What is the VA 1% rule?

Asked by: Garry Pagac  |  Last update: July 25, 2025
Score: 5/5 (50 votes)

The VA loan origination fee rule limits the amount a lender can charge for originating a VA loan to 1% of the loan amount. VA lenders can either charge you a flat 1% fee or itemize your loan origination fees, so long as they don't exceed 1%.

What's included in the VA 1% rule?

VA non-allowable fee amounts are determined by the following: The 1% rule: Lenders may charge a flat fee of 1% for closing costs, which covers expenses to originate and process the loan. If they charge you this flat fee, you're not responsible for paying any other non-allowable costs.

What is the 4% rule on a VA loan?

Seller concessions do not include the payment of the buyer's closing costs, and cannot exceed 4% of the loan amount. Common seller concessions may include: Paying the VA funding fee: The seller can pay the VA funding fee on behalf of the buyer, reducing the buyer's upfront costs.

How much do I need to make to buy a $400k house with VA loan?

To comfortably afford a 400k mortgage, you'll likely need an annual income between $100,000 to $125,000, depending on your specific financial situation and the terms of your mortgage. Remember, just because you can qualify for a loan doesn't mean you should stretch your budget to the maximum.

Do 100 disabled veterans have to pay closing costs?

A 100 percent disabled veteran home loan allows you to purchase your home with no down payment and fewer VA loan closing costs, saving you money in the process. But unfortunately, not all VA lenders are created equal. If you're a disabled veteran, you need a mortgage lender that understands your benefits.

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Do disabled veterans get lower mortgage rates?

VA Loan Benefits for Disabled Veterans

All qualifying Veterans can enjoy home loan benefits such as no down payments, no private mortgage insurance, credit score options, and competitive interest rates.

Can I buy a house with just my VA disability?

Yes, it's possible to qualify for a VA home loan with a 100% VA disability rating. However, there are other eligibility guidelines you must meet to secure funding.

Can I afford a 300k house on a 50k salary?

Assuming a down payment of 20%, an interest rate of 6.5% and additional monthly debt of $500/month, you'll need to earn approximately $80,000 to afford a $300,000 house.

What is the 28 36 rule?

The 28/36 rule

It suggests limiting your mortgage costs to 28% of your gross monthly income and keeping your total debt payments, including your mortgage, car loans, student loans, credit card debt and any other debts, below 36%.

What are red flags for VA loan?

Nuclear waste, asbestos and radon are huge red flags for VA appraisers. A property plagued with these kinds of hazards is unlikely to qualify for VA financing. No defective construction. Appraisers will assess the property for defective construction, poor workmanship, settlement problems, excessive dampness and decay.

What is the 55 rule in the VA?

This rule generally provides a level of security for veterans who have reached the age of 55, as it makes it less probable for the VA to initiate a re-evaluation of veteran disability status.

How long will $1 million last in retirement?

A report on Yahoo Finance states that if you have $1 million in savings, it would last approximately 22 years, 2 months, and 14 days, with an annual healthcare cost of $6,618.35 and total annual expenditures of $45,011.10​​.

What is the VA 100% rule?

What is the VA Disability 100% Rule? The VA disability 100 percent rule states that if a veteran is assigned a 100 percent rating, the rating cannot be reduced unless material evidence indicates that the veteran's service-connected condition has significantly improved.

Who pays closing costs on a VA loan?

It is the homebuyer's responsibility to pay for VA loan closing costs, but it is possible to get sellers to cover a portion of these expenses through negotiation. The VA limits what borrowers can pay in closing costs, and there are actually some costs Veterans aren't allowed to pay.

What is the VA 30 day rule?

VA will deposit reimbursements into your bank account. File your claim on time. You must file within 30 days of the appointment or 30 days from when you become eligible for reimbursement. File a new claim for each appointment.

What is the golden rule of mortgage?

There are a few different standard rules to think of when calculating how much you can afford in house payments. The Rule of 28 – Your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. This is often considered the “Golden Rule,” and many lenders abide by it.

How much house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year?

The house you can afford on a $70,000 income will likely be between $290,000 to $360,000. However, your home-buying budget depends on quite a few financial factors — not just your salary.

What is the 3 7 3 rule in mortgage?

Timing Requirements – The “3/7/3 Rule”

The initial Truth in Lending Statement must be delivered to the consumer within 3 business days of the receipt of the loan application by the lender. The TILA statement is presumed to be delivered to the consumer 3 business days after it is mailed.

What salary do you need for a 700k house?

To afford a $700,000 house, you typically need an annual income between $175,000 to $235,000, depending on your financial situation, down payment, credit score, and current market conditions. However, this is a general range, and your specific circumstances will determine the exact income required.

How much is a $200000 mortgage payment for 30 years?

As far as the simple math goes, a $200,000 home loan at a 7% interest rate on a 30-year term will give you a $1,330.60 monthly payment. That $200K monthly mortgage payment includes the principal and interest.

Is it smart to buy a house at 50?

When you're in your 50s, buying a house might cut into your retirement savings significantly, if it pushes your living costs up much higher. Maximizing your retirement contributions may ultimately net you more money than the cash you'd save by paying off a mortgage in the 15 or 20 years before you retire.

Does VA disability count as income?

These benefits are not taxable on the state or federal level. This tax-free status applies to your disability payments as well as grants for items such as wheelchair ramps in your home or motor vehicle adaptations to accommodate your disability.

Can I borrow against my VA disability?

You cannot take out a loan on your VA disability. However, disabled veterans can qualify for various loans designed specifically to provide benefits to them, such as a VA loan for buying a home.

Can you use VA disability income to buy a car?

Veterans might find it difficult to provide adequate proof of income. Perhaps you're unable to work because of a service-related injury or are living off sources of income that lenders don't consider income. The good news is that VA disability qualifies as income for a car loan.