US Virgin Islands Loans
St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John

Buccaneer Mortgage offers several mortgage products in the US Virgin Islands: FHA, VA, and Conventional Products

FHA LOANS

Although most lenders require a much higher credit score, Buccaneer Mortgage may be able to pre­-approve you with as low as a 600 middle credit score. FHA or the Federal Housing Administration is the most commonly used product for First Time Homebuyers however FHA can be used by anyone who is purchasing or refinancing their primary residence even if they are not a first-time homebuyer. Even if you are looking to upgrade to a larger home you may qualify for the FHA product. The definition of a First Time Home Buyer is anyone who has not owned a property within the last 3 years, therefore if you sold your home or gave up ownership rights within the last three years you are considered a First Time Homebuyer.

The FHA loan only requires a 3.5% down payment and will allow the seller to pay up to 6% of the closing cost. Closing costs are the expenses such as insurance, title company fees, loan origination fees, lender fees, local and state taxes and appraisal costs. The FHA loan offers fixed or adjustable-rate mortgages and all products come without a prepayment. Although the FHA loan is usually a great choice for First Time Home Buyers it is not limited to First Time Home Buyers. Anyone who does not currently have an FHA loan may use the FHA program to purchase a primary residence. FHA also does not have an income limitation however loan limits vary based on the area of purchase.

The FHA program is a government insured loan that requires the borrower to purchase an insurance policy on the mortgage in case they default on the loan. The insurance premium requires the borrower to pay a small monthly payment towards the premium and a one-time fee equal to 2.25% of the loan amount. The 2.25% is usually added to the loan and financed within the loan instead of becoming an additional closing cost. This insurance premium is completely different from the homeowner's insurance policy that is required by the lender.

VA LOANS

Although most lenders require a much higher credit score, Buccaneer Mortgage may be able to pre­ approve you with as low as a 620 middle credit score with ZERO DOWN for a VA loan. VA guaranteed loans are made by lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you fail to repay the loan. No down payment is required on a VA guaranteed loan and mortgage insurance is not required.

VA guaranteed loans are approved by lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you fail to repay the loan. No down payment is required on a VA guaranteed loan and mortgage insurance is not required.

Other benefits of a VA loan include:

• Negotiable interest rate.

• Closing costs are comparable - and sometimes lower - than other financing types.

• No private mortgage insurance requirement.

• Right to prepay loan without penalties

• Mortgage can be taken over (or "assumed") by the buyer when a home is sold.

• Counseling and assistance are available to veteran borrowers having financial difficulty or facing default on their loan.

Although mortgage insurance is not required, the VA charges a funding fee to issue a guarantee to a lender against borrower default on a mortgage. The fee may be paid in cash by the buyer or seller, or it may be financed in the loan amount. The funding fee amount may vary depending

on the service terms however on average the funding fee ranges between 2.15% and 2.40% of the loan amount. This amount is usually added on top of the loan increasing the financed amount and payment slightly. It should be noted that Veterans who have a service related disability often have their funding fee waived by the VA.

A VA loan can be used to buy a home, and even improve a home with energy-saving features such as solar or heating/cooling systems, water heaters, insulation, weather-stripping/ caulking, storm windows/doors or other energy-efficient improvements approved by the lender and VA.

Buccaneer Mortgage specializes in VA loans and provides this service in Florida and The US Virgin Islands. Other benefits of a VA loan include:

• Negotiable interest rate.

• Closing costs are comparable - and sometimes lower - than other financing types.

• No private mortgage insurance requirement.

• Right to prepay loan without penalties

• Mortgage can be taken over (or "assumed") by the buyer when a home is sold.

• Counseling and assistance are available to veteran borrowers having financial difficulty or facing default on their loans.

Although mortgage insurance Is not required, the VA charges a funding fee to issue a guarantee to a lender against borrower default on a mortgage. The fee may be paid in cash by the buyer or seller, or it may be financed in the loan amount.

A VA loan can be used to buy a home, and even improve a home with energy-saving features such as solar or heating/cooling systems, water heaters, insulation, weather-stripping/ caulking, storm windows/doors or other energy-efficient improvements approved by the lender and VA.

Veterans can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. A Certificate of Eligibility from the VA must be presented to the lender to qualify for the loan.

CONVENTIONAL LOANS

Conventional Mortgages are primarily provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and are alternatives to FHA and VA loans or government loans. Currently, conventional mortgages in Florida and the US Virgin Islands can be utilized to purchase and refinance primary residents and Investor properties up to four units. Convention al mortgages offer home loans without mortgage insurance with a maximum loan amount of 97 percent. US Virgin Islands Conventional Loans that require mortgage insurance are not accepted at this time with loan to values above 8O%. Please call for additional information. 1-800-579-9677.

At this time conventional mortgages normally require a minimum credit score of 620 In order to qualify for a minimum loan and as high as a 720 credit score for some options. Conventional loans offer fixed and adjustable-rate products and most products come without a prepayment penalty. The maximum Loan Amount In the US Virgin Islands is 1.5 Million.


For additional information please contact Buccaneer Mortgage at 1-800-579-9677.