Veterans can use a VA Home Improvement Loan to improve an existing home. Many veterans are unaware of this awesome opportunity. These type of loans are guaranteed by the Federal Government to lenders who offer home upgrade financing. This gives veterans a chance to upgrade their current home.

This is really not a loan but a loan guaranty process. Why is that? Since the VA is really not a lender or a bank, they do not do the loans. But they do guaranty full repayment of the loan. The cool thing about this is it reduces the risk. Thus the lending institution can offer more reasonable rates.

Consider the advantages of a VA home improvement loan:

A cash down payment is not required No pre-payment penalties Veterans are sure to get better mortgage rates Easier qualification requirement than trying to do this with a conventional loan Increase the energy-efficiency of the home

Here is a list of those energy-efficient home upgrades that can be covered by a VA Home Improvement Loan:

Upgrading your heating and cooling systems to higher energy-efficient systems Improving the insulation or updating the caulking Improved storm windows and doors Energy-efficient thermostats

There are some restrictions though. If you have to borrow more than $3,000, you will have to prove that the improvements will reduce you utility bills. You are permitted to borrow up to $6,000 without an appraisal of your home value. If you only need $3,000 or less, you only have to provide the lender with the receipts of your improvements.

You can also use a VA Home Improvement Loan for other improvements such as new windows, new doors, and a new roof are all things that can be paid for with a VA loan. Other updates you can use this type of loan for is updating plumbing and related fixtures, perhaps you want to add a garage, or other remodeling projects (like bathroom or kitchen remodeling). But you cannot borrow more than 90% of the home’s available equity. So you need to be aware of how much equity you have available in your home.

One advantage with this type of the VA loans is you can finance the upgrades for up to 15 years. You also can qualify for more than one home improvement loan. That makes it worth investigating!

Remember, every loan requires good credit. Make sure your credit is in good shape before you try to qualify for this home improvement loan. You will also need to find a lender who specializes in VA loans.

The good news is all of these type of repairs increases the equity in your home. That is like putting money in your pocket! Think about it, the Veterans Administration wants you to have a nice updated home. Do not put off the necessary repairs or upgrades! You can make those essential changes. So if you are a qualified veteran, be sure to take advantage of a VA Home Improvement Loan for your home changes.

When we set out to begin a major home improvement project, the first things we should be thinking about are our total cost and final budget. However, even with a budget, we can overshoot our material expenses or underestimate our costs, leaving us without backup funds to complete the project.

That’s where loans come in. Loans are a great and often low-interest way to finance major home improvement projects. However, as easy as it is to walk into a local loan office or apply for a loan online, you need to make sure you understand all the costs involved with your home improvement loan.

One tool that helps figure out the exact expenses involved with a loan is a loan calculator. Essentially, a loan calculator works by taking the amount you want to borrow for your project, the number of months you expect it will take you to pay it back and a general estimate of your interest rate. With that information, the loan calculator provides in return a fairly accurate estimate of your monthly loan payments.

Of course, loans can sometimes be a little more complicated than that, so keep reading to learn about the different variables that will help you understand how a loan calculator works.

1. Periodic Payment Figure

The periodic payment amount is the figure that you will need to pay every “pay period.” A standard pay period is usually one month. The amount of these payments is based on the number of payments you’re making or the length of your loan, along with the total principal amount and the interest.

2. Periodic Interest

The periodic interest rate, once settled on by your loan officer, is the amount of interest, or percentage of the total loan, that will be charged every payment or interest period. Remember to shop around for the best interest rate.

3. Total Payments

This is the total number of payments that you will be required to make over the duration of the loan. For example, a 3 year or 36-month term loan will likely require you to make 36 payments. Usually, the sooner you pay back your loan, the better. Of course, a shorter loan period means higher payments. Before making this decision, evaluate your monthly income and general household budget to make sure you’re choosing a payment plan that you can afford.

These are just the basics of home improvement loans and the three factors you’ll encounter when using a loan calculator. Before deciding on and signing a loan agreement, always make sure you understand the terms and all associated fees and costs.