VA Purchase Loans | Orange County, California VA Loans - Tim Storm

Residual Income and how it can affect your VA loan in Orange County

June 18, 2017 by Tim Storm

VA Residual Income is…

A safeguard established by VA to ensure you can afford the new loan payment, with any debt you currently have, and still have enough for food, entertainment and housing expenses (because eating dinner is important). The Veteran’s Administration has dubbed this leftover monthly amount VA Residual Income. In order to qualify a Veteran and their spouse for a VA loan, we must first calculate their gross monthly income. Then federal, state, and social security taxes, determined by the amount of dependents filed on the most recent tax return, are subtracted out. From this we get what is called Net Income, which is the amount taken home each month after taxes. After the net income is determined, the rest of the debts are deducted to reveal the Veteran’s residual income amount. In order below:

New proposed house payment (principle, interest, taxes, insurance, and Home Owners Association payment for Orange County VA approved condos.)
Maintenance of the house – using a factor of .14 cents per square foot of the home
Debts (monthly credit card payments, all installment and revolving accounts)
Child Care
Alimony or Child Support

A mortgage payment can put a significant strain on family finances. So borrowers looking to start the VA loan process must have a minimum amount of residual income depending on where they live and how many people live in the home.

Residual income must be equal to or more than the amount in the chart:

VA Residual Income by Region on all loan amounts $80,000 and higher
Family Size	Northeast	Midwest	South	West
1	$450.00	$441.00	$441.00	$491.00
2	$755.00	$738.00	$738.00	$823.00
3	$909.00	$889.00	$889.00	$990.00
4	$1,025.00	$1,003.00	$1,003.00	$1,117.00
5	$1,062.00	$1,039.00	$1,039.00	$1,158.00
Over 5	Add $80 for each additional member (up to a family of 7)

*For VA loans in Orange County we use the numbers from the West column to determine the Veteran’s residual income for Southern California loans.

How will it influence the loan decision?

Not meeting the residual income requirement should not trigger an automatic denial of a loan, but can be a deal breaker in most cases. This is a non-negotiable requirement that is in place to protect the Veteran from getting into a credit situation they cannot handle. Because each loan candidate’s particulars differ, their entire financial position is reviewed by a VA Direct Endorsed underwriter (the underwriter works for the lender – no VA). Common elements that are methodically reviewed will include your credit score, history and use of credit, employment history, liquid assets and/or down payment (if made, VA Funding Fee may be reduced). All of these areas in addition to the residual income calculation, will either strengthen or weaken the underwriter’s view of the file, and will further impede their decision to extend an approval or denial of the loan.

Truth be told, the bigger the loan amount the lower the chance that residual income will be a factor. And since property values are so high in Orange County, residual income rarely is an issue. A Veteran purchasing a home in Orange County who has a wife and two children will only need $1,117 in Residual Income. In reality, that is not really enough to cover food, clothing, and other potential problems that could arise when owning a home. Still, the Residual Income will always be reviewed to make sure the requirements set by VA are met.

Bottom Line

The Department of Veteran Affairs aims to keep Southern California home buying an affordable experience for all Veterans and their families. By having high 100% financing loan limits, flexible credit and income requirements, and aggressive loan pricing with no monthly mortgage insurance, the VA loan program is the best loan program available for Orange County home buyers. The first step is to talk with a local Orange County VA loan officer who can prepare custom VA loan scenarios and handle VA loan PreApproval.

Authored by Tim Storm, an Orange County VA Loan Officer specializing in VA Loan. MLO 223456. – Please contact my office at the Home Point Financial. My direct line is 949-640-3102. www.OrangeCountyVALoans.com. I will prepare custom VA loan scenarios which will be matched up to your financial goals, both long and short term. I also prepare a Video Explanation of the your scenarios so that you are able to fully understand the numbers BEFORE you have started the loan process.

Filed Under: VA Purchase Loans Tagged With: VA Loan, va purchase, va residual income

Why getting Pre-Approved for a VA Loan should be your first step

January 30, 2017 by Tim Storm

Why is VA Loan Pre-Approval an important step in the home buying process?

Markets across the country, and undeniably in Southern California, report that the number of buyers on the hunt for a home largely out number the amount of homes currently for sale. In our highly competitive Orange County real estate market we find ourselves in today, getting pre-approved for a VA loan has become an essential component of making an offer on a home. Buying a home in Orange County is not an unobtainable dream for Veterans, but something special is needed to separate them from other house hunters. Being pre-approved by an Orange County VA lender has the power to separate your offer from any others submitted. It’s important to demonstrate to the seller that you are serious about buying, and have been thoroughly vetted to show that you are a responsible candidate. This is an essential step that must be completed prior to shopping for a home. Pre-Approval not only qualifies you for a VA mortgage, but approves you for the highest loan amount you can acquire with the lender. This gives you a legitimate handle on what you can reasonably afford while simultaneously instilling the confidence needed to stand out and win in the home buying process.

How does getting Pre-Approved work?

To begin the VA loan pre-approval process you’ll need to select an Orange County Loan Officer who specializes in VA financing that you trust to give you a fair deal. Once you’ve found the right fit, you’ll need to complete their loan application and provide them with what Freddie Mac calls the 4 C’s that will assist in the analysis of your situation:

Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments (income, job history, employment verification)
Capital or Cash Reserves: the money, savings and/or investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash (bank statements)
Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase (where you would like to buy, in proportion to what is in your price range)
Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time (credit pulled, debts considered, lates’ recorded, ect.)

“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”-Freddie Mac’s “My Home” section of website

Once the information is received and reviewed, your VA Loan pre-approval letter will be issued. The letter will show the highest VA loan amount you have been approved to receive from the lender. Your real estate agent can use this to show you homes at or below the amount then use it further when submitting an offer.

Bottom Line

Many potential home buyers who are Veterans overestimate the down payment ($0 down to $679,650) and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage today. Getting Pre-Approved will give you peace of mind and a clear path to buy the home of your dreams!

Authored by Tim Storm, an Orange County, CA Loan Officer specializing in VA Loans. MLO 223456. – Please contact my office at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS #2289. My direct line is 714-478-3049. I will prepare custom VA loan scenarios that will be matched up to your financial goals, both long and short-term. I also prepare a Video Explanation of your scenarios so that you are able to fully understand the numbers BEFORE you have started the loan process.

Filed Under: VA Purchase Loans Tagged With: pre-approval, pre-approval va loan, VA Loan

2017 Orange County VA Loan Limit Increase

January 20, 2017 by Tim Storm

VA has announced the increase of the 2017 VA loan limits.

What is the “VA loan limit“?

The Veterans Administration (VA) sets a limit of what a qualified Veteran buyer, with full entitlement, can borrow within each county without making a down payment. They calculate this limit based on the average price a home is selling for in that county. That means that in places like Orange County, CA the limit will be significantly higher than in a county with lower housing prices like Riverside County. This does not mean that you cannot purchase a home at a higher sales price (that would be a Jumbo VA Loan), just that you as the buyer, will be responsible for coming in with 25% of the difference between the loan limit and the purchase price. And if you think about it, that is a very favorable formula for those Veterans who want to purchase a home for a price higher than $636,150. Jumbo VA loans in Orange County, CA are fairly common.

“VA does not set a cap on how much you can borrow to finance your home. However, there are limits on the amount of liability VA can assume, which usually affects the amount of money an institution will lend you.” -Department of Veterans Affairs website

What the loan limit increase means for Orange County and Los Angeles County VA Buyers

This is an encouraging change for many prospective VA qualified buyers that have the income, satisfactory credit, appropriate debt-to-income ratios but may not have the savings for a conventional or FHA loan program. The VA loan limit for Orange and Los Angeles Counties is now at $636,150. That is up $10,650 from last years limit of $625,500. As housing prices increase in this popular area it is a welcome opportunity.

Let’s look at the highest purchase price for the new loan limit, showing a Veteran using benefits for the first time w/ 100% financing:

Purchase Price: $636,150 (<–Anything higher than this, the buyer will need a down payment equal to 25% of the difference between the loan limit and purchase price = Jumbo VA Loan)

Down Payment 0%

Base Loan Amt: $636,150

VA Funding Fee 2.15%: $13,677 – (assuming this is first time use for Regular Military with no Disability waiver)

Total VA LA: $649,827

We see that with the VA loan limit increase this year buying in Orange County or Los Angeles county now becomes a tangible option for more borrowers that are ready to take the leap into homeownership.

Do I have to have a VA funding fee? If so, what is it?

The VA Funding Fee is a set percentage, traditionally combined into the final loan amount, that will go directly to VA to help cover any losses accrued by loans going into default. The fee amount will change to accommodate the borrower’s unique circumstances. Some common factors to consider when calculating the amount would be purchase price, the nature of the borrower’s service, if they’ve had a previous VA loan, surviving spouse of a soldier, and if they choose to bring in a down payment. There are some Veteran’s that will not have a VA Funding Fee, if they receive service connected disability benefits from VA making them Exempt from the Funding Fee. Refer to the tables below to see which funding fee that would apply to your buying situation:

VA Funding Fee for Regular Military Borrowers
Down Payment	1st Use Funding Fee	Subsequent Use Funding Fee
None	2.15%	3.30%
5% – 10%	1.50%	1.50%
10% – Higher	1.25%	1.25%

VA Funding Fee for Reserves & The National Gaurd
Down Payment	1st Use Funding Fee	Subsequent Use Funding Fee
None	2.40%	3.30%
5% – 10%	1.75%	1.75%
10% – Higher	1.50%	1.50%

Bottom Line:

VA is certainly staying true to their “I CARE” values as they work to steadily adjust with the economy, and benefit the Veteran and military service members. They will effectively help many families to realize their dream of owning a home with an Orange County zip code this year.

Filed Under: VA Purchase Loans Tagged With: orange county va loans, VA financing, VA Loan, va loan limit

Getting A VA loan after bankruptcy or foreclosure

July 18, 2016 by Tim Storm

Getting a VA loan after bankruptcy or foreclosure is really not that difficult for Veterans in Orange County, CA. But many Veterans do not realize how quickly the VA loan can become a viable option after a major credit event.

Foreclosure and bankruptcy are definite obstacles for many Veterans trying to buy a home, but with the VA mortgage program it is possible to maneuver around these obstacles more quickly than with other types of financing. Bankruptcy’s and foreclosures only require a two year waiting period before qualifying for a VA loan.

Waiting Period After Bankruptcy

There are two primary type of bankruptcy that an individual can file for. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy seizes an individuals assets and liquidates their value to satisfy the necessary debts. All debts are “discharged” through the bankruptcy. The VA program requires a waiting period of two years after a Veteran discharges a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-mandated process that restructures an individual’s debt and sets up a repayment plan. Chapter 13 repayment plans can take anywhere from three years to five years to complete. The VA loan program will allow a Veteran to qualify for VA loan after only a 12 month wait period, starting from from the date of the filing. The Veteran will need to prove that they have been making their Chapter 13 payments on time, but this is still a very opportunity for a Veteran to purchase a home. A potential borrower with Chapter 13 bankruptcy must also get permission from the bankruptcy trustee before taking on an additional monthly payment. It’s also important to note that it is possible to refinance into a VA loan and pay off the Chapter 13 with proceeds from the loan.

FICO Score Requirements for the VA Loan Program

Many VA lenders will look for a credit score of at least 620 when qualifying for a VA loan, but there are lenders who will go down to a 580 FICO score. Still, it is important to begin working on credit restoration immediately after the bankruptcy is discharged. To minimize the damage, it is very important to put a lot of effort into repairing and strengthening your credit score during their waiting period prior to qualifying. And definitely do not have any late payments after the bankruptcy is discharged.

VA Loan After Foreclosure or Short Sale

A foreclosure or short sale are also significant derogatory credit events. Most loan programs require wait periods of up to 7 years before qualifying for a loan. But VA only requires a two year wait period from the date of the foreclosure or short sale. The “clock” can start earlier than the actual recorded date of the foreclosure if the mortgage for the property was included in an already discharged bankruptcy and the Veteran can prove they moved out of the property prior to the bankruptcy discharge date.

Not all lenders underwrite the same. It is beneficial to meet with a local Orange County VA lender to ensure you are on the proper path toward future qualification. The VA loan specialist you consult with should be able to prepare custom loan scenarios that will provide you with the numbers you’ll need to know about before you start the home buying process.

Filed Under: VA Mortgage, VA Purchase Loans Tagged With: bankruptcy, foreclosure, VA Loan

Do You Qualify for a VA Loan in Orange County Right Now?

July 14, 2016 by Tim Storm

Do you qualify for a VA loan right now in Orange County, CA? Do you know what it takes to qualify? Orange County has one of the highest concentrations of military Veterans in the country and yet so many do not realize they are eligible for the VA loan program or even know what it takes to get qualified. First, it is important to understand the basics. What is the Debt to Income ratio and how high can it go? What are the FICO score requirements? What is Residual Income and how does it factor into qualifying for a VA loan? How long do you have to wait after a bankruptcy or foreclosure before qualifying for a VA loan? What are the VA loan limits in Orange County, CA?

Debt to income ratio

The Debt to Income ratio is a calculation that will compare a borrower’s monthly debts to their monthly gross income. The guideline that the Department of Veterans Affairs has set for VA lenders in regards to the Debt to Income ratio is 41%. This means that 41% of the borrowers’ gross monthly income can go towards the total payment (PITI), along with any car payments, installment loan payments, and credit card payments. VA also includes child care in the monthly debt calculation. It’s important to understand that 41% is only a “guideline”. VA does not have a max Debt to Income percentage. It is not unusual for a VA loan to get approved even if the Debt to Income ration is as high as 60%. However, the higher the DTI the more important compensating factors will be. What is more important on a VA loan that the Debt to Income ratio is “Residual Income.”

What is Residual income?

VA loans default at such a low rate partly because of the “Residual Income” requirement. Residual income is the monthly remaining income after a borrower has fulfilled all of their current credit obligations, including the mortgage payments, utility bills, childcare, car payments, etc. The amount of residual income required for a VA loan will vary based on the borrower’s family size and their geographical location. Your Orange County VA lender should take a close look at your Residual Income during the qualifying stage to make sure you qualify for the loan you are applying for.

FICO score requirements

The Veterans Administration is not a lender. The VA acts as an insurer on VA loans and sets the standard guidelines for underwriting a VA loan. How lenders interpret those guidelines varies from lender to lender. Credit score requirements definitely vary from lender to lender. Most lenders have a minimum score benchmark of 620. Some require higher FICO scores on Jumbo VA loans. Some may even lend at a lower score (like 580). The bottom line is if a lender won’t approve your loan request based on your FICO score, it is worth looking at other lenders to see if you can find someone that will approve your request.

How long do I have to wait after a foreclosure/bankruptcy?

Many borrowers think that a foreclosure or bankruptcy will prevent them from being able to get a VA loan, which is not the case. With a little bit of effort put into credit repair after a major derogatory event, a Veteran can qualify for a VA loan only 2 years after a foreclosure or 2 years after a bankruptcy has been discharged. A 2 year wait period makes VA one of the most flexible loan programs available. Even better, there is no waiting period after a short sale.

VA loan limits

VA county loan limits in California vary from county to county and typically follow the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The VA will guaranty 25% of a VA loan amount for lenders up to the county limit, which helps to reduce the risk of offering Zero Down home financing to Veterans. The VA county loan limit in Orange County is $679,650 (2018 Loan Limit). It is possible to get a VA loan with a loan amount higher than the county loan limit, but a down payment equal to 25% of the difference between the purchase price and the county loan limit will be needed. A VA loan that is above the 100% financing loan limit is known as a Jumbo VA loan. The Jumbo VA loan program makes it possible for Veterans in Orange County to purchase homes priced higher than $679,650 with a lower down payment than other types of financing. For example, if a Veteran in Orange County is purchasing a home for $1,000,000 in Irvine, which is $320,350 over the $0 down loan limit of $679,650, they would need a down payment of $80,087, which is 25% of $320,350. The VA loan would be $919,912. There is not currently another loan program that would allow for a $1,000,000 purchase with 8% down and have no monthly mortgage insurance.

Filed Under: VA Purchase Loans Tagged With: qualify for va loan