For those who are about to buy their first home and finance it was a VA mortgage it may get a little scary perhaps. It can be an intimidating process and there will be much more paperwork than you might have imagined. Once you select a property the wheels really begin to turn but if you prepare in advance the process will be an easy one.
Here’s your checklist to use when preparing to apply for your first VA home loan.
1: Check your credit report. You can contact any VA approved lender or you can get a free report courtesy of the three main credit bureaus. Look for mistakes and know where you stand credit-wise.
2: Know how much you can afford before going further. Speak with an experienced loan officer who can walk you through the VA qualification process and provide you with a qualifying loan amount.
3: Gather your financials including your two most recent W2s and 1099s for all work performed. Collect your two most recent paycheck stubs covering a 30 day period. If self-employed, get signed copies of your two most recent federal income tax returns.
4: Apply for a preapproval from your selected VA approved lender. Ask your lender to obtain your certificate of eligibility for you.
5: Go shopping!
