The first step in a veteran’s home buying journey is to investigate financing. To utilize the terrific benefit of the VA Loan, a buyer begins by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Veterans Administration to qualify for a VA Loan. Here in Hawaii, one of the easiest ways to obtain your COE is through Hawaii VA Loans here with our online form and experienced loan officers to guide you through the process. The COE has very important information for the veteran and the lender including past usage, maximum entitlement (based on region), what the funding fee will be, or if the veteran is exempt from it! To start, a veteran must have been on active duty for 90 days, or in the reserves for 6 years to qualify for the VA Loan benefit. The maximum entitlement for Honolulu County (Oahu) is $765,250 for 100% financing (no down payment) however a veteran can still get a loan amount higher than this up to $1.5 Million. Known as a VA Jumbo loan, this allows for a larger loan amount and includes a down payment equal or greater than 25% of the difference between the max loan amount and the desired purchase price.
Active duty service members after ninety days are always eligible, yet veterans who serve in the Reserves/Guard, POW/MIA Spouses, Unmarried Surviving spouses and veterans from WWII through the Persian Gulf are all eligible with different time requirements from none, through two years. There are three ways to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility, the easiest is through Hawaii VA Loan’s online portal. You can also apply online through eBenefits online or via the mail using VA Form 26-1880 and/or VA For 26-1817. Once you’ve obtained this certificate and your loan pre-approval from Hawaii VA Loans, your journey of house hunting in Hawaii can truly begin!