VA loans are basically mortgages or home loans geared towards ex-military servicemen and women. The VA loan programme was created in 1944, and was initially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, to help returning servicemen settle down and purchase their first home.

There are, on average, over twenty-five million American who complete their military obligations each year. You are eligible for a VA loan if you are veteran who has been honourably discharged. The eligibility requirements vary, depending upon whether you served full-time or in the reserves, so check with your lender.

A VA loan will generally guarantee around 25% of the total home loan, up to $89,912.00. VA loans are often made by a variety of lenders, such as banks and savings and loans institutions. These loans act more as protection for the lender against loss at a later date.

There are many advantages to taking out a VA loan, if you are eligible to do so. For example, the fees associated with taking out a VA loan are relatively inexpensive. Most lenders only require approximately 2% of the total loan, but bear in mind that you will still be required to pay some of the associated costs, such as recording fees and appraisal and compliance costs.

Even if you have poor credit, you may still be eligible to apply for a VA loan. The lender will initially analyze your credit history, checking to make sure that you have been making all of your credit and utility payments on a regular- and timely- basis. Even if you have been delinquent, you can still be eligible, but you may have to work with the lender and will most likely be required to make a down payment for your home.

VA loans are generally a good idea for those who have just left the military, because it allows them to start the resettlement process by buying their own home. These loans are usually easy to apply for, and don't require a hefty down payment, as required by traditional mortgages. Technological developments have made the whole process easier, by allowing some applications to be processed by the lender immediately, making these readjustment loans a great way to start your civilian life.

Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get home equity mortgage information.