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VA Mortgages and Home Loans

With an ever increasing number of eligible US Veterans, more Americans are becoming eligible for VA mortgages and home loans. The Home Loan Guarantee Services website offers a great deal of valuable content for your reference. We have summarized a few items on the page below to help you begin your pre-qualification process.

Here is the information most frequently requested. Your answer is probably here.

For questions relating to:
*    VA Benefit Related Debt Questionnaire (Form 26-8937)
*    Underwriting, Income, and Credit Requirements
*    VA Funding Fees
*    Closing of VA loans
*    Types of VA loans available
*    Occupancy requirements
Please contact your Regional Loan Center directly at 1-877-827-3702


1.    "Paid In Full/Not Restored"
In order for entitlement to be restored, two conditions must be met.
The prior VA loan must be paid in full AND the property must be disposed of.  Also, on a one-time only basis, the veteran may have eligibility restored for a second property if the prior VA loan has been paid in full but the property is still owned.  However after the one-time restoration has been used, entitlement cannot be restored (including for purposes of a cash-out refinancing) unless ALL prior properties are disposed of. 

Restoration is not automatic.  To obtain restoration of eligibility, the veteran must send a completed VA Form 26-1880 to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center OR the lender can also submit an application on the veteran's behalf, through the webLGY online system. In either event, the application must show whether the veteran still owns any properties previously purchased with a VA loan (whether paid in full or not.)

2.    Can I Apply by E-mail?  Can I Send Documents by E-mail?
Due to issues of privacy and information security, we are NOT permitted to accept documents by e-mail.  Lenders should upload documents in support of an application through the WebLGY system on the Veterans Information Portal at https://vip.vba.va.gov using the reference number of the application.  We prefer documents in PDF or TIF format, but we can also accept JPG format.

Most lenders have access to the webLGY system (formerly ACE - Automated Certificate of Eligibility). This Internet based application can establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through webLGY - only those for which VA has sufficient data already in our records.
However, veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a certificate.  Even if the certificate cannot be issued on the spot, the lender can submit the application online and transmit it to us instantly.

3.    Checking the Status of an Application?
Normal processing time is 7-10 BUSINESS days, although we are reviewing most applications within 5 days.  Allow 2-3 days for mailed applications to reach the Eligibility Center.  If you mailed an application LESS than
15 days ago, we likely have received it but not yet reviewed it. 

In order for us to check the status of a pending application, we will need either the COE Reference number of the online application, or the veteran's Social Security number.  You will need to use our secure online inquiry system at https://iris.va.gov

If you are a lender checking on the status of an application, please use WebLGY to check the status (click Eligibility, then Search).  If the status shows Pending, it is in line to be reviewed in the order it was received.  We would not be able to tell you anything other than what is shown on the electronic record.

4.    Streamlined Refinancing for IRRRL

For IRRRL or "streamline" loans (with no equity cash out when refinancing a current VA loan), you may not need a certificate of eligibility.  VA offers a streamlined refinance verification procedure through our online system, webLGY.  Click on Eligibility, and then select "Prior Loan Validation".  Enter the veteran's Social Security Number (and/or service number, if known) and last name.  The system will, in most cases, pull up a summary screen showing the current active loan.  Print the summary screen and submit it in lieu of the Certificate of Eligibility.

5.    Can I Get a "Rush"?
We can only accept requests for expedited service in very limited circumstances.  Please note that every case handled as a priority means at least one other veteran's case will have to be pushed back a day.  We have to balance our desire to help your client with our need to help the 800-1000 other individuals who apply to us each day.  As a general rule, an approaching closing date is not automatically considered an "emergency" without unusual extenuating circumstances.  Lenders and veterans should always make obtaining the COE the very first step in the loan process, before scheduling a closing date.  This assures that a lender is working with an eligible party.  Delaying the application for eligibility can create the following problems: 
*     Time and money may have been expended needlessly, if VA determines the veteran is not eligible.
*     The loan closing may be delayed pending a final determination, if the veteran's eligibility determination is more complex than normal.

6.    I Need a Copy of My Certificate
Because of the large number of Certificates issued by the Eligibility Center, our system only retains Certificates for a limited time after they are generated.  If the Home Loan eligibility Center issued your certificate within the past twelve months and your status has not changed, we may be able to issue a reprint.  We would need your SSN in order to locate it and reprint it.  You will need to use our secure on-line inquiry system at https://iris.va.gov.  Otherwise, we will need for you to submit a new application (VA Form 26-1880) so that we can issue an updated Certificate to you.

7.    DD 214 sent;  Why did I get a letter back requesting the form again?
Since 1979, DD 214s have been issued in 8 parts (copies), each identified in the lower right-hand corner.  Most of the copies are forwarded to the appropriate destination without the veteran ever seeing them.  The MEMBER-1 copy is always provided to the veteran at discharge, and MEMBER-4 copy is usually provided, unless the veteran requested not to have it.  The MEMBER-1 copy is a shorter version, containing 22 items of basic identifying and service information.  The other copies contain an additional eight items.  The most important of these items are the Character of Discharge (item 24) and Narrative Reason for Separation (item 28).  VA will need to see these in order to determine eligibility.

If the discharge documents show only Active Duty for Training, Active Duty for Special Work, or other service under Title 32, the DD 214 would not establish eligibility. Please refer to our printed materials (including the back of VA Form 26-1880) for types of evidence needed to establish eligibility as a reservist. 

Need More Information?
For general information about the VA Home Loan program and eligibility requirements, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions at www.homeloans.va.gov/lgyfaq.htm

LENDERS - The VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7) is the lender's primary guide to making VA home loans. You can access this online at http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/pam26_7.html  

Check out our training video "The A to Z of the COE" at www.homeloans.va.gov/broadcast07.htm

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