A powerful home financing benefit for eligible service members and veterans.
VA Loans
The VA home loan benefit is one of the most powerful financial tools available to American veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans offer 100% financing with no monthly mortgage insurance, benefits no other loan type can match.
You've served. This benefit is yours. If you're eligible, a VA loan is almost always the best option on the table. Jake specializes in making sure veterans get every dollar of benefit they've earned.
Eligibility at a Glance
Who Qualifies
Veterans · Active duty · National Guard / Reserve · Eligible surviving spouses
Service Requirement
90 days active duty (wartime) · 181 days (peacetime) · 6 years Guard/Reserve
Credit Score
No VA minimum; most lenders require 580–620+
Down Payment
Zero down for most eligible borrowers (100% financing)
Loan Limits
No limit for first-time VA use with full entitlement (2020+)
Mortgage Insurance
None. VA loans do not require PMI.
VA Funding Fee
1.25%–3.3% (financed into loan); waived for veterans with service-connected disability
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required. Jake can pull your COE directly from the VA system. Most take just a few minutes.
Key Benefits
- ✓Zero down payment required, one of the only 100% financing options on the market
- ✓No private mortgage insurance (PMI), saving hundreds per month
- ✓Competitive interest rates, typically lower than conventional and FHA
- ✓No loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement
- ✓Funding fee waived for veterans with qualifying service-connected disability
- ✓VA IRRRL (streamline refinance) requires minimal paperwork and no appraisal
- ✓Assumable mortgage, a real advantage when market rates are elevated
- ✓No prepayment penalty; pay off the loan early at any time
Things to Consider
- ·VA Funding Fee increases loan balance (though avoidable for disabled veterans)
- ·Primary residence only; investment properties and second homes aren't eligible
- ·Property must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
- ·Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required (Jake can pull this for you directly)
- ·Some sellers are less familiar with VA appraisals; working with an experienced agent helps
Common Questions
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?
In most cases, no. Eligible veterans with full entitlement can purchase a home with zero down at any price point. If you've used your VA benefit before and still have a balance, a small down payment may be required. Jake can walk you through your exact entitlement.
What is the VA Funding Fee and can I avoid it?
The VA Funding Fee is a one-time charge (1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount) that helps sustain the VA loan program. It can be financed into the loan. Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of any percentage are exempt from paying it entirely.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes. VA loan benefits can be reused multiple times as long as your entitlement is restored. Entitlement is typically restored when the prior VA loan is paid off and the property sold, or when you refinance into a non-VA loan.
What is the VA IRRRL?
The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), commonly called the VA Streamline, allows existing VA borrowers to refinance into a lower rate with minimal paperwork, no income verification, and often no appraisal. It's one of the fastest refinance options available.
Is a VA Loan Right for You?
A VA loan is the right move if you:
- Are an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying surviving spouse
- Want to buy a home with zero down payment
- Want to eliminate monthly PMI and reduce your payment
- Are refinancing an existing VA loan at a lower rate
- Have a service-connected disability and want to skip the funding fee entirely
You've earned this benefit. Let's use it.
Jake will verify your eligibility, pull your COE, and walk you through exactly how to maximize your VA home loan benefit whether you're buying, refinancing, or still exploring your options.