Anyone use VA home loan?

[dirtyhipegirl]

Has anyone ever been able to use a VA home loan to purchase any kind of "unconventional" house  I'm looking into buying my first house and have been looking into tiny houses and off the grid.  I know the VA has a million rules but I'm wondering if anyone has ever been able to do it?  Thanks

[Caneel]

My experience is several years in the past (on the loan origination side) but yes, it is very hard to get VA (and most other government-backed loans) for unconventional properties.  I hope you are able to do it but be prepared for pushback at every turn. 

[mom2grtbunch]

im currently in the midst of the Va loan from hell. I dont know if some rules are regional regarding the va but some of the stuff the appraiser has thrown out to use is really assanine things like the eaves need 2 addl coats of paint (huh?) the water heater needs to be 18' off ground (instead of the 17 inches) and some other items.  Plus I know when he went out their was a checklist of "habitability" such as the ability to have constant water supply, heat and cooling 25 degress from ambient and I forgot how much the indoor needed to be in cold weather (I think its 60 degrees) so im not sure how that would fair if your off the grid.  I dont think size matters. 

[dirtyhipegirl]

That's what I was thinking Caneel.  I wonder how hard it would be.  Thanks :)

[dirtyhipegirl]

yeah, I've heard they are really insane about their rules.  It might be easier just to skip using the VA all together. 

[Caneel]

Originally Posted by mom2grtbunch 

im currently in the midst of the Va loan from hell. I dont know if some rules are regional regarding the va but some of the stuff the appraiser has thrown out to use is really assanine things like the eaves need 2 addl coats of paint (huh?) the water heater needs to be 18' off ground (instead of the 17 inches) and some other items.  Plus I know when he went out their was a checklist of "habitability" such as the ability to have constant water supply, heat and cooling 25 degress from ambient and I forgot how much the indoor needed to be in cold weather (I think its 60 degrees) so im not sure how that would fair if your off the grid.  I dont think size matters. 

Yep, the bold is an excellent example of some of the crazy things you will encounter.  I remember railings (location, height, etc) being an issue at every property.  Roofing - age and materials - is another.  Someone has to pay to get these things "corrected" and buyers generally aren't interested in doing so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtyhipegirl 

yeah, I've heard they are really insane about their rules.  It might be easier just to skip using the VA all together. 

I don't like to be negative but if you have other options, I would look into them first. 

Based on what I saw over 10+ years, I am not a fan of these types of government loan programs for a number of reasons.

[dirtyhipegirl]

Thanks, I guess the only reason it it appealing is not having to put money down.