Zero-down financing designed exclusively for America’s Veterans, service members, and select surviving spouses.
Fast Facts
- Down Payment: 0% with full entitlement
- Loan Limits (Partial Entitlement Only): $766,550 in standard-cost counties; up to $1,149,825 in high-cost areas (2025) Mortgage Benefits Center
- Funding Fee: 0.5 %–3.3 %†(one-time, can be rolled into the loan) American Mortgage Network
- Credit Benchmark: No VA-mandated minimum; most lenders start at 580-620
- Refi Programs: IRRRL (“VA Streamline”) and Cash-Out up to 100 % LTV
†Funding fee waived for Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability or Purple Heart recipients.
Why Choose a VA Loan?
- No Down Payment – Preserve cash for PCS moves, savings, or investments.
- No Monthly Mortgage Insurance – Lower payments compared with FHA or low-down conventional.
- Flexible Credit & DTI – Compensating factors like residual income guidelines can approve borrowers other loans decline.
- Reusable Benefit – Use it again after selling or refinancing; even hold multiple VA loans with partial entitlement.
- Rate Flexibility – Competitive fixed- and adjustable-rate options; Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) for easy refi.
- Assumability – Future buyers can assume your low-rate VA mortgage (subject to VA/Lender approval).
Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purchase Loans | 100 % financing on primary residences, including single-family, certain condos, and multi-unit (≤4) homes if you occupy one unit. |
| VA IRRRL (Streamline Refi) | No appraisal or income docs in most cases; lower rate or switch ARM→fixed swiftly. |
| VA Cash-Out Refi | Refinance any existing loan—and access up to 100 % of your home’s value for renovations, debt consolidation, or investments. |
| Native American Direct Loan (NADL) | Direct 30-yr loans from VA for eligible Native American Veterans purchasing or building on Federal Trust Land. |
| Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) | Add up to $6,000 for qualified energy-saving improvements without separate financing. |
Eligibility Checklist
- Service History
- 90 consecutive days active duty during wartime or
- 181 consecutive days during peacetime or
- 6 years in the National Guard/Reserves or
- Surviving spouse of a Veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – Easily requested online or through your lender. Veterans Affairs
- Residual Income – VA underwriters confirm you have enough cash flow after major expenses to meet family needs–a unique consumer safeguard.
2025 Funding-Fee Schedule (Purchase & Construction)
| Down Payment | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0% – <5 % | 2.15 % | 3.30 % |
| ≥5 % – <10 % | 1.50 % | 1.50 % |
| ≥10 % | 1.25 % | 1.25 % |
(IRRRLs carry a 0.5 % fee; some refinances and disability ratings are exempt.) American Mortgage Network
How the Process Works
- Obtain Your COE – We’ll pull it instantly from the VA portal.
- Pre-Qualification & Rate Quote – Soft credit pull available.
- House Hunt & Offer – Present a rock-solid VA approval letter.
- Appraisal & Underwriting – VA-certified appraisal plus lender review.
- Clear to Close – Review Closing Disclosure; sign with remote e-notary in most states.
- Move-In Day – Receive keys and celebrate homeownership with $0 down!
Average contract-to-close: 24 days with our digital portal and priority Veteran underwriting desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really no loan limits?
Correct—if you have full entitlement, you can borrow above local conforming limits without a down payment; only your lender’s guidelines and appraisal determine the ceiling. Veterans Affairs
What if I’ve already used my VA benefit?
You may still have partial entitlement. In that case, 2025 limits of $766,550 (standard) or up to $1,149,825 (high-cost) apply for zero-down purchases; larger loans require a small down payment. Mortgage Benefits Center
Does the VA set interest rates?
No. Private lenders set rates, but the VA guaranty lets them price competitively—often below comparable conventional loans.
Can I reuse my VA loan after selling?
Yes. Once the prior VA loan is paid off (or assumed with substitution of entitlement), your full entitlement is restored.
Do I need perfect credit?
The VA has no minimum FICO requirement, though most lenders look for 580–620. Residual-income rules can offset a thin credit profile.
Tools & Resources
- VA Payment Calculator – See estimated PITI + funding fee.
- Entitlement Restorer Guide – Step-by-step instructions if you’ve had a previous VA loan.
- Funding Fee Waiver Checklist – Documentation needed for disability exemptions.
- Weekly “Homefront Briefing” Podcast – Market talk & tips from our VA Mortgage Guys team.
Why MortgageInsights.org?
- Veteran-Owned Perspective – Content created with input from retired Special Operations Colonel Brad Osterman.
- Rate Alerts – Get SMS/email when VA rates dip 0.125 %.
- Nationwide Lender Network – We connect you to VA-approved lenders licensed in all 50 states.
- Zero Junk Fees – Transparent Loan Estimates, no “ordinarily allowable” surprises.