All home loans with a VA guarantee, including Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans, require a lender’s certification, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In recent guidance, the agency clarified that the lender certification requirement applies to all VA-backed loans, and is not contingent upon the type of VA loan. Jeff London, director of the VA Loan Guaranty Service, said there have been inquiries from lenders and the VA regional loan centers regarding the validity of the lender certification on an IRRRL. The lender certification is required on IRRRLs, whether or not underwriting is required, London clarified. Under VA rules, lenders must certify that the VA loans they originate comply fully with the law and meet VA’s underwriting standards. The IRRRL is a streamlined program that requires very little verification yet allows veterans to refinance at a lower rate based on their ...