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Union County, Oregon VA Loan Information

Table of Contents

FAQ

What is the VA Loan Limit?

2020 VA Home Loan Limit: $0 down payment up to $5,000,000* (subject to lender limits) /2 open VA loans at one time $510,400 (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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 to 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 31st, 2020, the median home value for Union County is $203,984. In addition, the median household income for residents of the county is $48,617.

How much are the VA Appraisal Fees?

  • Single-Family: $775.
  • Individual Condo: $825.
  • Manufactured Homes: $825.
  • 2-4 Unit Multi-Family: $950.
  • Appraisal Turnaround Times: 15 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.

How do I learn about Property Taxes?

  • Cody Vavra is the Union county tax assessor. His office can be reached at 1001 Fourth Street, Suite A & B, La Grande, Oregon 97850. In addition, his office can also be reached by calling (541) 963-1002.
  • The state of Oregon offers businesses that invest and hire in enterprise zones the option to be exempt from property taxes for at least three years. In addition, the Oregon Investment Advantage program encourages new businesses that are starting as well as the ones who are relocating to the state with various incentives. For example, the program offers income tax subtraction and elimination of state income liability for new businesses for many years.

What is the Population?

  • The county’s population of 26,835 is 88% White, 4% Hispanic, and 2% Mixed Race.
  • Most county residents are between 18 and 65 years old, with 22% under 18 years old and 21% older than 65.
  • In total, the county has about 10,481 households, at an average of two people per household.

What are the major cities?

There is a total of eight cities in the county including the county seat at La Grande. Additionally, there are seven more cities in the county, and they are Cove, Elgin, Imbler, Island City, North Powder, Summerville, and Union.  

About Union County

Union County is located in northeastern Oregon and is home to some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If you are a true outdoors-lover, then you are sure to enjoy the many scenic outdoor attractions in the area. Make sure to visit all the interesting local attractions, perfect for some fun in your free time. The county is a great place to receive an education, thanks to the excellent local schools and many educational resources. Union County was officially founded on October 14, 1864, and was named after the Town of Union. The current population of the county is 26,461, including a veteran population of 2,053.

Check out all the beautiful outdoor attractions in Union County, where you can take in great views of the local landscape. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest features over 2 million acres of beautiful Oregon landscape and is home to miles of scenic trails, beautiful campsites, majestic waterways, and more. Located at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Umatilla National Forest is a great place for hiking and rock climbing. Enjoy all your favorite aquatic activities at Spring Creek. Other scenic outdoor spots in the county include the Elkhorn Wildlife Area, Malheur National Forest, and Mount Emily Recreation Area.

People of all ages are sure to have a great time at almost any of the attractions in Union County. Enjoy all your favorite winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding, at any of the amazing resorts in the county, including Spout Springs Ski Resort and Meacham Divide Nordic Park. If you are interested in local art, then be sure to visit any of the local galleries, including Art Center East and the Nightingale Gallery. Visit the Liberty Theatre to check out an amazing stage performance. Other great attractions in the area include the County Museum, Elgin Opera House, and McKenzie Theater.

Everyone can receive an excellent education in Union County, thanks to great local schools. The county is home to many amazing educational resources, including libraries and afterschool programs. Eastern Oregon University is an excellent undergraduate program that offers athletic and financial aid programs. Eastern Oregon University also offers several graduate degree programs.

Veteran Information

The county is currently home to 2,052 veterans, and they all have access to:

Union County is home to two VFW post:

  • Post 3048 Anthony Lakes Post – 2005 Valley Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850.
  • Post 4060 high Valley Post – 518 N. Main St. Union, OR 97883.

VA Medical Centers in the county:

  • La Grande VA Clinic – 202 12th Street, La Grande, OR 97850.

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

There are currently no VA-approved condos in Union County, Oregon. However, it is still possible to get a condo through the condo approved and we can help you through the condo approval process, just call us at (877) 432-5626.  

Oregon VA Loan Information: https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/oregon-va-home-loan-limits/

VA Loan Information by State: https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/va-loan-limit-maximum-va-loan-amount/