USDA vs VA loans

[Anonymous]

My question is if one is easier to qualify for than the other??? We are looking to buy in a area that would qualify for a USDA loan and now with the income limits raised there would be no problem on that end. I really have never focused on the USDA loans because we were so close to the income limits in the past.

[ShanetheMortgageMan]

USDA is a much easier process than VA - no COE, no VA reviewing the appraisal, less disclosures, etc.  Yes USDA does need to do "final review" once your loan is all done with the underwriter, but it's just to make sure that nothing was missed (rather than a re-qualification for USDA).  Plus if you use USDA vs. VA you can keep your 1st time use VA funding fee around for your next home (if you so choose to go that way).  USDA offers a refinance option (not streamline) and VA offers a refinance option (streamilne, no appraisal or requalification needed), but rates being where they are now it's unlikely you'd need to do a refinance to get better rates in the future.