VA Loan FAQ

Q: How do I "kiss my landlord goodbye?"

A: Why not try calling us and saying: "Can you help me get my Certificate of Eliglibility so I can apply for a VA loan." Your benefits started accruing the day you joined the service, and may continue for the rest of your life. The secret to wealth is still real estate, especially with the great deals on bank-owned homes on the market. The opportunities on the market today rival prices we haven't seen for 20 years.

What better time is there to buy at the bottom? What better time to get your Certificate of Eligibility and choose the home of your dreams from among the cheap homes your Goldman & Klein brokers can find you?

And what happier day than the day your certificate from the Veterans Administration arrives to prove that you are eligible for a VA loan?

We are happy to assist veterans of all services and in all paygrades, army, navy, marines, air force, coast guard, and the reserves. We are an equal opportunity lender, we work with pfc's and up through the officer ranks, enjoying good relations with, sergeants, master sergeants, lieutenants, E-5's, master sargeants, chief petty officers, doctors, jag officers, seabees, seals, engineers, majors, colonels, commanders, and admirals.

Q: What is acceptable proof of military service?

A: If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit. We will need your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from regular active duty after January 1, 1950, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty should be included with your VA Form 26-1880. If you were discharged after October 1, 1979, DD Form 214 copy 4 should be included.

If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant,personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher military headquarters which shows your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include copies of adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may submit NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, or it’s equivalent. If you were discharged from the Selected Reserve, you may submit a copy of your latest annual points statement and evidence of honorable service. Unfortunately, there is no single form used by the Reserves or National Guard similar to the DD Form 214. It is your responsibility to furnish adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service. Call us at 858.602.7800 and we will assist you.

Q: How can I obtain proof of military service?

A: Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to apply for proof of military service regardless of whether you served on regular active duty or in the selected reserves. This request form is not processed by VA. Rather, Standard Form 180 is completed and mailed to the appropriate custodian of military service records. Your Goldman & Klein loan officer has assist you in determining the correct forwarding address.

Q: I have already obtained one VA loan. Can I get another one?

A: Yes, your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstances. Normally, if you have paid off your prior VA loan and disposed of the property, you can have your used eligibility restored for additional use. Also, on a one-time only basis, you may have your eligibility restored if your prior VA loan has been paid in full but you still own the property. In either case, to obtain restoration of eligibility, the veteran must send a completed VA Form 26-1880 to the VA Loan Center, Attn: Marie to: 10650 Treena St., Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92123.

Contact us if you need VA Form 26-1880 »

To prevent delays in processing, it is also advisable to include evidence that the prior loan has been paid in full and, if applicable, the property disposed of. This evidence can be in the form of a paid-in-full statement from the former lender, or a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement completed in connection with a sale of the property or refinance of the prior loan.

Q: I sold the property I obtained with my prior VA loan on an assumption. Can I get my eligibility restored to use for a new loan?

A: In this case the veteran’s eligibility can be restored only if the qualified assumer is also an eligible veteran who is willing to substitute eligibility for that of the original veteran. Otherwise, the original veteran cannot have eligibility restored until the assumer has paid off the VA loan.

Q: My prior VA loan was assumed, the assumer defaulted on the loan, and VA paid a claim to the lender. VA said it wasn’t my fault and waived the debt. Now I need a new VA loan but I am told that my used eligibility can not be restored. Why? Or,

Q: My prior loan was foreclosed on, or I gave a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the VA paid a compromise (partial) claim. Although I was released from liability on the loan and/or the debt was waived, I am told that I cannot have my used eligibility restored. Why?

A: In either case, although the veteran’s debt was waived by VA, the Government still suffered a loss on the loan. The law does not permit the used portion of the veteran’s eligibility to be restored until the loss has been repaid in full.

Q: Only a portion of my eligibility is available at this time because my prior loan has not been paid in full even though I don’t own the property anymore. Can I still obtain a VA guaranteed home loan?

A: Yes, depending on the circumstances. If a veteran has already used a portion of his or her eligibility and the used portion cannot yet be restored, any partial remaining eligibility would be available for use. The veteran would have to discuss with a lender whether the remaining balance would be sufficient for the loan amount sought and whether they would qualify for no down payment.

Q: Is the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability is eligible for the home loan benefit. If you wish to make application for the home loan benefit as a surviving spouse, contact us and we will assist you.

Q: Are the children of a living or deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: No, the children of an eligible veteran are not eligible for the home loan benefit.

See our VA Loan Application Checklist »

Call 1-858-602-7800 for a VA loan consultation

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