News > VA Loans for Condos - What Works and What Doesn't

One of the benefits of having served our country is the opportunity to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs mortgage loan program. VA loans are available to honorably discharged veterans, active duty military who've served 90 days or more, and personnel who've served 6 total years in the reserves or the National Guard.

There are several components of a VA loan that make it very attractive as a way to finance your next home:

• No Down Payment - Most lenders require a 10% down payment these days. FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment. VA loans offer 100% financing.
• No PMI - Conventional loans require borrowers to buy private mortgage insurance until they reach 20% equity. VA loans waive PMI.
• Relaxed Credit Requirements - Many lenders require FICO scores above 750. VA lenders ask for a 620 FICO score. VA borrowers can also their benefits even if they’ve had a bankruptcy or foreclosure.
• High Limits - In most States, the VA loan limit is $417,000.
• Refinancing - Eligible veterans can use their benefit to refinance existing, non-VA mortgage loans.
• No Pre-payment Penalty - Conventional loans charge a fee if the loan is paid off early. VA borrowers who work to get debt free incur no such fee.

Since the VA doesn’t make loans, but guarantees loans made to veterans by private lenders, they require certain conditions be met. Some conditions apply to the borrower and some apply to the property.

First, proper certification is key. Veterans can contact the VA directly to acquire their Certificate of Eligibility. Or, they can fill out VA form 26-1880 and provide it, along with proof of military service, to a VA approved lending specialist who can request their certificate on their behalf, which often takes less time. VA borrowers also need to furnish 2 years of tax returns, 30 days worth of pay stubs and either a current military ID or a copy of their DD Form 214 (certificate of release or discharge from active duty).

Then, you'll need to pick the right condo property.  VA loans are available for the purchase of a primary residence that is "Move-In Ready." The VA’s definition of "Move-In Ready" is something a licensed VA home inspector will understand. This formality ensures veterans are buying a well built residence that will last.

In the case of a condominium, the entire development must be VA approved in order for any unit to be VA eligible. For new construction, both the builder and the building site must be approved by the VA, and the builder must provide a one-year home warranty. VA inspections are also required during and after construction.

If you need to use a VA loan to buy your townhome or condo, you'll want to contact us before you do too much looking on our website, because much of what's available is NOT available for VA lending. But for now, here are some condo communities in Las Vegas that are available for VA financing:

 

Vistana is a gated community is in Spring Valley, west of Las Vegas, blocks from the desert’s edge. Units offer fireplaces, private balconies, breakfast bars and designated parking. Amenities include a community pool, spa, gym, tennis courts, an walking trails.

Fremont street homes are ultra-modern, 3-story condominiums are located in a gated community in Las Vegas’ revitalized downtown. Units offer attached garages, vaulted ceilings, master suites and private backyards.

Regency Towers is a mid-century high-rise is on the grounds of the Las Vegas Country Club and offers luxury condominiums with views of the valley and the Strip. The community features 24-hour security, tennis courts, a community pool, spa, sauna, and an exercise room.

Marie Antoinette is one block east of the Strip, this high-rise community offers modern condominiums with private patios and floor-to-ceiling windows. Residents enjoy a community pool, tennis courts, exercise facilities, secure parking and a community clubhouse.

We have several other great ideas for you! The VA expert on our team, Ralph Rodriguez,  served  8 years in the United States Marine Corps and then 12 years in the United States Army.  Contact us for some expert assistance.

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• REGENCY TOWERS
• VISTANA
• MARIE ANTOINETTE
• FREMONT STREET LOFT HOMES

 

REGENCY TOWERS Condos For Sale!

Enjoy the non-stop excitement of Las Vegas while still having your privacy at the Regency Towers. Located on the grounds of the Las Vegas Country Club, these elegantly appointed residences offer panoramic views of the golf course, the Strip and the Red Rock Mountains. The condo community is loaded with amenities, including 24-hour security with guarded gate, pool, spa, sauna and two tennis courts. Residents can make their visitors welcome with the community’s outdoor BBQ grills and guest ...

VISTANA Condos For Sale!

Gorgeous mountain views and lush landscaping await residents at Vistana, near the western edge of Las Vegas. Amenities at Vistana include a clubhouse with recreation room, exercise room, pool and spa, tennis courts, and walking paths in this attractive gated community. Plenty of guest parking is available.

MARIE ANTOINETTE Condos For Sale!

Feel the rhythm and pulse of Las Vegas at the Marie Antoinette, a ten-story mid-rise condominium located just two blocks from the heart of the Strip on Harmon Avenue. Though prices here are very reasonable compared to other strip condos, the community amenities make living here a breeze, including a 24-hour guarded building, secured garage parking, tennis courts, pool, spa, clubhouse, fitness center and laundry room. A short walk takes you to the Hawaiian Marketplace and other attractions on ...

FREMONT STREET LOFT HOMES Condos For Sale!

Fremont Street Loft Homes were built in 2008 and offer three-story lofts with attached garages and private backyards. Skylights bring in loads of light. Other interior details include breakfast bars, kitchen islands and separate pantries. This gated condo development is located a few blocks from the heart of Downtown Las Vegas.