The Nevada County Veteran Service Office has seen an increase of requests for assistance with obtaining fire insurance for their homes. Usually, we have few options to provide because we cannot influence insurance providers on how to provide their services. The options that we did have to offer became even smaller following the Camp Fire last year. That is until recently.
CalVet has a home loan program that is similar to the VA home loan program. However, unlike the VA home loan program the CalVet home loan could require some money down and has a slightly higher interest rate than the VA home loan. Both loans are beneficial to Veterans because both rates are below the standard interest rates and require less money down.
To qualify for the CalVet home loan a Veteran must have served 90 consecutive days on active duty and received an honorable discharge. Reservists and members of the National Guard must have been called up to active duty. There are also no prior residency rules and you must be financially qualified.
The CalVet home loan comes fully insured through the state. The state guarantees these loans to the lender just like the VA home loan program. In order to protect itself the state has worked with an insurance provider to guarantee each home loan against flood and fire damage regardless of location.
The CalVet home loan is available to all home buyers if eligible and is available to those Veterans who want to refinance their homes. To obtain more information on the CalVet home loan and how to apply please visit: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/HomeLoans or call 866-653-2510.
David West is the Nevada County Veterans Service Officer. Reach him at (530) 265-1446 or david.west@co.nevada.ca.us. The Nevada County Veteran’s Services Office, 988 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.