VA Home Benefits

VA Home Purchase Loan
No Down Payment Required

Your military service earns you one of the most powerful home-buying tools available. VA purchase loans offer $0 down, no PMI, and rates that consistently beat the market.

See How the Process Works

Why VA Purchase Loans Stand Apart

Benefits earned through your service — unavailable through conventional financing

$0 Down Payment

Qualified veterans can purchase a home without any down payment. On a $400,000 home, that means keeping $40,000–$80,000 in your pocket compared to conventional financing.

No Private Mortgage Insurance

Conventional loans require PMI when you put down less than 20%. VA loans never require PMI — saving veterans $100–$300+ per month on a typical loan.

Competitive Interest Rates

VA loan rates are consistently among the lowest available — often 0.25%–0.5% below conventional loan rates for the same credit profile.

Limited Closing Costs

The VA limits what lenders can charge veterans at closing. Sellers can also pay all of a veteran's closing costs, making it possible to buy with truly zero out-of-pocket costs.

No Prepayment Penalty

Pay off your VA loan early, make extra payments, or sell your home at any time without penalty — complete financial flexibility.

Reusable Benefit

Your VA loan benefit is not a one-time use. After paying off a VA loan, your entitlement is restored and can be used again on a future home purchase.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Veterans

Served 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime, and discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Active Duty

Currently serving with at least 90 continuous days on active duty.

National Guard & Reserves

At least 6 years of service, or 90 days active duty under Title 10 federal orders, including during wartime.

Surviving Spouses

Un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

Full eligibility rules are determined by the VA. A lender can help you obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in minutes.

The VA Purchase Process

01

Get Pre-Approved

Work with a VA-approved lender to get pre-approved. The lender will pull your credit, verify income, and issue a pre-approval letter showing sellers you are a serious buyer.

02

Find a Home

Work with a real estate agent familiar with VA transactions. The home must be your primary residence and meet VA Minimum Property Requirements.

03

Make an Offer

Your agent submits an offer. VA buyers can request that the seller pay all closing costs — a powerful negotiating tool in many markets.

04

VA Appraisal

After the offer is accepted, the VA orders an appraisal to verify property value and condition. The lender submits the appraisal request to the VA.

05

Underwriting & Close

The lender finalizes underwriting and schedules closing. Most VA purchases close in 30–45 days from the accepted offer.

Already Own a Home?

If you purchased your home with a VA loan and want to lower your rate, the VA IRRRL is the fastest path. Want cash from your equity? A VA Cash-Out Refinance may be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Explore VA Refinancing Options

Already own a home with a VA loan? Learn how to lower your rate or access your equity through VA refinancing programs.