The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers many financial benefits for veterans wanting to purchase a home. There are even more specific benefits for veterans with qualifying disabilities. These options are important to know if you are interested in financing help to buy your dream home. Here is the most important information to know:
Special housing grants
A major benefit of seeking financing through the VA are the special housing grants available to veterans with disabilities. These grants are for either purchasing or making major changes to your primary residence to accommodate a disability.
The two main types of VA housing grants are the VA Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant and the VA Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grants. The SHA grant will provide financing for either purchase or major remodeling to further accommodate disability. TRA grants are specifically for funding temporary adjustments to a relative's home or other short-term residence.
Another important grant to know about is the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant, which offers assistance for building a brand new home. If you're planning on building your dream home from the ground up, this is the grant for you.
Funding fee exemption
A key benefit of VA loans is the lack of down payment. However, VA loans do come with their own unique funding fee, which is usually mandatory. As a veteran with qualified disabilities, you can avoid paying the funding fee entirely. A funding fee exemption could save tens of thousands of dollars depending on the total amount of the loan.
State property tax exemption
Many states have special tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities. The requirements and actual amounts vary from one state to the next, but all can equal a sizable break on property taxes. To find out if your state offers this benefit, reach out to your local VA representative or visit their online resources. While not all states offer this type of benefit, the list of participating states is substantial.
About the Author
Raena Everett
Raena has an exceptionally positive outlook on life. She believes every day presents a new and exciting adventure. She also applies this attitude towards her work. She was raised in Bangor, Maine until she moved to Venice in 2011. She graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a bachelors degree in public management. She has been an entrepreneur her entire life, owning several small businesses in Maine. She contributes her success to her problem solving skills and her commitment to excellent customer service. These skills will easily carry over to her real estate career. Her market knowledge and customer service will provide great service to her real estate clients.
She is currently a Realtor(R) for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in the Venice office.
