VA Home Loans FAQ’s

VA loans are a lifelong benefit for Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible surviving spouses. Eligibility typically requires meeting minimum service requirements. The best part? We can instantly access your digital Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online, so you don’t have to.

While the VA doesn’t set a minimum, most lenders today look for a score of 620 or higher. The good news is that modern underwriting systems allow for more flexibility. We specialize in evaluating your entire financial picture, not just a number, and can often find solutions where others can’t.

Yes, absolutely. The $0 down payment benefit is a permanent and powerful cornerstone of the VA loan program. You can finance up to 100% of your home’s value, making homeownership accessible without the burden of saving for a large down payment.

The VA funding fee is a one-time percentage of the loan amount that helps sustain the program for future borrowers. The exact percentage depends on factors like your service type, down payment, and whether it’s your first or subsequent loan use. For most first-time borrowers with no down payment, the fee is 2.15%. This fee can be rolled into your loan, and Veterans with a service-connected disability are typically exempt.

For most first-time borrowers with no down payment, the fee is 2.15%.
    •    This fee can be rolled into your loan.
    •    Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the funding fee.

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability are also exempt.

VA loans consistently offer some of the most competitive rates on the market. Typically, you can expect a VA interest rate 0.25% – 0.50% lower than a conventional loan. Combined with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, this leads to significant savings over the life of your loan.

You can! Your eligibility extends to purchasing a multi-unit property (up to 4 units), as long as you intend to live in one unit as your primary residence. This is an excellent strategy for generating rental income. Your benefit can also be used for condos, new construction, and even to make energy-efficient improvements.

Speed is essential in today’s housing market. Our process is built for it. By using a secure digital platform, we can provide a verified pre-approval letter in minutes, not days. This robust approval makes your offer competitive with cash buyers and shows sellers you’re serious.

A VA appraisal is required to ensure the property is worth the purchase price and meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for safety and soundness. The process is more efficient than ever, with streamlined digital tools helping to accelerate timelines while protecting your investment.

Yes, and it’s one of the smartest ways to use your benefit. The VA IRRRL (or “Streamline Refinance”) is designed to lower your interest rate with minimal paperwork. For homeowners with equity, a VA Cash-Out Refinance allows you to tap into your home’s value at competitive rates to pay off debt or fund major projects.

The VA program is always evolving to better serve Veterans. Beyond purchases and refinances, ask us about how you can use your benefit for energy-efficient upgrades or about any new pilot programs that might be available. We stay on top of all changes to ensure you have access to every advantage.