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Today's Mortgage Rates in Virginia

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates plus current home buying and refinance advice for Virginia residents

Buying a home in Virginia

When it comes to Virginia real estate, Washington D.C. casts a long shadow over the state. The nation’s capital distorts the state’s housing market, especially in areas within an easy commute of downtown D.C. The distortion has its upsides for those outside its influence. Gorgeous homes in and around the state’s beautiful capital of Richmond can seem highly affordable, compared to those in the commuter belt. And when it comes to actually buying a home in Virginia, laws are different than elsewhere. Many states have laws that require the home seller to disclose any problems that they know about with the home. Virginia is very different — close to the opposite. It takes the view that it’s the buyer's job to evaluate the state of the property and make sure they're satisfied. True, buyers should receive a "residential property disclosure statement." But that contains minimal information. Indeed, the very first item on the disclosure form says that the seller "makes no representations or warranties about the condition of the property or its attachments." In other words, make sure you get a home inspection.

Refinancing a home in Virginia

Refinancing in Virginia is similar to refinancing in most states. But there’s one law, effective from October 1, 2019, that can be helpful in specific circumstances. It concerns the "Priority of residential refinance mortgage over subordinate mortgage." The main thing you need to know is Virginia has a law favoring refinance loans, so lenders don't see them as inherently risky. That means it could be a little easier to refinance in Virginia than in other states. If you want more detail: There's an issue that sometimes arises when a homeowner with a second mortgage they want to keep (such as a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit) tries to refinance. Sometimes those second, smaller loans will take priority over the refinanced mortgage if the homeowner declares bankruptcy. Remember that getting a home loan or refinance is all about "risk." Your lender wants to be sure it'll be protected if you ever default on the loan. And when the larger, refinanced home loan takes second place to the second loan after a foreclosure, the lender might lose money. The Virginia law stops that happening. Providing some basic conditions are met, your second-mortgage company has to stay in the second slot, leaving the first open for your biggest lender. Learn more about how to refinance your home with our complete guide to refinancing.

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