Why VA Loan Origination Has Soared Despite COVID-19
by Dana George | Jan. 30, 2021
The Ascent is reader-supported: we may earn a commission from offers on this page. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Image source: Getty Images
Low interest rates and attractive loan features have veterans flocking to mortgage lenders.
Despite a global pandemic that has shaken the economic foundation of the country, the housing market has thrived. For example, the VA loan program originated a record 1.2 million loans in 2020 alone. That's up from 624,544 in 2019.
To find out why, we contacted Chris Birk, Vice President of Mortgage Insight and Director of Education for Veterans United Home Loans, the largest VA purchase lender in the country. Here's what we learned.
Start your journey to financial success with a bang
Get free access to the select products we use to help us conquer our money goals. These fully-vetted picks could be the solution to help increase your credit score, to invest more profitably, to build an emergency fund, and much more.
By submitting your email address, you consent to us sending you money tips along with products and services that we think might interest you. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please read our Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions.
Attractive features
VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), although they are issued by private lenders like banks, credit unions, and other mortgage providers. VA loans are available to military veterans, active service members, and some military spouses.
Birk explained one of the primary draws of a VA loan -- buying a house with no down payment. "Conventional mortgages often require a minimum 5% down, while FHA loans come with a 3.5% down payment. On a $300,000 loan, buyers would need at least $15,000 in cash for a typical conventional down payment and $10,500 for an FHA loan. Those aren't small sums, especially for many veterans and active duty service members."
VA borrowers also get to skip the dreaded mortgage insurance payment. While some other government-backed loans and conventional mortgages require a borrower to pay mortgage insurance if they put less than 20% down on a property, the VA does not charge the same monthly fee. This benefit alone can save home buyers thousands of dollars.
"VA loans were built to open the doors of homeownership for veterans who might otherwise struggle to secure home financing. Part of that commitment is having more flexible and forgiving credit guidelines than other loan types," Birk said.
Birk says that one way VA loans open those doors is by allowing for a lower minimum credit score than most loan types. This allows veterans to bounce back faster into homeownership in the wake of adverse credit events like bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale.
Veterans also have access to the most competitive interest rates in the industry. According to data from Ellie Mae, VA loans have offered the lowest fixed interest rate on the market for the past five years.
Millennials and Generation Z fuel growth
Heading into the beginning of the Great Recession of 2007, VA loans accounted for approximately 2% of the mortgage market. Today, they represent about 10%.
Birk explained why: "Financial necessity has certainly played a role in that growth. Many lenders tightened their guidelines in the wake of the recession. Finding it difficult to meet new, higher requirements for credit score and down payment, veterans and service members started turning to their VA loan benefit in waves."
Millennial and Generation Z veterans accounted for half of all VA purchase loans in 2020, meaning veterans from the ages of 18 to 38 are the driving force behind VA loans' growth. Birk says that VA loans allow younger veterans the opportunity to buy a home right away, rather than forcing them to spend years saving a large down payment and building top-tier credit.
Veterans United
More VA buyers have chosen Veterans United over the past five years than any other lender. Birk believes part of the reason is that the mortgage lender specializes in VA lending, and works to create an exceptional experience for veteran and military homebuyers. He also says that Veterans United has some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the financial services industry.
"We publish all of our customer reviews online, unedited and unfiltered, back to 2013," Birk said. "We also provide cutting-edge technology built exclusively for veteran and military buyers. Our online mortgage platform helps us meet veterans and military families where they are, and ensures they can start, manage, and finish their home buying journey anytime, anywhere, from any device."
If the world had not been hit with the novel coronavirus, it would come as no surprise that so many veterans are now taking advantage of their VA home-buying benefits. The fact that soldiers and former soldiers took out so many new loans during the pandemic illustrates how valuable a VA home loan can be, particularly when coupled with historically low interest rates.
A historic opportunity to potentially save thousands on your mortgage
Chances are, interest rates won't stay put at multi-decade lows for much longer. That's why taking action today is crucial, whether you're wanting to refinance and cut your mortgage payment or you're ready to pull the trigger on a new home purchase.
The Ascent's in-house mortgages expert recommends this company to find a low rate - and in fact he used them himself to refi (twice!). Click here to learn more and see your rate. While it doesn't influence our opinions of products, we do receive compensation from partners whose offers appear here. We're on your side, always. See The Ascent's full advertiser disclosure here.
About the Author
Dana has been writing about personal finance for more than 20 years, specializing in loans, debt management, investments, and business.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
