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VA Loans

You served. Now let us help you use one of the most powerful home loan benefits available to veterans and active duty service members.

Smart Financing. Personal Service.

Buying With a VA Loan

Explore VA home buying options by state

Ready to use your VA benefit to buy a home? Pick your state to see VA purchase guidance tailored to your local market, including a quick wizard to start your plan.

Texas VA Purchase

Austin, DFW, Houston, San Antonio

Florida VA Purchase

Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami

Minnesota VA Purchase

Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester

Colorado VA Purchase

Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder

How It Works

What You Need to Know About VA Loans

VA loans are one of the most valuable benefits available to those who have served. They are designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for veterans and their families. If you're building new instead of buying existing, also see our guide on VA one-time close construction loans in Texas.

No Down Payment Required

Eligible borrowers can purchase a home with zero down, making it possible to buy without years of saving for a large down payment.

No Private Mortgage Insurance

Unlike conventional and FHA loans, VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance, which keeps your payment lower.

VA Funding Fee

Most borrowers pay a one time funding fee instead of monthly mortgage insurance. The amount varies based on your service history, down payment, and whether it is your first time using the benefit. Certain veterans are exempt.

Flexible Credit Guidelines

VA loans tend to be more forgiving than conventional loans when it comes to credit history, making them accessible to a wider range of borrowers.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Service: Meets VA minimum service requirements

Certificate of Eligibility: Required to confirm VA entitlement

Credit Score: No VA minimum, lenders typically require 580 to 620

Debt to Income: Reviewed with VA residual income guidelines

Property: Primary residence only

Occupancy: Borrower must intend to occupy the home

Pros and Cons

Is a VA Loan Right for You?

For eligible borrowers, a VA loan is one of the best mortgage options available. Here is what makes it stand out and what to keep in mind.

The Advantages

Zero down payment required in most cases.
No private mortgage insurance ever.
Competitive interest rates often lower than conventional loans.
More flexible credit and income guidelines.
Limits on closing costs that lenders can charge.
Loan is assumable by a qualified buyer in the future.

The Tradeoffs

Only available to eligible Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses.
VA funding fee required unless exempt due to disability.
Property must meet VA minimum property requirements.
Some sellers are unfamiliar with VA loans which can complicate offers.
Only available for primary residences.
Certificate of Eligibility required before closing.

Who It's Best For

VA Loans Work Best For...

If you are eligible, a VA loan is almost always worth exploring first. The combination of no down payment and no mortgage insurance is difficult to match with any other loan program.

Active Duty Service Members

Service members currently on active duty who are ready to purchase a primary residence near their duty station.

Veterans Ready to Buy

Veterans who want to maximize their hard earned benefit and purchase a home with zero down and no mortgage insurance.

Surviving Spouses

Eligible surviving spouses of Veterans who want to take advantage of VA loan benefits to purchase or refinance a home.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.

What is a VA loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit available to eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. It is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and offers significant advantages over conventional financing.

Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?

In most cases no. Eligible borrowers can purchase a home with no down payment, which is one of the most valuable benefits the VA loan program offers.

Is there mortgage insurance on a VA loan?

No. VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance regardless of your down payment. There is a one time funding fee in most cases, which can be rolled into the loan.

Who is eligible for a VA loan?

Eligibility is based on your service history. Generally this includes veterans, active duty members, National Guard and Reserve members who meet service requirements, and eligible surviving spouses.

Can I use a VA loan more than once?

Yes. VA loan benefits can be used multiple times as long as you meet eligibility requirements and have remaining entitlement available.

VA Purchase

Buy a home with $0 down and no monthly PMI for eligible borrowers.

VA IRRRL Refi

Streamline refinance to a lower VA rate with minimal paperwork.

VA Cash-Out Refi

Tap your home equity using your VA benefit, up to 90% LTV.

VA Loan Calculator

Estimate your VA payment, funding fee, and cash to close in about 60 seconds.