Life Mortgage supports our heroes: Discover the benefits of VA loans today!
Exceptional, preferred lending option for those who have served us, including affordable $0 down loans.
What are VA home loans?
A conventional loan is a mortgage originated and serviced by a private lender (like a bank, credit union, or mortgage company) and used in the purchase of real estate. This loan type is available in a variety of loan term options and is advantageous for those coming in with a strong down payment and good credit history. By far the most popular type of home loan in Montana, conventional home loans are loans that are not insured or guaranteed by any government program like the VA, USDA, or FHA.
Not sure where to get started? That's okay too, we're happy to meet you where you're at and direct you to the right place or person.
VA loans
at a glance.
- 0% down payment
- No prepayment penalty
- No reserve requirements at closing
- Out-of-pocket expenses may be gifted
- Available for residential homes, not vacation homes or investment properties
- Properties must meet VA guidelines and be inspected by VA-approved appraisers
- Subject to loan limit set by VA
- Simple & secure online application
Applying for a home has
never been easier
Our quick and secure process takes less than 10 minutes to apply.
Learn more about
VA loans
Conventional loans are available to all borrowers who meet the minimum requirements of the private lending institution. VA loans are a government-backed loan available to those who meet set criteria – those who are active U.S. military service members, veterans, or surviving spouses.
You can use a VA home loan benefit as many times as you like. However, you must pay off your original loan completely to have your entitlement restored in full. Some veterans who purchased a first home through a VA loan will pay off their original mortgage, keep their home, and finance a second home with their fully restored VA loan entitlement.
One of the primary advantages is that, unlike conventional loans, VA loans are offered to borrowers with 0% down payment, no mortgage insurance fees, and no debt-to-income ratio requirements. The VA does not set a minimum FICO credit score for eligibility, though each mortgage lender may have their own. They also tend to have lower interest rates than conventional loans.
These loans can only be used for primary residence dwellings, not vacation homes or investment properties. There is a one-time upfront funding fee that will be charged to borrowers of between 1.4% and 3.6% of the loan amount (this fee is waived for borrowers with a service-connected disabilities). The fee can be paid at closing or rolled into the mortgage amount (which will increase the monthly payments and interest paid over the life of the loan).
Active or retired U.S. military service members and their surviving spouses should all consider a VA loan and compare the benefits of it to a conventional or other government-backed loan. A conventional loan might be a better choice for veterans who have a 20% down payment as to avoid the VA loan funding fee. Contact a local VA loan specialist to see which loan is right for you.
“I was put in a situation where I quickly needed to find an affordable home using a VA loan the Life Mortgage team took care of that. I am grateful that they took care of my needs and quickly and professionally.”
Adam P. B.
Let's get you home.
0% down financing for qualified veterans, service members & eligible spouses. Our local loan experts will help guide you.