area.

How do I learn about Property Taxes?

  • The County Assessor for Imperial County is Robert Menvielle. His office is located at 940 W. Main Street Suite 115 El Centro, CA 92243 and can be called (442) 265-1300.
  • The Assessor’s Office is where you can learn about your property taxes and file your statement online. You can also contact the Assessor about appraisals or see if you qualify for tax relief for disabled veterans, homeowner-occupiers, or senior citizens.

What is the Population?

  • As of 2019, Imperial County’s population is 181,215, which has grown by about 3.8% within the last decade and is home to 5,528 veterans. The County’s population is 85% Hispanic, 10% White, and 3.3% Black.
  • Most county residents are between 18 and 65 years old, with 28% under 18 years old and 13% older than 65.
  • In total, the county has about 44,829 households, with an average of 3.8 people per household.

What are the major cities?

The County has seven cities, including the city of El Centro, which serves as the county seat. The six other cities in the County are Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Holtville, Imperial, Westmorland.

About Imperial County

Despite having a dry desert climate that only produces about three inches of rainfall per year, Imperial County’s economy is largely based on agriculture. In application, successfully cultivating is dependent on water, luckily, for the near 200,000 residents of the area, the county has access to the Colorado River and thus can sustain itself agriculturally through irrigation.

Doing about $1 billion a year in crop production, most residents work in farming in some capacity. Further adding to the county’s odd relationship with water is the Salton Sea, located in the Imperial Valley; this body of saline water and freshwater was created accidentally from flooding of the Colorado Rivers irrigation canals.

Bordering Mexico and Colorado, Imperial County was formed in 1907 and holds the distinction of being the last county created by the state of California. Considered a melting pot, the local community is proud of the many backgrounds that come together to form its entirety. Home to many Mexican Americans, European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans, the diversity of the county rivals the majority of America.

Also, there are many significant historical sites throughout Imperial County. For example, Fort Yuma was built in 1848 during the Mexican American War. Today, visitors can learn about Southern California History and take in the views of the Colorado River.

Finally, the County is no stranger to cultural events. Be sure to check out a performance by the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels host an air show every year! The Museum of History in Granite is a great place to learn about the local rock formations. You will be surprised just how many monuments are made from granite.

Veteran Information

The county is currently home to 5,528 veterans.

  • Imperial County is home to two VFW post:
    • Post 9305 Vietnam and Global War Veterans Post – 247 South Imperial Avenue, Imperial, California 92251.
    • Post 3251 West Shores Post – 50 Desert Shores Drive, Desert Shores, California 92274.
  • VA Medical Centers in the county:
  • County Veteran Assistance Information

Apply for a VA Home Loan

  • For more information about VA Home Loans and how to apply, click here.
  • If you meet the VA’s eligibility requirements, you will be able to enjoy some of the best government-guaranteed home loans available.  
  • VA loans can finance the construction of a property. However, the property must be owned and prepared for construction as the VA cannot ensure vacant land loans.

VA Approved Condos

Name (ID): AMERICAN BEAUTY VILLAGE (007115)
Address: 

SAN DIEGO CA 00000
IMPERIAL
Status: Accepted Without Conditions
Request Received Date: 02/25/2003
Review Completion Date: Unavailable
Name (ID): AMERICAN BEAUTY VILLAGE (007115)
Address: 

SAN DIEGO CA 00000
IMPERIAL
Status: Accepted Without Conditions
Request Received Date: 02/25/2003
Review Completion Date: Unavailable
Name (ID): FLORENCE 961 CONDOMINIUMS (000564)
Address: @ 961 FLORENCE STREET

IMPERIAL BEACH CA 91932
IMPERIAL
Status: Accepted Without Conditions
Request Received Date: 10/14/2016
Review Completion Date: 11/15/2016
Name (ID): THE FLORENTINE COLLECTION (000112)
Address: CONDITION 70% PRESALE

BRAWLEY CA 92227
IMPERIAL
Status: Accepted With Conditions
Request Received Date: 03/06/2012
Review Completion Date: 07/10/2012
Name (ID): VILLAS SERENA (007538)
Address: 

IMPERIAL CA 92251
IMPERIAL
Status: HUD Accepted
Request Received Date: 07/11/2007
Review Completion Date: 07/11/2007
Learn about the VA condo approval process,
call us at (877) 432-5626.

California VA Loan Information

VA Loan Information by State