The Department of Veterans Affairs requires that you certify your intent to occupy the home financed with a VA loan.

VA Loans and Occupancy Law

Living in the VA Funded Home

The VA guidelines specifically require a veteran obtaining a VA guaranteed home loan to certify in writing that they intend to personally occupy the property as their home. On the date of the certification, the veteran must either (1) personally live in the physical property as their home, or (2) intend, upon completion of the home loan and acquisition, to personally move into the property and use it as their home within 60 days after the loan closing (this is considered reasonable).

The above VA requirement applies to all types of VA guaranteed home loans except for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans (IRRRLs). For these Interest Rate Reduction Loans, the veteran only needs to certify that they previously occupied the property as their home.

VA Loan News, Guidelines, and Information for Veterans

:: VA Guaranty and a VA Loan--Is There a Difference?

Many assume the VA provides the money for a VA guaranteed loan, but private banks issue the actual VA mortgage—no money comes from the VA unless the buyer defaults and goes into foreclosure.

:: VA Loan Assumption

Active duty military members facing PCS moves or veterans who want to sell an old home and buy a new one are often faced selling their home before the VA loan is paid in full.

:: VA Loan Eligibility After a Military Spouse's Death

Death benefits connected to VA loans are intended for surviving spouses only. They are not extended to other family members including siblings or children.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES