Divorce can be a complicated and messy part of life. It can also create some potential complications when it comes to looking for a VA home loan.
Lenders can count child support payments as effective income toward a mortgage, and that can help get veterans into the price range they want. But spouses who are paying that monthly support will have that money counted as an outgoing liability by mortgage lenders.
For prospective VA borrowers who are divorced, child support can sometimes play a make-or-break role in the loan process.
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When it comes to VA loans and income, lenders are always looking for three key attributes: stable, reliable and likely to continue. Child support can be counted as stable and reliable income for prospective borrowers, but it may need to meet certain criteria.
Here's a look at some of the primary considerations:
Be sure to cover child support as income with your loan specialist, and see how different lenders evaluate your specific situation.
The calculus changes when you're the one paying the child support. This is the kind of regular installment payment that lenders must count when calculating your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and your residual income.
Child support that's in arrears is typically considered derogatory credit. Lenders often have a cap on the amount of derogatory collections a prospective borrower can have, which means getting behind on payments can jeopardize loan eligibility. Child support in arrears will often have to be paid in full before a VA loan can close.
If you are paying child support, be prepared to provide your loan specialist with documentation of this liability such as your judgment, any subsequent modifications and proof of payment amounts. Alternatively, if you are no longer required to pay child support you will need to show not only documentation of the original order but also documentation of when the liability ceased. If you do not have a specific order terminating the child support order you may be asked to provide a letter explaining the situation.
» CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings
If your child support payments make it tough to qualify for your dream home, consider seeking a lower loan amount. That will result in a lower monthly mortgage payment, which, in turn, lowers your overall debt and increases your residual income level. It's a bummer to wind up looking for homes in a lower price range, but unless you can muster another income stream that's often the only option.
Talk to a Veterans United loan specialist about child support and your VA loan opportunities at 855-870-8845.
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