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VA Underwriting Guidelines

VA Underwriting Guidelines 2025

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The VA Underwriting Guidelines document outlines the procedures, requirements, and restrictions for underwriting VA loans. It includes sections on eligibility criteria for veterans and their spouses, necessary forms, loan requirements, collateral requirements, credit assessment, income verification, and specific guidelines for various property types. The document emphasizes the importance of adhering to VA standards while ensuring fair and consistent underwriting practices. It also details the roles of brokers and lenders in the process and provides insights into automated underwriting systems.

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Click ‘Get Form’ to open the VA Underwriting Guidelines in our platform's editor.
Begin by reviewing the Table of Contents to familiarize yourself with the various sections, such as Loan Requirements and Eligibility Requirements.
Fill out the required forms listed under 'Required Forms' section, including the Loan Analysis Worksheet (VA 26-6393) and Request for Certificate of Eligibility (VA 26-1880). Use our platform's tools to easily input data into these forms.
Ensure you provide accurate documentation for eligibility, including proof of military service and any necessary financial information. Utilize our platform’s upload feature to attach supporting documents directly.
Review your entries for accuracy before submitting. Our editor allows you to save your progress and make edits as needed.

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We have answers to the most popular questions from our customers. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us.

What would cause an underwriter to deny a VA loan?

Can a VA Loan Be Denied in Underwriting? The VA doesnt set a minimum credit score, but a low score, recent late payments, or collections can impact your approval. Lenders need to verify that your income is steady and sufficient to cover your new mortgage plus other monthly expenses.

What is the underwriting system for the VA loan?

VA lenders generally rely on an Automated Underwriting System, or AUS, to determine a buyers preapproval status. An AUS is a computer program that instantly evaluates a buyers eligibility based on a variety of factors. Not every qualified borrower will obtain AUS approval.

What would disqualify a house from a VA loan?

At a minimum, the property should be in livable condition with functioning electrical and plumbing systems. If the property doesnt pass inspection, you wont be able to buy it using this loan type. You also must use the property as your primary residence.

Are VA underwriters strict?

While the VA does not have a strict maximum DTI, lenders typically look for a DTI of 41% or lower. In manual underwriting, a higher DTI (sometimes up to 50% or even higher) might be accepted, especially if the Veteran demonstrates strong compensating factors, such as high residual income or docHub liquid assets.

What disqualifies a home from a VA loan?

A home will fail the VA appraisal if it does not meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). To be eligible for VA financing, a property must meet MPRs. These requirements help make sure the home is not only safe, but move-in ready for the Veteran.

Why would a house not be VA approved?

A VA appraiser will look for issues with geological or soil instability, subsidence, sinkholes, flood hazards, water drainage, and more, reporting any signs of instability that could cause problems. Warning signs could include cracks in terrain, water ponding, radon gas, foundation damage or issues with settlement.

VA Underwriting Guidelines 2025

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