Can I get a HELOC if I have a VA loan?

Yes. The VA doesn't make HELOCs, but a HELOC from another lender can sit behind your VA first mortgage, so you keep your VA rate.

Does BAH count as income for a HELOC?

Military allowances like BAH are generally counted as income when documented on your Leave and Earnings Statement. Because they're non-taxable, some lenders gross them up.

I'm expecting PCS orders. Should I apply for a HELOC before I move?

Talk to Dan first. Owner-occupied terms require the home to be your primary residence. Once it becomes a rental, investment property rules apply, including a 680+ score and a lower limit.

HELOC in Ridgecrest, CA

Name: Dan Ardis
Address: Bakersfield, CA, 93314, US
Telephone: (661) 342-9381
Price range: $$$
Rating: 5

Indian Wells Valley, next to NAWS China Lake · ZIP 93555

Up to 89.99% CLTV with 700+ FICO 620 minimum credit score Close in as little as 5 business days

(661) 342-9381

Tapping Home Equity in Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest sits in the Indian Wells Valley in eastern Kern County, right outside Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The base and the defense contractors around it are the backbone of the local economy, so Ridgecrest has a large population of active-duty service members, veterans, and civilian federal employees.

That shows up in HELOC files: lots of VA first mortgages, steady federal income, and homes that went through the July 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes. Each has a straightforward answer, and none of them stops you from getting a HELOC.

What Ridgecrest Homeowners Should Know Before Applying

The issues that come up most often on Ridgecrest HELOC files, and how they get solved.

HELOCs behind a VA loan

The VA doesn't offer HELOCs, but a HELOC can sit behind your VA first mortgage as a second lien. That lets you keep a low VA rate instead of resetting the whole balance with a VA cash-out refinance.

Military and federal income

Military base pay and allowances are documented with your Leave and Earnings Statement, and civilian federal income is standard W-2 income. If you expect orders to move, talk to Dan first: owner-occupied terms depend on the home being your primary residence.

Earthquake repairs

HELOC funds can pay for repairs and retrofits. The home's valuation reflects its current condition, so finishing major repairs can also help the value.

How Ridgecrest Homeowners Use HELOCs

Repairs and seismic upgrades
Paying off higher-rate debt
Down payment funds for a home at your next duty station

HELOC Program Basics

Max Combined LTV89.99% (owner-occupied, 700+ FICO, line up to $100,000)

Minimum Credit Score620 owner-occupied · 680 investment

Line Amount$5,000 to $750,000

Draw Period3 to 5 years, unlimited draws

Rate TypesFixed or adjustable

Close TimeAs little as 5 business days on qualifying owner-occupied files

Dan's Take on Ridgecrest HELOCs

If you have a VA loan with a low rate, protect it. A VA cash-out refinance resets your whole balance at today's rate and comes with a funding fee. A HELOC behind your VA loan usually costs much less to open and leaves that rate alone.

Dan Ardis, NMLS# 1412272 | Barrett Financial Group

Ridgecrest HELOC Questions

Estimate your Ridgecrest HELOC line and payment

HELOCs in Nearby Kern County Communities

HELOC in Tehachapi HELOC in Lake Isabella HELOC in Bear Valley Springs All Kern County communities →

Resources

Ridgecrest HELOC Resources

LocalHELOC in BakersfieldFull program details, LTV tiers, and the Bakersfield equity picture LocalMortgage Broker in RidgecrestEvery loan program for Ridgecrest homeowners and buyers ScenarioMilitary Family MortgagesPCS moves, BAH, and military income CalculatorHELOC CalculatorEstimate your line and payment before you apply GuideHELOC Strategy GuideRate math, DTI impact, and smart ways to use a line

Find Out What Your Ridgecrest Home Can Unlock

Dan runs your equity numbers in about 10 minutes. Call (661) 342-9381 or get a quote below.

(661) 342-9381