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Merced County, California VA Loans Information

Table of Contents

FAQ

What is the VA Loan Limit?

2021 VA Home Loan Limit: $0 down payment up to $5,000,000* (subject to lender limits) /2 open VA loans at one time $548,250 (Call 877-432-5626 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 Merced county. For a more detailed overview of the VA home loan process, check out our complete guide on how to apply for a VA mortgage 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 Merced 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 Merced 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 Merced County and schedule the process
    • Construction loan note: Construction permit/appraisal info
      1. Building permit
      2. Elevation certificate
  7. Lock in your interest rates
    • Pro tip: 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 Merced County is $326,192. In addition, the median household income for residents of the county is $53,672.

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.
  • In Merced County, there are many flood plains, especially in the low-lying areas. Your agent can help you to check whether a property will require flood insurance.

How do I learn about Property Taxes?

  • For questions about property tax, you can get in touch with Merced County Assessor Barbara Levey. Her office is located at 2222 M. St. Merced, CA 95340 or by calling (209) 385-7434.
  • Veterans, owner-occupiers, and senior citizens may be eligible for property tax relief. You can find out whether you qualify through the county assessor. In addition, the Assessor’s Office can do re-appraisals to determine property values and flood risks.

What is the Population?

  • The county’s population of 277,680 is, 61% Hispanic, 26% White, and 7% Asian.
  • Most county residents are between 18 and 65 years old, with 29% under 18 years old and 11% older than 65.
  • In total, the county has about 79,606 households, with an average of three people per household.

What are the major cities?

There is a total of six cities in the county including the city of Merced which also served as the county seat. In addition, the five other cities in the county are Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, and Los Banos.

About Merced County

Merced County, California is located right in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley. This region is known as the breadbasket of the US because of its agricultural production. In addition, while Merced is away from the bustle of California’s biggest cities, the I-5 runs through the county and connects it to the rest of the state.

The City of Merced is the county’s cultural and economic hub. In addition to its connection to California’s primary highway system, it is also home to a major train station. The downtown area has plenty of exciting restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

The county is also home to plenty of green space. There are two national wildlife preserves along the river, where you can hike or bike along miles of trails. Plus, the City of Plenada, on the county’s eastern edge, contains one of the entrances to Yosemite National Park. Residents don’t just enjoy the park’s natural beauty but the droves of tourists it brings to the region each year.

Veteran Information

The county is currently home to 9,662 veterans.

  • Merced County is home to four VFW post:
    • Post 4327 Robert M Kelley – 939 W. Main St. Merced, CA 95340.
    • Post 8327 Livingston – 1605 7th Street, Livingston, CA 95334.
    • Post-2487 Lieut. Laurence F. Muth – 615 E Street, Los Banos, CA 93635.
    • Post 7635 Joseph G. Rose – 145 5th Street, Gustine, CA 95322.
  • VA Medical Centers in the county:
    • Merced VA Clinic – 340 East Yosemite Avenue, Suite D, Merced, CA 95340.
  • County Veteran Assistance Information
    • Merced County Veteran Services – 3376 N State Hwy 59, Merced, CA 95348.

VA Home Loan Information

  • 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): VILLA DEL SOL (C01070)
Address: 
NONE
MERCED CA 95348-0000
MERCED
Status: Accepted Without Conditions
Request Received Date: 11/16/1986
Review Completion Date: 11/16/1986