Eligibility and entitlement
A Certificate of Eligibility helps document qualifying service and available entitlement. A lender can often request it, but eligibility alone is not loan approval.
VA Home Loans
Put your VA home loan benefit to work
We're proud to help veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses utilize their VA loan benefits.
Use the benefit with a complete plan
VA financing is powerful—and the details still matter
VA-backed financing can offer eligible borrowers a path to purchase without a required down payment and without monthly private mortgage insurance. Qualification still considers credit, stable qualifying income, debts, residual income, occupancy, entitlement, the property, and lender requirements. A careful review should connect the benefit to the actual home and budget.
Funding fee and exemptions
A VA funding fee may apply and can often be financed. The percentage depends on the transaction and benefit use, while certain eligible borrowers are exempt.
Property and occupancy
The home generally must be the eligible borrower's primary residence and meet VA minimum property requirements in addition to lender and appraisal review.
The VA Loan Advantage
VA-backed financing gives eligible military borrowers a distinct set of purchase and refinance options.
$0 Down May Be Available
Eligible borrowers with sufficient entitlement may be able to purchase without a required down payment.
No PMI Required
Unlike conventional loans, VA loans do not require monthly Private Mortgage Insurance.
Competitive Pricing
VA backing can support competitive pricing. Available rate and cost options still depend on the complete transaction.
A practical VA purchase path
Understanding the benefit early helps the buyer, real-estate agent, and lender coordinate the offer and contract.
- 1
Confirm the financing picture
Review service eligibility, entitlement, income, debts, assets, credit history, occupancy plans, and the target payment range.
- 2
Prepare the pre-approval
Gather requested documents and discuss residual income, seller-paid costs, earnest money, reserves, and any existing VA loan or prior entitlement use.
- 3
Structure the offer
Coordinate the price, closing date, concessions, inspections, and financing terms with the real-estate professionals involved in the transaction.
- 4
Complete appraisal and underwriting
The lender reviews the borrower and transaction while a VA-assigned appraiser evaluates value and applicable minimum property requirements.
VA details to discuss early
These items can affect structure, documentation, or timing and are easier to address before an offer.
- Certificate of Eligibility and available entitlement
- Current service status or qualifying service history
- Prior VA loan use, an existing VA loan, or a previous VA-related loss
- Funding-fee exemption status, if applicable
- Primary-residence occupancy plans and expected move-in timing
- Property type, condition, association, and any planned seller concessions
VA loan questions
Does a VA loan always require zero down?
Eligible borrowers may be able to finance a purchase with no required down payment, but a down payment can still be required or chosen depending on entitlement, purchase price versus value, lender requirements, or the borrower's strategy.
Does the VA set one minimum credit score?
The VA program does not establish one universal minimum credit score for every lender, but lenders evaluate credit history and may apply their own requirements. The complete file, including income, debts, and residual income, matters.
Can a VA loan be used for an investment property?
VA purchase financing is intended for a primary residence, not a property purchased solely as an investment. Certain multi-unit properties may be eligible when the borrower occupies one unit and all program requirements are met.
What if the VA appraisal identifies repairs?
Required property issues generally must be resolved in a manner acceptable to the lender and VA process before closing. The appraisal is not a substitute for a buyer's independent home inspection.
Keep exploring
VA guidelines and lender overlays
Understand why two lenders can interpret the same VA scenario differently.
Learn moreMortgage second opinion
Get another review if a VA scenario received an unclear answer or denial.
Learn moreCheck your scenario
Connect with a licensed mortgage professional to review eligibility and financing.
Learn more