VA Manufactured Home Loans ⭐️ Information & Requirements

The VA loan program offers veterans the opportunity to finance manufactured homes with a zero money down payment backed by the Veterans Affairs.

Many veterans think loans for manufactured homes are offered by the Veterans Affairs. Contrary to popular belief, however, the Veterans Affairs (VA) is not the organization that lends money for these types of loans. Instead, the VA simply guarantees the loans in the event that the borrower defaults.

 

Generally speaking, the requirements for purchasing a mobile home with a VA loan are similar to the guidelines for buying other types of living quarters. However, there are a few distinctions that you should be aware of before you go house hunting.

How Old Can a Manufactured Home Be for VA Financing?

Each lender can use discretion when deciding which properties they are comfortable financing and which ones hold too much risk. Many financial institutions are particularly cautious when financing manufactured homes via VA loans as these properties do not typically hold their value as well as other, more permanent types of structures.

In light of that fact, most lenders will not finance a manufactured home if the structure is more than 20 years old. However, this stipulation is lender-specific.

Some financial institutions may have a lower threshold of only 10-15 years old. On the other hand, other lenders might be willing to loan you money to purchase a structure that was built 25 years ago or more.

If you plan to get pre-qualified with a lender before starting your search for a manufactured home, make sure to find out any age limitations for a structure they will finance. This will save you time during your home search, as you can avoid viewing any properties that do not meet the lender’s specific financing criteria.

Who Is Eligible for VA Purchase Loans?

So who is eligible for VA purchase loans? Both active service members and veterans are eligible for VA m home loans. However, there are many service requirements for both classes of individuals. Active-duty personnel must complete at least 90 days of continuous service in order to qualify for a VA loan.

Individuals that have already separated from the U.S. military must meet certain minimum service requirements. These requirements have been adjusted periodically over the years, which is why you should check the Veterans Affairs for specific service thresholds.

There are several exceptions to the minimum service requirement guidelines, as well. Some individuals that were discharged early due to one or more qualifying reasons can still obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). A few exemptions include hardship, reduction in force discharges, and medically necessary separations. If you have more questions about VA mortgage eligibility call (855) 956-4040 to speak with a VA loan officer.

What Are the Standard Requirements for All VA Loans?

Before we address the unique VA home requirements, let’s highlight the general regulations that apply to all VA loan purchases. You will need to meet the qualifications to be VA loan eligible by obtaining your (COE) Certificate of Eligibility.

Like with other types of mortgages, obtaining a VA loan requires you to meet the minimum credit score threshold. To be clear, the VA does not have an official minimum credit score requirement. In theory, the VA will guarantee any authorized loan that is provided to a qualifying veteran.

Lenders are the entities that set credit score thresholds for all types of mortgages, including VA home loans. Even though the VA will guarantee loans issued to eligible veterans and active-duty service members, financial institutions will still avoid striking deals with borrowers that are at a high risk of default.

If a lender did not set minimum credit score limits, then their rate of default could potentially skyrocket. This would drastically impact their profitability, as the VA is only responsible for paying off the outstanding loan balance after an account goes into default. Every time a VA loan – or any mortgage – goes into default, the lender loses tens of thousands of dollars in interest-related revenue.

VA Manufactured Home Requirements

Some lenders will have another requirement, often listed as follows: VA loan – manufactured home – permanent foundation.” A permanent foundation is one of the unique VA manufactured home requirements.

In order to purchase a mobile home using a VA loan, the structure must have a permanent foundation, which usually consists of a concrete slab. However, foundations can also be constructed out of other durable materials, which may include treated wood or mortared masonry.

Permanent foundations must also be “site-built,” which means that the structure was constructed on the property where the manufactured home is being installed. Without said foundation, it will be difficult, if not impossible to get approved for a VA loan.

In addition to a permanent foundation, lenders may have stipulations for financing a manufactured home using a VA loan. Some barriers that you may encounter when searching for a lender for a manufactured home VA loan include:

Higher Credit Score Requirements

While VA loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620, some lenders expect to see higher numbers if you are seeking financing for a manufactured home.

Manufactured homes are not as durable as traditional residential structures, which means that they are more likely to need frequent repairs. A higher credit score lets lenders know that you are fiscally responsible and are well prepared to overcome any financial curve-balls that come your way.

In light of this fact, we recommend working on building up your credit score before seeking pre-qualification. Not only will it help you obtain that manufactured home VA loan, but it may also open the door for a better interest rate.

Having a strong credit score can save you hundreds of dollars in interest payments both on your new home and on any additional purchases that you finance in the future.

A Shorter Repayment Period

Another common challenge that you may encounter as you seek financing for a manufactured home is a shorter repayment period. While the typical mortgage repayment term is 30 years, lenders can shorten the length of your loan offer at their discretion.

Do not be surprised if a financial institution agrees to finance your purchase of a manufactured home but requests repayment terms of 25, 20, or even 15 years.

Naturally, a condensed repayment period means that your monthly payments will be higher. However, this may translate to long-term cost savings as you can pay off your home faster.

As you’re weighing your options, make sure to take a look at the amortization schedule. This chart will break down exactly how each payment will be distributed between principal and interest for the entire life of the loan.

More Selective VA Approved Lenders

If you have your eye on an older manufactured home, be prepared to encounter more selective lenders and loan officers. Some financial institutions may decline to partner with you outright as providing VA loans for manufactured homes carries more risk than financing traditional residential structures.

Mobile Home vs. Manufactured Home

Chances are that you have heard the phrases “mobile home” and “manufactured home” used interchangeably.

But are these two structures one in the same? For all intents and purposes, they are. However, this was not always the case.

True mobile homes were manufactured homes that were built before June 15th, 1976. These types of residential structures were banned by HUD due to safety and durability concerns. Mobile homes were partially constructed at a centralized facility and the rest of the build was complete on site.

Modern-day manufactured homes are structures that are constructed in a factory setting and then delivered to an installation site. None of the construction process occurs outside of the factory in which these homes are built.

What is the difference between Manufactured and Modular homes?

Modular homes are built in sections in a factory and then shipped to the location to be put together by a contractor.

Benefits of VA Mobile Home Loans

So what is so great about using a VA loan for mobile home financing? There are several significant benefits to making a purchase with a VA loan in lieu of traditional financing.

For starters, VA home loans don’t require any down payment. In addition, these loans are accompanied by low interest rates and involve minimal closing costs.

Perhaps the biggest perk to VA loans for manufactured homes is that you will not need to carry private monthly mortgage insurance (PMI). The average PMI payment ranges from $100-200 per month and is required for some other types of financing.

Parting Advice: VA Loans for Mobile Homes

Now that we have provided a crash course on VA loans for manufactured homes, you can quit searching for phrases like “VA loan manufactured homes” and start searching for your new residence.

Before you put in an offer on a property, make sure to consider long-term factors that may influence your quality of life. For example, review the quality of nearby school districts, calculate how long your daily commute will be, and identify whether the prospective home is close to amenities like gyms, movie theaters, and grocery stores.

In addition, it is vital that you find a trusted lender and real estate agent that are experienced with VA loans for mobile homes. These resources can help you easily and efficiently navigate the VA manufactured home loans process.

Other VA Loan Types

There are other home loan options available also with the VA loan. Like the VA construction loan and the VA renovation loan.

Finding he right mortgage company can sometimes be daunting, National VA Loans is here for you! To learn more about the manufactured home financing, VA loan requirements and current interest rates call (855) 956-4040 to speak with VA lenders.