VA home loans are one of the most powerful mortgage options available to military service members, veterans, and their families. These loans offer no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and more flexible credit requirements. But who exactly qualifies—and how do you apply?
This guide breaks it all down: who can receive a VA loan, what service is required, and how to successfully apply step-by-step.
Quick Summary
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- Eligibility includes veterans, active-duty personnel, selected reserve/National Guard members, and eligible surviving spouses.
- Main steps to apply: Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), find a VA-approved lender, get pre-approved, house-hunt, complete appraisal/underwriting, then close.
- VA loans require no down payment and often offer better terms than conventional mortgages.
Who Can Receive a VA Home Loan?
To qualify for a VA loan, applicants must meet specific service requirements set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
You may be eligible if:
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- Active-duty service members with at least 90 consecutive days of service.
- Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, with sufficient service history depending on the era served.
- National Guard or Reserve members with at least 6 years of service, or 90 days of active duty.
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability (and have not remarried).
- Special cases, such as certain cadets, midshipmen, Public Health Service officers, and WWII allied force members, may also qualify.
Tip: If you’re not sure about your status, request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) early to confirm.
Understanding the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE is the document that proves your VA loan eligibility. Here’s how to obtain it:
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- Online through the VA’s eBenefits portal
- Through your lender, who can access the system electronically
- By mail, using VA Form 26-1880
Steps to Apply for a VA Home Loan
Getting a VA home loan is a process, but with the right preparation, it’s very manageable. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get Your COE
Start by securing your Certificate of Eligibility to prove your qualification for the loan.
2. Choose a VA-Approved Lender
Not all lenders offer VA loans. Pick one that’s VA-approved and familiar with military borrowers.
3. Get Pre-Approved
Your lender will check your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio to give you a pre-approval letter and loan estimate.
4. Find a Home and Sign a Purchase Agreement
Start house hunting within your pre-approval range. Once you’ve found the right home, make an offer and sign the purchase agreement.
5. VA Appraisal and Underwriting
A VA-approved appraiser will evaluate the property. At the same time, underwriting will verify your income, employment, and other financial details.
6. Close on the Home
If everything checks out, you’ll sign the final paperwork and receive the keys to your new home.
VA Loan Benefits at a Glance
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- No down payment required in most cases
- No PMI, reducing your monthly payments
- Lower interest rates than conventional mortgages
- Flexible credit standards
- Limited closing costs and seller contribution options
- Help from the VA if you’re facing foreclosure
VA Loan Funding Fee
Most VA borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, which helps fund the program for future veterans. The fee varies:
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- First-time users with no down payment: 2.15%
- Subsequent use: 3.3%
- With a down payment of 10% or more: 1.25%
Note: Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be exempt.
Final Thoughts
VA loans make homeownership significantly more attainable for those who’ve served. If you think you might qualify, your first step is getting your Certificate of Eligibility and working with a VA-approved lender.
Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, or a surviving spouse, the VA loan benefit is designed to help you buy a home with fewer barriers and better terms.
