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CalVet VA Refinance

Best For: Limited Equity, Large Loan Amounts, Rate Reduction

The CalVet VA Refinance has competitive interest rates, more flexibility, expanded qualification, and little or no equity requirement.

CalVet VA Refinance

  • Introduction
  • Quick Facts
  • Pros & Cons
  • Availability
  • Occupancy & Property Type
  • Income & Purchase Price Limits
  • Key Features & Conditions
  • Other Limitations
  • Mortgage Insurance & Fees
  • Similar Loan Programs
  • Related Resources

This loan program is not available in Texas

Program Description

The CalVet VA Refinance is a unique program designed specifically for California veterans, providing an array of exceptional refinance advantages such as highly competitive interest rates, 100% financing, extensive insurance discounts, and the possibility of refinancing larger loan amounts compared to traditional VA loan programs.

Tags
100% FinancingState Housing Loan Program
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Our loanSMART system will tell you if this loan program is a good fit your scenario.

CalVet VA Refinance

Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Equity

0%

Max Loan Amount

$2,000,000

Qualification variables shown here are for 1-Unit Primary Residences, and loan amount ranges vary based on US County. Register Now to see if this loan program is a good fit for you, find your county limits, and find more options for purchasing a home.

Pros & Cons
  • Expanded eligibility for veterans (including those now on active duty)
  • No retained equity requirement (100% financing)
  • Affordable fire and hazard insurance group discounts may be available
  • Affordable disaster protection for earthquakes/floods can be included
  • Low costs with a low 1% origination fee
  • Limited available bond funds
  • Cannot use both the Federal VA Home Loan and the CalVet Home Loan at the same time
  • Requires the VA Funding Fee
  • No multi-family properties allowed
Program Availability

CalVet VA Refinances are available in 1 state.

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An RMM PROLender can help you see if this or a different loan program is the right fit for your unique situation. Get Started.

“A CalVet Home Loan is one of the best loans on the market for a Veteran refinancing a home in California."

Occupancy & Property Types

Qualification factors for this program can vary based on how you intend to occupy the property and what type of property you are purchasing. By registering for a free account , you can check program limits for all property and occupancy types.

Occupancy Types

Available Property Types for Primary Residence
Income & Purchase Price Limits

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI), as well as purchase price and income limits, are important factors when qualifying for a home loan program. By registering for a free account , you can find the exact program limits for this program and others in your area and for your unique scenario.

Debt-to-Income Limit

41.00%

Purchase Price Limit

No Limits

Income Limit

No Limits

Qualification variables shown here are for 1-Unit Primary Residences, and loan limit ranges vary based on US County. Amounts may be rounded. Exact amounts can be accessed by registering for a free account.

Refinancing?

Answer a few short questions and we'll build you a custom list of home loan program options. You're homeownership journey is in good hands.

Key Features
  • Competitive interest rates (often below market)
  • Expanded eligibility and higher loan limits
  • Special insurance discounts and promotions bundled
Additional Conditions
  • Almost every veteran refinancing a home in California is eligible for a CalVet Home Loan, encompassing those who served even during times of peace
  • Veterans might be eligible for CalVet and USDVA loans beyond standard limits without extra "jumbo" fees
  • The CalVet Home Loan benefit is not limited to a single use. If you have had a CalVet loan in the past and repaid it according to the terms, you can apply for it again
Other Limitations

In some circumstances, there are specific requirements you must meet or homebuyer education courses you must attend in order to be eligible for the loan program.

No other program limitations

A Homebuyer Education Class is not required for this loan program.

Mortgage Insurance & Fees

Most mortgage programs require mortgage insurance when you are financing more than 80% of the purchase price or appraised value. Some programs may also have an associated funding fee, paid at the time of closing, or an annual fee. Learn all about the different fees here.

Mortgage Insurance
No Mortgage Insurance

This program does not require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Funding Fee
Type: VA Funding Fee

CalVet collects the VA Funding Fee, which ranges between 1.25% - 3.3% of the loan amount, is charged on all VA loans unless the veteran has been entitled 10% or greater in disability.

Annual Fee
Type: No Annual Fee

This program does not have an annual fee.

Estimated Closing Costs: 3%

These amounts are just an estimate. Your closing costs include things like loan origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, title insurance, taxes, deed recording fees, and other charges.

Similar Loan Programs

If you think this home loan program may be a good fit for you, you may also want to check out the following programs that share many similarities with the current program.

CalVet 97 Refinance

Best For: Limited Equity, Large Loan Amounts

The CalVet 97 Refinance has expanded qualification for veterans or properties that don't meet standard criteria.


Details
CalVet VA Purchase Loan

Best For: Large Loan Amounts, Zero Down

The CalVet VA Home Loan has competitive interest rates, more flexibility, expanded qualification, and little or no down payment requirement.


Details
VA Rate-and-Term Refinance

Best For: Rate Reduction, Lowest Rates

Refinance to a lower VA mortgage rate or change your term (length) with limited closing costs and no private mortgage insurance.


Details
CalVet 97 Purchase Loan

Best For: Large Loan Amounts, Low Down Payments

The CalVet 97 Home Loan has expanded qualification for veterans or properties that don't meet standard criteria.


Details
VA High-Balance Rate-and-Term Refinance

Best For: Large Loan Amounts, Zero Down

The VA high-balance, or "Jumbo", refinance allows for loans above the standard conforming limit—giving extra flexibility to VA borrowers that qualify.


Details
USDA Refinance

Best For: Limited Equity, Rate Reduction, Zero Down, Easy Process

Refinance your existing USDA loan up to 100% of value for low to moderate income homebuyers in eligible rural areas.


Details
FHA High-Balance Rate-and-Term Refinance

Best For: Large Loan Amounts, Easy Qualification

FHA refinancing above the standard FHA loan limit in high cost counties with easier qualification and typically lower rates than conventional.


Details
Wells Fargo Jumbo Rate-and-Term Refinance

Best For: Large Loan Amounts, Rate Reduction, High Credit Scores

Fixed and adjustable-rate jumbo refinancing for loan amounts up to $3 million—flexible qualification and competitive interest rates.


Details
FHA Rate-and-Term Refinance

Best For: Rate Reduction, Low Credit Scores, Easy Process

Reduce your interest rate, change your terms, or lower your mortgage insurance obligation with limited home equity and an easier process.


Details
Chase Jumbo Rate-and-Term Refinance

Best For: Limited Equity, Large Loan Amounts, Rate Reduction

Fixed and adjustable-rate jumbo mortgage options for loan amounts up to $3 million—as little as 10.01% equity in the home and flexible qualification.


Details
Related Resources
2023 Credit Score Guide and Tips for Improvement

Many borrowers often misunderstand what all goes into calculating a consumer’s credit score, focusing on the negatives such as delinquent payments and collection accounts. Let’s dive in and look at factors that impact your FICO credit score, how lenders factor your credit score into your mortgage rate, and ways to improve your credit score before you submit your mortgage application.

Read More
VA Loan Guide

As a Veteran You Should Know All That Your Service has Entitled You to. The VA Loan Can Provide Many Valuable Advantages to Those Who Have Served Our Country.

Read More
Required Homebuyer Education Classes for Certain Programs

Many homebuyer assistance programs and some mortgage lenders require borrowers to take a homebuyer education course.

Read More
Veterans Administration Mortgage Loans in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The Veterans Administration (VA) mortgage loan remains one of the most valuable benefits provided to those who serve. Since its inception, the VA home loan program has helped millions of veterans achieve homeownership. With VA loans offering attractive benefits such as no down payment and competitive interest rates, 2025 is an excellent time for veterans to leverage this powerful tool to secure their dream home.

Read More

Visit our Mortgage Education Center for more resources.

* ReviewMyMortgage.com is not affiliated with the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

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