Improving Credit - How can I help myself before applying for a VA home loan.
Because your VA loan eligibility depends on your debt ratio, it's a good idea to start thinking about fixing your credit long before actually filling out loan paperwork. The best way to help yourself out is to follow the advice of a credit counselor, but you can also take steps on your own to increase your eligibility for a VA home loan. Eliminate as much credit card debt as possible. If you can get yourself down to a single card and stay that way for six months, you will be well on your way to improving your debt ratio and your credit rating. Remember that the maximum debt ratio allowed for approval is 41%, and that your credit rating is also a factor. If you are within a few months of paying off a major debt such as an automobile loan, do so as quickly as possible. You'll most likely need to allow for credit reporting agencies to "catch up" with your newly paid off cards and loans.
