Veterans Guide to VA Loans in Kansas
For Veterans planning to buy a home in Kansas, the VA loan program provides numerous advantages that can make homeownership more attainable.
With benefits like no down payment and flexible credit requirements, VA loans are a great option for military personnel and their families. Kansas offers various state-specific programs and housing assistance for Veterans, further enhancing the value of VA loans.
This guide will outline the key aspects of VA loans in Kansas, the state’s housing market, and highlight available programs that support Veterans in achieving their homeownership goals.
Understanding VA Loans
VA loans are government-backed mortgages available to eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses, offering unique benefits such as:
1. No Down Payment Requirement
- Helps buyers conserve cash for other expenses.
- Eliminates the need to save for years before purchasing a home.
2. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
- Reduces monthly costs for borrowers.
- Makes homeownership more affordable compared to conventional loans with PMI.
3. Competitive Interest Rates
- Lower monthly mortgage payments.
- Reduces overall interest paid over the term of the loan.
4. Flexible Credit Requirements
- Opens opportunities for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
- Provides flexibility for veterans to secure a home loan.
5. Limits on Closing Costs
- Lowers initial expenses when buying a home.
- Offers protection from excessive closing fees.
VA loans can be used for purchasing a primary residence, refinancing an existing loan, or even making energy-efficient home improvements.
Kansas Veteran Programs by City
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) – Veterans Homebuyer Assistance, Wichita
KHRC offers various assistance programs for veterans in Wichita, providing down payment support, low-interest loans, and access to affordable housing options. These programs help make homeownership more achievable for low- to moderate-income veterans in Wichita.
Explore Kansas Housing Resources for Veterans in Wichita -
Veteran Housing Fund – Wichita
The Veteran Housing Fund helps veterans and their families secure stable housing in Wichita. The program offers financial assistance for housing, relocation services, and basic necessities like meals, focusing on transitioning veterans into homeownership.
Learn more about the Veteran Housing Fund in Wichita -
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – Wichita
The SSVF program offers housing stabilization services, case management, and temporary financial assistance for very low-income veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Wichita. Veterans can receive housing support and assistance toward long-term stability.
Find out more about SSVF Services in Wichita -
Wichita Home Weatherization Program
Wichita provides a home weatherization program aimed at low-income households, including veterans, to improve energy efficiency. Eligible veterans can receive up to $15,000 in upgrades for heating, cooling, and energy-saving improvements.
Discover Wichita Home Weatherization Program -
Wounded Warrior Project – Wichita Office
The Wounded Warrior Project offers extensive services to veterans in Wichita, including homeownership support, financial counseling, and various programs aimed at improving veterans’ quality of life. The Wichita office serves veterans locally and across Kansas.
Learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project in Wichita
- Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) – Veterans Homebuyer Assistance
KHRC provides various assistance programs for veterans in Overland Park, including down payment support, low-interest loans, and access to affordable housing options. These programs aim to make homeownership more accessible to low- to moderate-income veterans.
Explore Kansas Housing Resources for Veterans - Veteran Housing Fund – Overland Park
The Veteran Housing Fund assists veterans and their families in securing stable housing. The program offers financial help for housing, relocation services, and other support like meals and basic necessities, focusing on helping veterans become homeowners in Overland Park.
Learn more about the Veteran Housing Fund - Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – Overland Park
The SSVF program provides housing stabilization services, case management, and temporary financial assistance for very low-income veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Veterans in Overland Park can receive housing support and assistance toward achieving long-term stability.
Find out more about SSVF Services - Overland Park Home Weatherization Program
Overland Park offers a home weatherization program to help low-income households, including veterans, improve energy efficiency in their homes. Veterans can apply to receive up to $15,000 in upgrades focused on heating, cooling, and energy savings.
Discover Overland Park Home Weatherization Program - Wounded Warrior Project – Overland Park Office
The Wounded Warrior Project provides a wide range of services to veterans across Kansas, helping with homeownership support, financial counseling, and more. The Overland Park office serves veterans in multiple states and offers resources specifically geared toward improving veterans’ quality of life.
Learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project
- Kansas Housing Assistance Program (KHAP): This statewide initiative offers up to 5% in down payment assistance grants for first-time homebuyers. Eligible veterans must have a minimum credit score of 640 and meet specific income and purchase price limits. Learn more.
- 2. Community Housing of Wyandotte County (CHWC): CHWC provides down payment and closing cost assistance programs to help individuals and families purchase homes in Kansas City, KS. Through partnerships, they offer various grants and loans to make homeownership more accessible. Discover more.
- 3. Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – reStart Inc.: reStart’s SSVF program assists veteran families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in obtaining and maintaining stable housing. Services include housing search assistance, financial aid, counseling, and employment support. Find out more.
- 4. St. Michael’s Veterans Center (SMVC): SMVC provides affordable and permanent housing solutions for veterans, along with support services aimed at fostering a vibrant community. They offer quality housing coupled with various support programs. Learn more.
- 5. Heroes Homegate – KC Footprints: This program offers transitional housing and supportive services to veterans, including assistance in obtaining vital documents, employment support, and help with housing applications. Read more.
- 6. Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph – Veteran Services: This organization provides comprehensive support, including one-on-one case management, short-term rent and utility assistance, employment education, and housing counseling to veterans in need. Explore services.
- Each program has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. It’s advisable to contact the respective organizations directly to obtain the most current information and determine your eligibility.
- Olathe Housing Assistance Program (OHAP):
This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance for low- to moderate-income homebuyers, including veterans. Eligible veterans may receive up to 5% of the purchase price as a grant for home buying assistance.
Learn more - 2. Veterans Community Project – Kansas City Metro:
Though based in Kansas City, the Veterans Community Project (VCP) provides housing support and services to veterans across the region, including Olathe. Their services include transitional housing and financial counseling to help veterans achieve stable homeownership.
Learn more. - 3. Homes for Heroes – Olathe Chapter:
This national program offers special savings to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders when buying, selling, or refinancing a home. The Olathe chapter provides rebates and discounts on real estate services.
Find out more. - 4. Habitat for Humanity – Olathe Veterans Program:
Habitat for Humanity offers home repair and new homeownership opportunities for veterans. Veterans can access affordable housing solutions and participate in the building process, creating a long-term investment in their community.
Learn more - 5. Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas:
SSVF helps veterans and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness by offering services such as rental assistance, housing counseling, and financial planning. They work to ensure veterans can access stable housing and homeownership options.
Find out more
- Topeka Housing Authority (THA) – Veterans Housing Assistance:
The Topeka Housing Authority offers various housing assistance programs to veterans, including rental assistance and affordable homeownership programs. Veterans can apply for subsidies to ease the financial burden of purchasing a home.
Topeka Housing Authority Veterans Assistance - 2. Veterans Community Project – Topeka:
The Veterans Community Project (VCP) offers transitional housing and financial assistance to help veterans in Topeka find stable housing. The VCP also provides counseling and support services to veterans in need of homeownership assistance.
Veterans Community Project in Topeka - 3. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) – Topeka Programs:
KHRC offers low-interest loans, down payment assistance, and tax credits for veterans buying a home in Topeka. They aim to assist low-income veterans in obtaining affordable housing in the city.
Kansas Housing Resources for Veterans in Topeka - 4. Habitat for Humanity – Topeka Chapter:
Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing options for veterans in Topeka through their homeownership and home repair programs. Veterans can apply for housing support and engage in building their future homes.
Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran Programs in Topeka - 5. Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – Topeka:
The SSVF program, run by various local organizations in Topeka, offers housing counseling, financial assistance, and rental support to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program helps veterans transition to stable housing and homeownership.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families in Topeka
Kansas Housing Market Overview
As of 2024, Kansas has remained an affordable state for homebuyers, offering a stable and less competitive market compared to many other states. Kansas is seeing steady growth in its housing market, though at a slower pace than larger states like Texas or California. Home prices vary significantly between urban and rural areas, with larger cities like Wichita and Overland Park seeing more demand.
The median home price in Kansas currently sits around $250,000, making homeownership accessible for many Veterans. Cities like Wichita offer a balanced mix of affordability and urban convenience, while rural areas boast even lower home prices, making them attractive to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Kansas Average Home Prices:
| City | Average Home Price |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $240,000 |
| Overland Park | $465,000 |
| Kansas City | $290,000 |
| Topeka | $173,000 |
| Olathe | $400,000 |
| Lawrence | $350,000 |
Though prices are on the rise, Kansas remains an affordable place for Veterans due to the cost of living and availability of housing options.
Kansas VA Loan Limit
$766,550
In 2024, the VA removed loan limits for Veterans with full entitlement, meaning eligible Kansas Veterans can borrow as much as their lender will approve without a down payment. Typically, the VA loan limit follows the conventional loan limit, which is currently $726,200 across all Kansas counties.
For those with partial entitlement (Veterans who already have a VA loan or defaulted on one), loan limits still apply and vary by county. Urban areas like Overland Park or Kansas City may see higher loan limits than more rural areas.
Kansas Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans
Kansas offers property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans, which can help reduce the cost of homeownership. The amount of the exemption is based on the percentage of the Veteran’s disability.
- Veterans with 100% disability are fully exempt from property taxes.
- Those with a 70-100% disability rating may qualify for a $10,000 exemption.
- Veterans with 50-69% disability may be eligible for a $7,500 exemption.
- Veterans with a 30-49% disability rating may receive a $5,000 exemption.
These tax exemptions can make a significant difference for Veterans in reducing the cost of homeownership in Kansas.
Kansas Housing Programs for Veterans
Kansas offers several housing assistance programs for Veterans, providing low-interest loans, down payment assistance, and tax credits to help Veterans achieve homeownership. These programs aim to make buying a home more accessible for those who served.
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) provides affordable housing opportunities for low to moderate-income households, including Veterans. Veterans can access down payment assistance and low-interest loan options through this program.
- Offers low-interest mortgage loans for eligible Veterans.
- Provides down payment assistance programs to make homeownership more affordable.
- Helps Veterans with moderate incomes access affordable housing.
- KHRC Website
Kansas VA Home Loan Guarantee Program
This program, administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides Kansas Veterans with access to VA-backed home loans with no down payment and competitive interest rates.
- Guarantees loans for Kansas Veterans, making homeownership more affordable.
- Available for home purchases, refinancing, and home improvements.
- VA guarantees reduce lender risk, allowing Veterans to secure better loan terms.
Kansas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
The Kansas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program allows eligible Veterans to reduce their federal income tax liability based on the mortgage interest they pay each year.
- Provides tax credits for Veterans to reduce federal income tax liability.
- Veterans can claim up to 20-30% of mortgage interest paid annually as a tax credit.
- Helps Veterans lower their overall housing costs.
- Kansas MCC Program
Homes for Veterans (KHRC)
Homes for Veterans is a KHRC program that provides housing assistance tailored specifically to Veterans and their families. This program offers low-interest loans, down payment assistance, and housing counseling services to help Veterans navigate the home-buying process.
- Special mortgage rates and down payment assistance for Veterans.
- Available for Veterans, first responders, and essential workers.
- Supports Veterans in buying homes in Kansas through financial assistance and counseling.
- Kansas Housing Program
FAQs about Kansas VA Loans
1. What is the current VA loan limit in Kansas?
The current VA loan limit in Kansas for 2024 is $766,550. Veterans with full entitlement can borrow beyond this limit without a down payment, based on lender approval.
2. Are there special programs for Kansas Veterans to help with home buying?
Yes, Kansas offers several programs for Veterans, including the KHRC, MCC program, and property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans.
3. Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?
No, most Kansas Veterans can purchase a home with a VA loan without a down payment, provided they have full entitlement.
4. What credit score is required for a VA loan?
VA loans typically have flexible credit requirements, but most lenders in Kansas will look for a credit score of at least 620.
5. Can I use a VA loan to buy land in Kansas?
VA loans are primarily for purchasing primary residences, but Kansas Veterans can look into the VLB Veterans Land Loan Program for land purchases.
6. Are property taxes high in Kansas?
Property tax rates in Kansas vary by county but are generally moderate. Some Veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions based on their disability rating.
7. What housing programs are available for low-income Veterans in Kansas?
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) offers various programs for low to moderate-income Veterans, including down payment assistance and low-interest loans.
8. Can I refinance my home with a VA loan?
Yes, Kansas Veterans can refinance their existing loans with a VA loan to take advantage of lower rates or change their loan terms.
Who are VA Loans For?
VA loans are a great choice for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses looking to buy a home without requiring a down payment. This type of loan is especially beneficial for those with limited savings or lower credit scores. Furthermore, VA loans are an excellent option for refinancing existing mortgages.
How VA Loans Work?
VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), providing lenders with protection in case the borrower defaults. This guarantee enables veterans to obtain loans with more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and no requirement for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
How to Qualify?
- Served at least 90 consecutive days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.
- VA Certificate of Eligibility
- No down payment required.
- Minimum 620 credit score
- Debt-to-income of 45% or lower
VA Loan Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a VA loan, applicants must meet the service and eligibility criteria set by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans: Those who have met the required active-duty service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Active-duty service members: Current active-duty personnel are eligible to apply. National Guard and Reserve members: Must have completed six years of service or served a minimum of 90 days of active duty during wartime. Surviving spouses: Spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury may qualify for VA loan benefits.
Here are the basic service time requirements:
- 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime
- 181 consecutive days of active duty during peacetime
- 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves, or 90 days of active-duty service under Title 32 orders (with at least 30 consecutive days served)