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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.

CalVet 97 Purchase Loan

  • 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

Program Description

The CalVet 97 Home Loan is a unique program that offers alternative financing options for veterans or properties that do not meet the CalVet VA loan criteria. In cases where a loan surpasses your available VA entitlement, only a 3% down payment is necessary.

Tags
Low or No Mortgage InsuranceState Housing Loan Program
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CalVet 97 Purchase Loan

Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

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)
  • Down payments of as little as 3%
  • 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 97 Purchase Loans are available in 1 state.

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“A CalVet 97 Home Loan can come in handy if you've surpassed your entitlement but still want to take advantage of your VA benefits."

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.

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Key Features
  • 97% financing for lending profiles and properties beyond USDVA criteria
  • Expanded eligibility and higher loan limits than standard VA loans
  • Special insurance discounts and promotions bundled
Additional Conditions
  • Almost every veteran buying 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.

Home in Five Conventional Loan - Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional option for low income Maricopa County residents seeking down payment assistance from the Home in Five Program.


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MFA FirstHome Conventional Loan - Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional loan for low income New Mexico homebuyers with below market interest rates, low mortgage insurance, and down payment assistance options.


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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
Utah Housing FirstHome VA Loan

Best For: Low Credit Scores, Lowest Rates, Zero Down

Financing for Utah veterans or active-duty military seeking down payment and closing cost assistance


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IHFA Tax-Exempt Conventional Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Lowest Rates

Conventional tax-exempt mortgage option with below market interest rates and assistance options for Idaho first time homebuyers.


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ODVA Oregon Veteran Home Loan

Best For: Flexible Terms, Large Loan Amounts

The ODVA Oregon Veteran (ORVET) Home Loan Program for veterans and active-duty military offers low-interest home loans across the state.


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CalPLUS with ZIP Conventional Loan - Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional loan with closing cost assistance for low income California homebuyers with low mortgage insurance and down payment assistance options.


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IHFA Tax-Exempt Conventional Targeted Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Lowest Rates

Conventional tax-exempt mortgage option with below market interest rates and assistance options for targeted Idaho Counties.


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Virginia Housing Conventional - Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Down Payments

Conventional option for low income Virginia homebuyers that can be paired with down payment assistance of up to 5% of the purchase price.


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HFA of Manatee County Conventional- Low Income

Best For: First Time Homebuyers, Low Credit Scores

FHA program for Manatee County, FL residents seeking down payment assistance, offered by the HFA of Manatee County


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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
First Time Homebuyer Guide

Being a first-time homebuyer has its fair share of challenges. One of your biggest obstacles will be competing against other new or seasoned buyers. While bidding wars have tapered since the previous buying season, they can still occur.

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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

Visit our Mortgage Education Center for more resources.

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

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