A veteran mortgage often requires no downpayment and frequently offers lower interest
rates than ordinarily available. These loans are often made without any downpayment at all.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION # 23 [ -more VA Loan questions- ] - - - - - - Q: Does the VA Charge A Fee? - Are there fees associated with my VA home loan?
A: There is a "VA funding fee" required by law. A first-time buyer will pay a little over two percent for a 'no money down' loan, and a second time buyer's fee is just above three percent. The reason for the fee includes the idea that the veteran is reducing taxpayer burden by contributing to the cost of his VA mortgage. The higher fee for second-time borrowers presumes that there is equity in the home, or the borrower has had plenty of time to save in order to pay for the extra percentage. There is also a fee for VA refinance loans, and they fall within the same general price guidelines; just above two percent for first-timers and just above three percent for those who borrow again.
VA Loan Rates
for 9/07/2008
30 year fixed
-----------------
0.000 points
6.500%
6.618% APR
15 year fixed
-----------------
0.000 points
6.500%
6.500% APR