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In times such as these there are many who’ve lost jobs or are unable work. Paychecks have stopped coming and the choice may be between paying bills or putting food on the table. We have some good news if you’re in such a condition.

The U.S. government was caught off guard with the onset of the Virus pandemic but it moved quickly to recover. Part of this recovery is what is commonly referred to as the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. A part of this legislation applies specifically to our VA Loan holders. If you are among the many who’ve stopped receiving an income your first step should be to call your mortgage servicer. That’s the place where your payments are sent. 

The CARES Act directs that if you’re experiencing financial difficulty due to the Virus you will be granted forbearance for up to 180 days. If your financial condition has not improved at the end of that period you have an option to extend another 180 days. In addition you will not be charged any penalties or reported to credit bureaus. Even if you qualify, be very careful.

We have heard of lenders, as part of the forbearance agreement, requiring all delayed payments be rolled into a lump sum or balloon payment at the end of the forbearance period. Lenders, of course, are urging borrowers to make regular mortgage payments no matter what. 

This, as you might imagine, is not making lenders happy. We may expect more strict underwriting of loans as a result. Borrowers who still collect paychecks are in a much better position to acquire a VA loan during these unusual times.