Browsing Posts published by jburke

How to Use a VA One-Time Construction Loan to Build Your Dream Barndominium in Texas

Are you a veteran or military family member dreaming of building a barndominium in the vast, open spaces of Texas? With the right financing, this dream can become a reality. A VA One-Time Construction Loan offers a unique opportunity to leverage your VA benefits to finance the construction, lot purchase, and permanent mortgage all in one seamless process. In this SEO-optimized blog post, we’ll explore how you can use this loan to build your perfect barndominium in Texas.

What is a VA One-Time Construction Loan?

A VA One-Time Construction Loan is a specialized mortgage product designed for eligible veterans and military personnel. Unlike traditional construction loans, this option allows you to finance the entire process—from purchasing the land to building your home and securing a permanent mortgage—all with a single loan. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for multiple loans and down payments, making it an attractive choice for building a barndominium.

Key Benefits of a VA One-Time Construction Loan

  1. Affordable Financing: Lock in competitive interest rates before construction begins, ensuring financial stability throughout the process.
  2. Single Loan Process: Combine construction, lot purchase, and permanent financing into one loan, simplifying the building experience.
  3. VA Benefits: Utilize your VA eligibility to access favorable terms and conditions, often without a down payment.

Why Texas is Perfect for Barndominiums

Texas, with its expansive landscapes and growing trend of barndominium living, is an ideal location for this type of home. Barndominiums offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern functionality, making them suitable for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a spacious ranch-style retreat or a contemporary living space, Texas provides the perfect backdrop.

The Appeal of Barndominiums

  • Versatility: Barndominiums can be customized to include living quarters, workspaces, and even recreational areas.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional homes, barndominiums often offer more square footage for the price.
  • Durability: Constructed with sturdy materials, barndominiums are built to last, providing long-term value.

Steps to Building Your Barndominium with a VA Loan

1. Check Your Eligibility and Secure Pre-Approval

First, ensure you meet the VA loan eligibility criteria. This typically includes active duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to proceed. Additionally, getting pre-approved by a lender is a crucial step to determine your borrowing power and ensure you’re financially prepared for the project. Contact John Burke at jburke@valoansdoneright.com (mailto:jburke@valoansdoneright.com) or call 720-519-7494 to discuss your options and secure pre-approval for your VA One-Time Construction Loan. Let us help you turn your dream into reality!

2. Find the Right Lot

Texas offers numerous opportunities to find the perfect plot of land for your barndominium. Consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, and amenities, as well as any zoning restrictions that might affect your plans.

3. Choose a Reputable Builder

Work with a builder or contractor experienced in constructing barndominiums. They should be familiar with VA loan requirements and capable of delivering a home that meets VA property standards.

4. Lock in Your Rate

One of the advantages of this loan is the ability to lock in your interest rate before construction starts. This provides peace of mind and protects you from rate fluctuations during the building process.

5. Monitor Construction

Throughout the construction phase, inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Your lender will work with you and the builder to oversee this process.

Financing Options for Barndominiums in Texas

While the VA One-Time Construction Loan is an excellent choice, other financing options may also be available, depending on your location and needs. For instance, USDA loans might be an option if you’re building in a rural area, offering favorable terms for barndominium projects.

Building a barndominium in Texas with a VA One-Time Construction Loan is not only feasible but also a smart financial decision. By leveraging your VA benefits, you can create a customized home that meets your needs and reflects your style. Start your journey today by checking your eligibility, securing pre-approval, and exploring the possibilities. Your dream barndominium awaits!


Don’t wait to start building your dream barndominium in Texas. Reach out to John Burke today at jburke@valoansdoneright.com (mailto:jburke@valoansdoneright.com) or call 720-519-7494 to get the process started and make your vision a reality. Your future home is just a conversation away


UPDATE February 2019

Can You Get A VA Mortgage With An Open CAIVRS Report?

Yes you can, depending on why you’re in the system.

Call me at (877)228-9069 for more information or help.

If you have applied for a VA Mortgage and had your loan denied because of the CAIVRS report you probably wondered why and what it is.

CAIVRstands for Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains this system, which includes federal tax liens and information from governmental agencies like VA, FHA, USDA & SBA to name a few. 

For example, Veterans who have yet to settle over-payments on education or disability income may trigger a hit in the CAIVRS system.

Perhaps the most common CAIVRS Report issue is tied to defaulted Student Loans so staying current on Federal Student Loans is critical.

* UPDATE – If you have Student Loans that are in default and reporting in the CAIVRS system, it is still possible to get approved for a VA Mortgage!*

* UPDATE # 2 – Basically you can find yourself in the CAIVRS system anytime you owe the Federal Government money. So let’s say you owe Restitution to the Federal Government, you’ll be in the CAIVRS system BUT that doesn’t mean you are not eligible for a VA Mortgage!

*Update # 3 – This now applies to FHA mortgages as well!

I’ve had several people contact me after getting turned down by other lenders that had filed chapter 7 Bankruptcy and included an FHA Mortgage in the Bankruptcy.

The Bankruptcy isn’t an issue once it has been discharged for 2 years under the VA guidelines for a new VA Mortgage. The problem is when FHA pays a claim, you end up with a CAIVRS Report. Pretty much every VA Mortgage lender out there will tell you there is no way you can get approved for a VA Mortgage until you clear up your CAIVRS Report but the only way to do that is to pay off the claim or wait it out! The wait time will be 36 months from when the claim was paid!

The good news is I can get your VA Mortgage approved & closed even though you have an open CAIVRS Report as long as the CAIVRS Report was the result of an FHA or VA Mortgage being included in a Bankruptcy or through foreclosure and it’s been at least 2 years since the discharge or the foreclosure sale!

*A new update on the whole situation of including a mortgage in Bankruptcy & when you’re eligibility starts. A lot of lenders will tell you that if you stayed in the home & did not make a payment on the mortgage, you are not eligible for a VA Mortgage until 2 years after the bank forecloses on the home! This is NOT what VA requires so it’s a lender overlay. I can go by the discharge date of the Bankruptcy regardless so don’t let anyone tell you that you have to wait longer!

Here are some reviews from Veterans that I’ve helped get a VA Mortgage for a new home with an open CAIVRS hit.

These reviews are not made up testimonials on my own site, these reviews are on my Zillow.com profile here:

https://www.zillow.com/lender-profile/MTG%20Banker/

Getting a loan while on the CAIVRS report

jamesrenee13 from Suffolk, VA

John and his team got my wife and I in to our home while I was on the CAIVRS list after a bankruptcy and closed in 35 days. Thank you John and your team for your help and persistence

I cannot say enough good….

boller bonnie from New Germany, MN

I honestly cannot say enough good words when it comes to John and his team.

My husband and I were ready to purchase a home after many years of renting. Our current landlord was also ready to sell the house, so we were under a deadline to make this happen.

Due to credit issues (of our own past fault – a default on a student loan from years ago). We were told by multiple lenders our dream was not possible, especially going with a VA loan because we were in the CAIVRS system. I had spoken to many, and always told the same.

I stumbled on John’s name and read a post on a site, of a woman asking his advice. Since her situation basically paralled mine, I decided to contact him as well.

John assured me there was a way. To make a long story short…..we just closed on our home Jan 4th!

John’s experience and knowledge literally saved us. I would without a doubt recommend him to everyone.

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!

Robi and Kennetg from Houston, TX

After receiving the worst service and help with a different lender John and his team stepped in to help us in a difficult situation! We came to John with a very tight timeline to proceed with closing on our new home in time. We were packed and ready to move with a new baby on the way when we were told by our terrible lender that they wouldn’t be able to close… John took on the task and had us approved and ready to close in time! He and everyone we worked with was professional and so helpful! We were in such a crisis and feeling so defeated! John made our dreams come true! We will never use anyone else for our future home buying and you shouldn’t either!

Nothing Short of Amazing!!!

naeemmolette from Dallas, GA

I found John when I realized I was in CAIVRS. His name kept coming up in a forum so I checked the reviews and called him immediately. John and his team were outstanding in their communication and in being proactive to close my loan quickly. Amanda and Amy were amazing in processing the loan; down to the day before when Amy noticed that the DTI was slightly off, she took it upon herself to reach out to our insurance agent to get a lower rate and solved the DTI problem before I even knew it was a problem!! This home buying process was stressful in and of itself BUT John and his team make it worth doing again. Thanks for helping our family’s dream come true!!! Forever grateful!

Easiest home purchase ever

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John Burke and his team at Great Plains Bank made my mortgage process extremely easy. This was our third home purchase, so I had somewhat of an idea what the steps were. The part I was concerned about was the fact that in 2014 we had filed chapter 7 Bankruptcy and lost a home to foreclosure. The home we lost was an FHA loan which of course landed us on the CAIVRS list. For any of you curious, the CAIVRS list is the governments do not lend list which will bar you from receiving a government-backed loan such as an FHA or VA mortgage. There is little information published about it, but the rules for lending afterward can be very confusing. Most banks will just write you off, trust me I had inquired with at least 6 different lenders.

I saw a post somewhere where John Burke had mentioned depending on the circumstances he could probably make a VA Mortgage happen. I contacted him, sent all the required documents and had a pre approval in a few days. I will say that prior to the Bankruptcy and after my wife and I had pretty decent credit. I will admit, I was very skeptical that I was going to invest a lot of time and money into finding a house, getting all the appraisals and inspections completed to be told oh sorry, we can’t do this. I was wrong. We found a house, had an accepted offer on February 12th, 2017. We closed on the house March 10th, 2017. John is a man of his word.

I will end by saying if you have made some decisions in the past that have put a mark or two on your record that would cause most banks to deny you, give John a few minutes of your time. If there is a way to get you into a home, he will do it.   2/17/2017

Amazing Lender Who Will Work Hard For You!

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Working with John Burke was more like dealing with an old friend than a mortgage professional. John was extremely thorough and professional. I know that for me, not feeling like I’m just another account was probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole home buying process. John never once hesitated to answer any of my questions or phone calls, which is rare these days! He explained all the paperwork and options to us with patience and clarity, and walked us through the process with steady and responsive communication. I felt that he wanted the best for my family the entire time, and for these reasons I can never thank him enough. You will not be disappointed if you use John. So glad I decided not to use a “big bank” that would have just shuffled me through. Thanks John!

Highly likely to recommend

7/12/2016 at 3:14 PM – cadj62

CLOSED PURCHASE LOAN.

I can’t say enough good things about John Burke and his team. We had to file chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2012 to get out from under a home that got caught in the housing meltdown and had lost over 60% of it’s value and being faced with my job being relocated to CO. We relocated to CO in 2013 and did the right things after the Bankruptcy such as rebuilding our credit and score and applied for a VA Mortgage after 30 months. At this time we were told we had an open CAIVRS and we were instructed to call the government agency to inquire about the date it was filed. We called only to find out nothing was ever filed therefore there’s no date. It’s considered an “open” CAIVRS which is basically a dead end to this agency. The best they could do is tell us to call the mortgage company that financed the house in NY and ask them why they never filed a claim?? I was about to give up for a year and found John Burke’s name and read the stories from others who struggled with similar situations. I contacted John and he took my application over the phone, he asked for copies of a few things and I had my pre-approval letter the same day. Within two weeks we found the perfect home and had an accepted offer. John and Brittany the processor were awesome. In fact my realtor made a comment that it’s probably the smoothest financial transaction he has been involved in. Today a month after closing, me and my family are enjoying our new home. It’s truly a blessing considering the nightmare we endured in NY. If you have a similar issue contact John Burke he will help you in any way he can.

If you have questions or you want to see how much you qualify for, feel free to call me at (877)228-9069 or fill out the form below.

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We now have a VA Renovation Mortgage Available!

Now you can renovate your home with the benefits of a VA Renovation Mortgage.

Do you have a home in need of minor repairs or updates but no cash on – hand?

The VA Renovation Mortgage is designed to help Veterans & the men & women who serve our country repair or upgrade their home with the low rates the VA lending programs offer. 

The VA Renovation Mortgage allows for minor renovation costs to be included in the VA Renovation Mortgage loan amount of a house for purchase, or for repairs being done to an existing home with equity.

The VA Renovation Mortgage program is perfect for those looking to do small repairs such as repainting, fixture swaps, or accessibility upgrades such as ramps or rails.

The VA Renovation Mortgage Program Features Include:

  • Up to $35,000 in renovation costs.
  • No minimum repair amount.
  • Includes minor & non-structural repairs.
  • Includes accessibility upgrades like ramps & rails.
  • Cosmetic repairs allowed.
  • No consultant required.

Take charge of home improvements with our one of a kind VA Renovation Mortgage to create the home of your dreams!

Contact me today to learn more.

(877)228-9069 or fill out the form below.

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Are you a Veteran looking to buy a home with a VA loan? Exciting news! The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released updated underwriting guidelines for unreimbursed business expenses, effective June 1, 2016. These changes make it easier for Veterans—especially those earning commission income—to qualify for a VA loan. Let’s break down what this means for you and how it can help you achieve your homeownership goals.
What Are the New VA Loan Underwriting Guidelines?
The VA has clarified its policy on unreimbursed business expenses (UBE) reported on IRS Form 2106. These expenses, often incurred by commissioned employees, were previously listed as debts on VA Form 26-6393 (Loan Analysis), reducing the borrower’s qualifying income. The updated guidelines align VA loan standards with industry practices, ensuring a fairer assessment of income for Veterans.
Here’s a summary of the clarified VA policy:
  1. For Borrowers with Commission Income Less Than 25% of Total Annual Employment Income:
    • Unreimbursed business expenses reported on IRS Form 2106 are not deducted from your income for loan qualification.
    • These expenses are also not added as a monthly liability.
    • Tax returns are not required to document income sources or deductions.
  2. For Borrowers with Commission Income of 25% or More of Total Annual Employment Income:
    • Unreimbursed business expenses must be deducted from gross commission income, regardless of how long the borrower has reported these expenses to the IRS.
Why This Change Matters for Veterans
This update is a game-changer for Veterans applying for VA loans. Previously, all unreimbursed business expenses were subtracted from your income, lowering the amount you could qualify for. For example, if you earned $70,000 annually but had $15,000 in unreimbursed business expenses, lenders would reduce your qualifying income to $55,000. This could limit your loan amount or even prevent you from qualifying.
Under the new rules, if your commission income is less than 25% of your total income, those expenses no longer reduce your qualifying income. This means you can qualify for a larger loan amount, making homeownership more accessible.
How the New Guidelines Benefit You
  • Increased Qualifying Income: By not deducting unreimbursed business expenses (for those with less than 25% commission income), your income calculation reflects your true earning potential.
  • Simplified Documentation: No need to submit tax returns to verify income or deductions if your commission income is below 25%, streamlining the loan application process.
  • More Veterans Can Qualify: These changes make VA loans more attainable for commissioned employees, such as salespeople or independent contractors, who often face higher unreimbursed expenses.
Ready to Apply for a VA Loan?
With these updated guidelines, now is a great time to explore your VA loan options. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance, the VA loan program offers benefits like no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates.
Have questions or want to see how much you qualify for? Our team is here to help! Call us at (877) 228-9069 or fill out our quick online form to get started. We’ll walk you through the process and ensure you take full advantage of these new VA loan guidelines.
Take the Next Step Toward Homeownership.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your homeownership dreams a reality. The VA’s clarified underwriting guidelines for unreimbursed business expenses are designed to help more Veterans qualify for the home loans they deserve.
Contact us today to learn how these changes can work for you and start your journey to owning a home with a VA loan.
Ready to buy your dream home? Call (877) 228-9069 or complete our online form to speak with a VA loan expert now!

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VA Underwriting Guidelines Regarding Student Loans!

The clarification will apply to Deferred Student Loans and the new policy will provide guidance for Student Loans in repayment or, to begin repayment within 12 months of a VA Loan closing. Student Loans under certain repayment plan types are described at studentaid.ed.gov. This policy applies to all Student Loan repayment types.

How to Calculate a Student Loan Monthly Payment.

a. If the Veteran or other borrower provides written evidence that the Student Loan debt will be deferred at least 12 months beyond the date of closing a VA Loan, a monthly payment does not need to be considered.

b. If a Student Loan is in repayment or scheduled to begin within 12 months from the date of a VA Loan closing, the lender must consider the anticipated monthly obligation in the VA Loan analysis and utilize the payment established in paragraph (1) or (2) below. Calculate each loan at a rate of 5 percent of the outstanding balance divided by 12 months (example: $25,000 student loan balance x 5% = $1,250 divided by 12 months = $104.17 per month is the monthly payment for debt ratio purposes).

(1) The lender must use the payment(s) reported on the credit report for each Student Loan(s) if the reported payment is greater than the threshold payment calculation above.

(2) If the payment reported on the credit report is less than the threshold payment calculation above, the loan file must contain a statement from the Student Loan servicer that reflects the actual loan terms and payment information for each Student Loan(s). The statement(s) must be dated within 60 days of VA Loan closing and maybe an electronic copy from the Student Loan servicer’s website or a printed statement provided by the Student Loan servicer. It is the lender’s discretion as to whether the credit report should be supplemented with this information.

This is great news & will ensure Veterans will still be able to qualify for a VA Loan even if they have Student Loans!

*FYI – Fannie Mae just updated their guidelines regarding Student Loans to allow lenders to count IBR payments!

If you have questions or you want to see how much you qualify for, feel free to call me at (877)228-9069 or fill out the form below.

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