Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (2024)

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Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (4)

What Is the VA Hybrid Loan?

The VA hybrid loan, which is also sometimes known as the VA hybrid ARM, is a home loan option that combinesthe stability of a fixed-rate mortgage and the savings opportunities of an adjustable-rate mortgageinto one loan. Together, it offers the best features of both loan types:lower rates than a fixed-rate mortgage and greater stability than a strictly adjustable-rate mortgage.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (5)

What Is the Difference between a VA ARM and a VA Hybrid Loan?

Many veterans used to get VA ARM loans where the initially-low interest rate startedto change every year after the first year. These adjustment meant that veterans had to deal with the uncertainty of a new mortgage payment amount every year.

In comparison, the more modernVA hybrid loansallow a period of several years during which the interest rate stays the same, making your payments predictable during that time. The most common fixed-rate periods are for either 3 or 5 years, though it may be possible to find hybrid loans with fixed-rate periods of 7 or 10 years.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (6)

How Does the VA Hybrid Loan Work?

A conventional adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) changes rates frequently. These changes are normally based on volatile foreign financial indexes. The VA hybrid loan, on the other hand, has a longer fixed period at the beginning of the loan and it is not affected by the foreign indexes. Instead, it's tied to the much more stable Treasury index.

VA hybrid ARM loans also carry guaranteed rate caps, whichensure that interest rates increase by no more than 1%per year. In addition to this annual rate cap, the VA hybrid loan also offers a lifetime rate cap of 5%, so you'll be protected from any skyrocketing rates for the entire life of the loan.

All in all, hybrid loans help veteran homeowners take advantage of rates that are evenlower than the already-low rates attached to a conventional 30-year fixed mortgage.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (7)

How Much Can My Mortgage Payments Increase During the ARM Period?

VA Hybrid ARM loans have a 1/1/5 cap set by the government, which means:

  • The interest rate can increase by a maximum of 1%during the first adjustment.
  • The interest rate can increase by a maximum of 1% during each subsequentannual adjustment.
  • The interest rate will never increase by more than 5%during the life of the loan.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (8)

How Can I Prepare for theAdjustable-Rate Period?

  • Check the Treasury index to see if rates are moving higher and decide if you can deal with any higher payments that could result.
  • Build up savings while your interest rate is lower to prepare for higher payments caused by higher rates.
  • Avoid the adjustable-rate period by refinancing your VA hybrid ARM into a fixed-rate VA loan before the switch occurs.*

*If you decide you want to refinance before the adjustable-rate period begins, you will need to make sure you'll qualify for a refinance loan.

The Benefits of a VA Hybrid Loan

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (9)

Higher Monthly Savings

Having an even lower interest rate from the start means that veterans withfixed incomes can save the most amount of money each month.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (10)

Faster Debt Reduction

Because of the monthly savings from a lower initial rate, veterans have more money available each month that can be used to pay off other debts.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (11)

Accelerated Mortgage Payoff

Savings applied to the principal balance canhelp veterans pay off their homes even faster with no change in current monthly payment.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (12)

Limits to Rate Adjustments

After the fixed-rate period expires, the rate may only adjust by 1% once per year. In addition, it can never be adjusted by more than 5% beyond the initial rate.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (13)

Faster Breakeven Periods

Because it offers lower rates than a traditional fixed-rate mortgage, and has no additional fees, the VA hybrid loan pays for itself even faster.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (14)

Potential Rate Decreases

VA hybrid loan rates don't just increase—they can also decrease. In recent years, many veterans with hybrid loans have seen their interest rate go down.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (15)

Try Our VA Hybrid Simulator

See what your mortgage payment might look like if you got a VA hybrid ARM home loan. If you like what you see, you can apply for a hybrid loan through our very short and easy-to-understand application process.

VA Hybrid Simulator

  • See All Mortgage Calculators

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (16)

The 5/1 Hybrid Loan

When you see a 5/1 hybrid loan, the first number in the name tells you that the loan hasa 5-year fixed-rate period. The second number then tells you how often the rate can be adjusted after it moves into the adjustable-rate period. So, for this loan, it can only be adjusted once per year after the fixed-rate period ends.

The 5/1 hybrid loan is the most popular hybrid options among veteran homeowners. This is especially true for veterans who think they'll want to sell or refinance within the next 8 years. If you don't expect to be in the same house or with the same mortgage for very long, the 5/1 hybrid loan is a good option because itensures five years of a good rate and predictable payments, with the possibility of transitioning into a better rate down the road.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (17)

The 3/1 Hybrid Loan

The 3/1 hybrid loan is very similar to the 5/1, except that it only guarantees a fixed-rate for 3 years. However, even though the fixed rate period is shorter, the trade-off is that you get an even lower interest rate that with the 5/1 hybrid. In fact, it has the lowest initial interest rate of any VA home loan.

This loan is also a good option for veterans dealing with heavy amounts of debt or for those who move around a lot for work. Active duty military personnel expecting to be transferred find their needs are well accommodated by the 3/1 hybrid loan.

Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (18)

Learn More about VA Hybrid Loans

Loan officers at Low VA Rates are committed to any loan program that helps veterans save money on their mortgages. We believe the VA hybrid loan is a great programdesigned to put more money in veterans’pockets and help them pay off their home faster than they might otherwise.

If you would like to learn more about the VA hybrid loan, give us a call now at855-836-0756.

Learn More

Low VA Rates helps servicemembers and veterans afford their dream home through competitive rates and terms for VA mortgage loans.

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Understanding VA Hybrid Loans Pros and Cons (2024)

FAQs

What are some pitfalls for VA loans? ›

VA Loan Cons
  • They're intended for primary residences. The VA loan isn't a loan program you can use to purchase a second home or an investment property. ...
  • Not all real estate agents are familiar with the VA loan. ...
  • Sellers aren't always on board.

Why do sellers shy away from VA loans? ›

“So they're wanting to purchase a home that is in livable condition.” VA loan inspectors look for certain issues with a home, like wood rot or missing flooring, that must be fixed before the sale can proceed. Some sellers reject VA loans because of that inspection, assuming it'll complicate the sale.

What is a VA hybrid loan? ›

VA ARMs are hybrid ARMs. This means that they have a fixed rate for a number of years before adjusting. They typically just once per year. Rocket Mortgage® offers 5/1 ARMs for VA loans. This means the rates stays fixed for 5 years before adjusting once per year based on an index every year after that.

Are hybrid loans a good idea? ›

You Have Poor Credit

If your credit needs a boost, you can benefit from relatively low rates during the early years of a hybrid loan. Your on-time payments should help to improve your credit, but keep in mind that qualifying for a better rate down the road is never guaranteed—especially if rates rise sharply.

What are red flags for VA loan? ›

Red flags include the presence of radon gas, asbestos or lead-based paint within the home, or properties located in a flood zone, near a sinkhole, or proximity to any type of environmental contamination.

Who pays closing costs on a VA loan? ›

Who pays closing costs on a VA loan? The buyer is typically responsible for paying for things like the VA funding fee, loan origination fee and more. However, the seller might be able to contribute; they can pay closing costs up to 4 percent of the total home loan price.

Why should I not accept a VA loan offer? ›

One of the primary reasons some sellers may hesitate to accept a VA loan is due to misconceptions about the program. Some sellers believe that VA loans involve more red tape, delays, or stricter inspection requirements compared to conventional loans. In reality, VA loans are not as cumbersome as they may seem.

Why are VA loans unpopular? ›

Many sellers — and their real estate agents — don't like VA loans because they believe these mortgages make it harder to close or more expensive for the seller.

How often do VA loans get denied? ›

How Often Do Underwriters Deny VA Loans? About 15% of VA loan applications get denied, so if your's isn't approved, you're not alone. If you're denied during the automated underwriting stage, you may be able to seek approval through manual underwriting.

How do hybrid loans work? ›

A hybrid loan is a type of personal loan. You get approved for a set amount of money, but rather than receiving the total amount all at once, you can take only how much you need when you need it, for a set amount of time, typically six months, with interest-only payments due monthly.

What is an example of a hybrid loan? ›

A hybrid mortgage is a home loan with a fixed interest rate for a specific period of time, after which the rate adjusts periodically for the remaining loan term. For example, with a 30-year, 10/1 hybrid ARM loan, the interest remains fixed for the first 10 years.

What is the hybrid interest rate? ›

Hybrid Interest Rate means the Combination Interest Rate which is to be computed at Fixed Interest Rate for specified period and after the expiry of the time period of Fixed Interest Rate, the Borrower shall move to Variable Interest Rate as specified in the Loan Agreement, for the balance tenure of the Loan.

What is hybrid financing in simple words? ›

The hybrid financing definition includes characteristics of both debt and equity, two ends within the financial spectrum, in order to provide financial security. Hybrid financing is where debt and equity meet in the middle, offering investors the potential benefits of both.

What is the benefit of hybrid financing? ›

Hybrid financing offers several advantages to businesses and investors. It provides a flexible financing option that allows businesses to raise capital while maintaining control over their company. Hybrid financing also offers the potential for capital appreciation.

What are the advantages of hybrid financing? ›

Advantages: Flexibility: Hybrid financing provides borrowers with greater flexibility in structuring their project's capital stack. Lower Costs of Capital: By combining debt and equity, borrowers can lower their overall cost of capital.

Are VA loans hard to deal with? ›

Should you be worried? The short answer is “no.” It's true VA loans were once harder to close — but that's ancient history. Today, you're likely to have roughly the same issues with a buyer who has this sort of mortgage as any other. And VA's flexible guidelines may be the only reason your buyer can purchase your home.

Is it worth putting money down on a VA loan? ›

Pros of making a down payment on a VA loan

You'll save money on your mortgage: Because you're putting down some of the home's purchase price, you won't need to borrow as much with the mortgage. That means you'll save on your monthly payment as well as interest on the smaller loan balance.

What is the most favorable thing about a VA loan? ›

No Down Payment

By far, the single-largest benefit of the VA loan is that qualified Veterans can purchase without a down payment. This huge advantage allows Veterans and service members to buy homes without having to spend years saving for that typical lump-sum payment.

Is the VA loan worth using? ›

A VA loan may be your best bet if you don't have a big down payment or have a higher DTI. You'll pay the one-time VA funding fee but won't bear the annual cost of private mortgage insurance. A conventional loan may cost less than a VA loan if you can put down 20% and skip mortgage insurance.

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