Deciding to purchase a house in the scenic state of Maine is a huge financial decision, but with the unique benefits provided by the VA loan, your dream of homeownership just got that much easier.
With the average listing price of a home in Maine landing at $432,248, the VA loan’s signature $0-money-down benefit is a considerable advantage for Maine homebuyers.
See also: VA Loan Options for Other States
VA loans are made by private lenders and guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Because private lenders make the loans and not the VA, you need to find a lender licensed in the state you plan to purchase or refinance.
For example, if you're purchasing a home in Lewiston, ME, you'll need to find a lender licensed in Maine to do the loan.
VA borrowers in Maine should also consider the cost and impact of VA loan limits and property taxes when making their home purchase.
VA borrowers in Maine with their full VA loan entitlement are not restricted by VA loan limits. This means you can borrow as much as a lender is willing to lend without needing a down payment.
However, veterans without their full VA loan entitlement are still bound to Maine’s VA loan limits.
As of January 1, 2024, VA loan limits for all counties in Maine are $766,550.
Another consideration for VA buyers in Maine is property taxes. For certain VA buyers, there are exemptions.
You may be eligible for a property tax exemption in Maine if you meet one of the following conditions:
If you are required to pay property tax in Maine, the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau estimates you may pay the following in each county:
County | Property Tax Rate |
---|---|
Androscoggin County | 1.71% |
Aroostook County | 1.46% |
Cumberland County | 1.39% |
Franklin County | 1.25% |
Hancock County | 1.00% |
Kennebec County | 1.37% |
Knox County | 1.32% |
Lincoln County | 1.08% |
Oxford County | 1.33% |
Penobscot County | 1.45% |
Piscataquis County | 1.24% |
Sagadahoc County | 1.38% |
Somerset County | 1.30% |
Waldo County | 1.29% |
Washington County | 1.30% |
York County | 1.27% |
View the graphic below to learn more about how VA loans work in Maine.