VA home loans · For those who served
Put the home loan benefit you earned to work.
VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans, service members and some surviving spouses. There’s no monthly mortgage insurance, and your loan officer can help you request your Certificate of Eligibility.
What to know.
The essentials, in plain English.
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Most loans with a small down payment add monthly mortgage insurance. VA loans don’t. Most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, and some veterans are exempt.
- Less cash up front
- VA loans can ask for less down than most other loans, which keeps more of your savings in reserve. Your loan officer walks you through the full terms.
- Limits on what you’re charged
- The VA limits some of the fees a veteran can be charged, and sellers can pay some of your closing costs.
- Someone who knows the VA process
- Your loan officer handles the Certificate of Eligibility, the funding fee questions and the VA appraisal with you, so the paperwork isn’t yours alone.
What happens after you press the button.
- Your loan officer reaches out
- Christine reads what you send personally and gets in touch to talk it through.
- What you’ll talk about
- Your service history, your plans for the home and your budget. Your loan officer can start on your Certificate of Eligibility.
- What to have handy
- Your DD-214 or a statement of service, if it’s nearby. Everything else can wait until you apply.
Who it fits
Those who served, and some of their surviving spouses.
- Veterans
- Active-duty service members
- National Guard and Reserve members
- Some surviving spouses
What you’ll need
Your loan officer confirms what your file needs.
- Your DD-214, or a statement of service if you’re on active duty
- Recent pay stubs or LES, W-2s and tax returns
- Bank statements
- Your VA disability award letter, if you have one
Common questions
Who is eligible for a VA loan?
Veterans, active-duty service members, and National Guard and Reserve members who meet the service requirements, plus some surviving spouses. Your Certificate of Eligibility confirms it.
VA or conventional: which is right for me?
If you’re eligible, a VA loan often costs less up front and has no monthly mortgage insurance. A conventional loan can finance a second home or a rental, which a VA loan doesn’t. Compare both, with the full terms of each.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
The document that shows a lender you’re eligible for a VA loan. Your loan officer can usually request it for you through the VA’s own system.
What is the VA funding fee?
A one-time fee that helps fund the program. It depends on your service, the loan and whether you have used the benefit before, and many borrowers add it to the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability are usually exempt.
Can I use my VA benefit more than once?
Yes. Your entitlement can be restored after a VA loan is paid off, and in some cases you can have more than one VA loan.
Is there a minimum credit score?
The VA doesn’t set one, though lenders have their own guidelines. Your loan officer looks at your whole picture: credit, income and debts together.
Can the seller help with my closing costs?
Yes. VA rules let sellers pay some of your closing costs, within limits, and the VA restricts some of the fees a veteran can be charged.
Will checking my options affect my credit?
Answering a few questions doesn’t check your credit. A credit check comes later, only with your permission, and your loan officer can explain how it may affect your score.
What if I don’t qualify?
Your loan officer explains why, and whether another loan such as FHA or conventional may fit while you work on what’s missing.
What does a VA loan cost?
Closing costs and the one-time funding fee, unless you’re exempt. The VA limits some fees, sellers can pay some costs, and your Loan Estimate lists every cost before you commit.
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Arlington families,
in their own words.
“I had the best experience with Christine, she was very knowledgeable, guided my family and I through the process of home purchase and made sure that all our paperwork were in order. She was also great in keeping us updated with the process.”
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uwimana zaituni
“I want to give a huge thank you to Christine for all of her help throughout my home buying journey.”
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Bankole Adedayo
“I had a very good experience with Christine, she made my process very easy. Her communication is very strong. I highly recommend her.”
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“I love the way she talks to me when I have questions she always answers right away and she knows what to do. She’s very good. She’s taking good care of the customers. I was happy working with her”
Uwineza Espe
“Christine Amoah is amazing! As a first-time buyer I had a lot of questions and she made everything so simple and stress-free. She was responsive, patient, and fought to get me the best rate. Communication was 10/10 - I never had to wonder what was happening.”
Cyusa Tunga
“I am so glad and proud we were able to find and work with Christine. Her way of taking time and answer our question and offer help wherever it was needed is unmatched.”
Provie Umugwaneza
“Thank you, Christine, for your great service and cooperation. You have always been ready to answer our questions, provide helpful guidance, and share valuable advice throughout the process. We truly appreciate your support and dedication.”
Alexis
Thank you for serving.
Let’s find your home.
Talk through your benefit with Christine on a call, or start online when you’re ready.
(972) 900-6464