VA Closing Costs Idaho: Should VA Buyers Ask Sellers to Pay Them?

🏡 Should VA Buyers Ask Sellers to Pay Closing Costs? Pros and Cons in Idaho's Market

When buying a home with a VA loan, one big question always comes up: “What about VA closing costs in Idaho?” It's a smart question - because while VA loans offer $0 down and no PMI, closing costs can still sneak up on you. In this blog, we'll break down what those costs are, whether sellers can pay them, and how to make smart moves in today's Idaho housing market.

Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Yes - but it's not always the right move. Let's break down the pros, cons, and how to approach this smartly in today's Idaho real estate market.

✅ What Are VA Closing Costs - and Can Sellers Pay Them?

VA buyers can't pay certain fees (like the termite report or loan brokerage fees), and closing costs can still add up to 2 - 4% of the home's price. But the VA does allow seller concessions - things like:

Title insurance
Escrow fees
Property taxes
Funding fee
Even prepaids (homeowner's insurance, taxes, etc.)

In Idaho, it's common to ask the seller to pay up to 4% of the loan amount in concessions.

Need more information about VA Loans, check out our web page here.

🟢 Pros of Asking the Seller to Pay Closing Costs

Lower out-of-pocket expenses: You keep more of your savings intact.
Easier cash flow: Makes budgeting smoother, especially for first-time buyers.
You stay competitive with FHA/Conventional buyers: Level the playing field.

🔴 Cons of Asking the Seller to Pay Closing Costs

Your offer may look weaker: In a seller's market (like Boise or Meridian), sellers may choose a cleaner deal.
You might need to increase your offer price: To cover the credit, which can impact appraisals.
Not always negotiable: In competitive areas like Eagle or Kuna, sellers may not be willing.

🧠 Smart Strategy for VA Buyers in Idaho

If you're thinking of asking for closing costs, here are some pro tips from Idaho's top VA lender (yep - that's me, Jerry at 1st Choice Mortgage):

Talk to your lender before you make an offer. We'll run the numbers and make sure it works for the appraisal.
Lean on your realtor. A good agent will help you craft a winning offer, even if you need seller concessions.
Keep it flexible. If you're in a bidding war, you may want to cover some costs yourself to stay competitive.

VA Buyers: You've Earned These Benefits - Let's Use Them Wisely

At 1st Choice Mortgage, we've helped hundreds of veterans and service members navigate the VA loan process here in Idaho - from Boise to Caldwell and everywhere in between. Whether you're just getting started or ready to make an offer, we'll guide you every step of the way with honest advice and local expertise.

Need help crafting a winning VA offer?
Let's talk - and let's make sure you're getting the most from the benefits you've earned.