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Michael Johnson, T A J Real Estate LLCPhone: (203) 927-2054
Email: [email protected]

Income & VA Loan Eligibility: The Basics

by Michael Johnson 06/12/2024

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All home loan programs require you to prove your ability to afford the house you buy. The same is true for home loans offered by the VA. Even though VA loans have no down payment and can have easier financial benchmarks for eligibility, lenders still evaluate your income when considering you for a loan. Here is a guide to the basics of VA loan income eligibility requirements:

Types of accepted income

VA lenders will consider income from multiple sources as long as they meet certain requirements.

  • Full-time income can be used for consideration if it's for a verified minimum of 30 hours per week.
  • Part-time income can also be counted, but only if you can provide a two-year minimum history of part-time employment.
  • Self-employment income also must have at least two years of history.
  • Residual income means the amount of money you have leftover after you pay all of your bills. Some lenders require a minimum amount of residual income to be eligible for a loan, and minimums are usually based on factors like the mortgage amount and amount of people in your household.

The most important factor in your income according to the VA is the likelihood it will continue. While many conventional lenders set a guideline for the minimum total income required, the amount does not mean as much as the consistency. A steady income, no matter how large, will help you gain approval for a VA loan.

What types of income don't qualify?

Not all types of income count toward VA guidelines for lending. Some examples include gambling or lottery winnings and one-time performance bonuses from your employer. Unemployment income is another common type of income VA lenders will not count toward meeting requirement guidelines.

These are just the basics of the income requirements for VA loans. To find out if you're eligible, the best thing to do is to consult a VA lender or financial professional to go over your unique situation.

About the Author
Author

Michael Johnson

For over 25 years, Mike Johnson, has help Buyers and Sellers in Greater New Haven, and across the state turn their dreams into reality. TAJ REAL ESTATE, LLC is a full service firm specializing in Short Sale, First Time Home Buyers, Sale and marketing of existing Home and Condos, Rentals, FHA 203K Sale and Renovation of Distress Properties, and Investor Purchase.

Mike Johnson is a graduate of Fairfield University, and a resident of Connecticut for over 38 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Hill Health Corporation from 1976 to 1984, has served on the Professional Standard Committee of the Greater New Haven Board of Realtors for over 8 years, served as Board of Directors for that organization from 2009-2012, and on the Farmington Canal Committee for over 10 years.

Mike possesses a high degree of knowledge, experience and integrity, and strives for excellence, as such creating a reputation second to none. Whether your Home is under water (owing more than the mortgage balance), or behind on your mortgage and facing foreclosure, your solution is only a phone call away. Pick up the phone and put your troubles in the hands of a experienced Realtor.

“A successful real estate transaction is built upon the strength of relationships and the experience to get things done.”