Learning Center

Hi, I'm Mark, the host of SAFE Cents! Welcome to our Learning Center, a place where you can improve your financial health.

VA Loan Calculator

What is a VA home loan? 

U.S. service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses who want to become homeowners can apply for a VA Home Loan.  

VA home loans are provided by private lenders but are partially guaranteed by the VA, meaning the lender can offer more favorable terms, like better rates. 

According to the Veterans Benefits Administration, the main pillars of a VA home loan are: 

  • No down payment required by VA (though lenders may require down payments for some borrowers)
  • Competitively low interest rates
  • Limited closing costs
  • No need for Private Mortgage Insurance
  • VA guaranty can be used multiple times throughout your lifetime 

How the VA Home Loan Calculator Works 

After you put in your information, the calculator will estimate your total monthly payment based on these costs: 

  • Principal + interest
  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • VA funding fee (a one-time fee paid to VA which ranges from 0.5% to 3.6%)

Current Mortgage Rates

30-Year Fixed
Annual Percentage Rate as low as
6.301%
APR*
10-Year Fixed
Annual Percentage Rate as low as
5.841%
APR*
30-Year Construction
Annual Percentage Rate as low as
6.892%
APR*

Mortgage FAQs

Buying, remodeling, refinancing, or building a home is a big decision. We’re here to help you learn about the process, research your options, and weigh your decision.

First, ask yourself how much you can spend. Look at all your financial obligations to get a better picture of what you can put into a down payment as well as monthly payments.
 
You also want to consider the other costs of home-buying and ownership, like Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and property tax.  
 
Need a little help with the numbers? Use our handy mortgage calculators to determine if it’s time to buy, calculate your monthly mortgage payments, or decide between mortgage types. 

After you’ve gathered your financial information, you’re all set for the next step—talking to one of our loan officers. They can help you explore your loan options and answer any questions you may have.

Contact Us

Applying for mortgage preapproval with SAFE is quick and easy. The application takes only about 15 minutes, and you can expect a quick response. 

By the way, no official documents (such as ID or proof of income) are required until after you’re pre-approved.

Apply Now

Refinancing can be a great option when your interest rate is above the current market rate. You may wish to refinance in order to: 

  • Lower your monthly mortgage payment 
  • Build equity 
  • Pay off your mortgage loan faster 
  • Get rid of mortgage insurance 
  • Switch from an adjustable to fixed-rate loan

However, when weighing the decision to refinance, it’s important to consider the impact of fees, prepayment penalties, or long-term costs. Those expenses could wipe out your potential savings.

Before you decide, let us help you get a customized rate quote based on your loan details. You can also estimate costs using our mortgage refinance calculator. As always, you can talk to one of our loan officers who will help you weigh your options.  

Contact Us

To get started, simply visit our secure application portal. You can first receive a customized rate quote based on information such as: 

  • Type of refinance (Existing Balance or Cash Out) 
  • Estimated home value/purchase price 
  • Loan amount you’re requesting 
  • Location of the property 
  • Property type 
  • Credit score

When you’re ready to apply, it’s quick and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete your application, and you can expect to quickly hear back from one of our Mortgage Loan Originators.

Apply Now

When you’re ready to apply, it’s quick and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete your application, and you can expect to quickly hear back from one of our Mortgage Loan Originators.

Just like there are benefits to banking with a credit union, there are benefits to borrowing from one, too. As a not-for-profit credit union, we can offer: 

  • Lower interest rates 
  • Fewer fees 
  • Friendly, personalized assistance from local loan officers 

Even when you apply online, a SAFE team member will connect with you to provide one-on-one service throughout the entire mortgage process. You won’t be passed around—your loan will be assigned to a specific loan officer who will guide you from start to finish. 

Not yet a SAFE member? You may qualify for membership based on your location or your membership in one of our partner organizations (including your employer). Learn more about joining safe on our Membership page.

South Carolina Mortgage Loans

Work with our mortgage specialists at SAFE to purchase, remodel, refinance, or build your home. They can help you weigh your options and answer key questions, like: Should I refinance? What can I afford? What interest rate can I expect?

More Mortgage Calculators
Is it the right time to buy a house? What kind of mortgage do you need? Use our calculators to help with decisions about mortgage rates, terms, and refinancing.

Home Affordability Calculator

How much house can you afford based on your financial situation?

Monthly Mortgage Payment Calculator

See if you're better off over time with an adjustable vs. fixed-rate mortgage.

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Is it time to start your house hunt? Understand the different in cost over time between renting and buying.

Tools to help you budget and plan.