First-time homebuyer tips
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Another way to save money on your VA loan is to comparison shop for lenders. Different lenders offer different VA loan rates. On Bankrate you can see current interest rate information from multiple lenders.
VA home loans are mortgages that are partially backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA. They are a viable option for eligible homebuyers as they often don’t require a down payment or PMI, private mortgage insurance.
This feature is unique as most low down-payment loans (less than 20 percent down) require PMI, which can add hundreds to your mortgage bill each month.
"The VA loan program is one of the best available for eligible homebuyers. VA loans offer lower interest rates than conventional products which means VA buyers can save money in interest over the life of the loan. VA loans also do not require down payments which can be an especially attractive benefit for first-time homebuyers,” says Kevin Parker, vice president of field mortgage at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Additionally, VA buyers do not have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is sometimes required when paying little down on a conventional product and can add a significant cost to monthly mortgage payments.”
VA loans have specific appraisal and home inspection requirements, which allows buyers to feel more confident in the property they are purchasing, Parker points out.
The table below brings together a comprehensive national survey of mortgage lenders to help you know what are the most competitive VA loan rates. This interest rate table is updated daily to give you the most current rates when choosing an VA mortgage home loan.
| Product | Interest Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 3.790% | 3.930% |
| 20-Year Fixed Rate | 3.830% | 3.950% |
| 15-Year Fixed Rate | 3.200% | 3.360% |
| 10/1 ARM Rate | 3.850% | 3.960% |
| 7/1 ARM Rate | 3.640% | 3.900% |
| 5/1 ARM Rate | 3.510% | 3.950% |
| 30-Year VA Rate | 3.460% | 3.570% |
| 30-Year FHA Rate | 3.340% | 3.740% |
| 30-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate | 3.950% | 3.970% |
| 15-Year Fixed Jumbo Rate | 3.350% | 3.370% |
| 7/1 ARM Jumbo Rate | 3.570% | 3.870% |
| 5/1 ARM Jumbo Rate | 3.440% | 3.810% |
Rates as of April 6th, 2020 at 6:30 AM
These loans are made by private lenders and are available to active duty service members, veterans, current and former National Guard and reserve members, and surviving spouses. Interested buyers will need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Eligible homebuyers can apply for a COE in several ways, by mail, online and through your lender.
| VA Loan 30-Year Fixed Loan | Conventional 30-Year Fixed Loan | |
|---|---|---|
| House price | $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Down payment | $9,000 (3%) | $9,000 (3%) |
| Loan amount | $291,000 | $291,000 |
| Interest rate | 3.27% | 3.83% |
| Principal + interest | $1,269 | $1,360 |
| PMI (mortgage insurance) | $0 | $121 (.50%) |
| Total monthly payment | $1,269 | $1,481 |
Different lenders offer different rates, so it’s important to comparison shop if you want to get the best deal. You can check Bankrate’s rate table which offers current information on various lenders. You can also visit lenders’ websites to see their VA interest rates today.
| Loan Type | Purchase Rates | Refinance Rates |
|---|---|---|
| The table above links out to loan-specific content to help you learn more about rates by loan type. | ||
| 30-Year Loan | 30-Year Mortgage Rates | 30-Year Refinance Rates |
| 20-Year Loan | 20-Year Mortgage Rates | 20-Year Refinance Rates |
| 15-Year Loan | 15-Year Mortgage Rates | 15-Year Refinance Rates |
| 10-Year Loan | 10-Year Mortgage Rates | 10-Year Refinance Rates |
| FHA Loan | FHA Mortgage Rates | FHA Refinance Rates |
| VA Loan | VA Mortgage Rates | VA Refinance Rates |
| ARM Loan | ARM Mortgage Rates | ARM Refinance Rates |
| Jumbo Loan | Jumbo Mortgage Rates | Jumbo Refinance Rates |
Determine how much of your monthly payment will go toward the principal and how much will go towards interest.
