VA loans for veterans, service members, and eligible spouses.
If you've served or are currently serving, a VA loan can help you buy or refinance a home with powerful benefits: no required down payment for many buyers, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates. We'll help you understand your eligibility and your options, step by step.
Not sure where to start? A short conversation or quick form is all it takes to see what your VA benefit could do for you.
See your VA loan options
Share a few details and we’ll outline VA purchase or refinance scenarios based on your service and goals.
What is a VA home loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, certain members of the National Guard and Reserves, and some surviving spouses. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it's designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for those who have served.
Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, lenders can offer more favorable terms — including no required down payment for many buyers, no monthly PMI, and competitive interest rates.
Key VA benefits
- No required down payment for many eligible buyers
- No monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive fixed interest rates
- Flexible guidelines compared to many conventional loan programs
- Ability to refinance or use your benefit again in many cases, subject to eligibility
Who VA loans are for
- Eligible veterans and active-duty service members (requirements vary by service length and status)
- Certain members of the National Guard and Reserves who meet service requirements
- Some surviving spouses of service members, under specific conditions
Basic VA eligibility
VA loans have eligibility requirements related to your service, your finances, and the property you're buying or refinancing. We help you walk through each piece without the jargon.
Service & COE
- Minimum active-duty or reserve service requirements, which vary by era and status
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm your VA benefit status
- Eligibility for certain surviving spouses, subject to VA rules
Credit, income & property
- Income sufficient to support the payment and other obligations
- Credit history that shows a pattern of repayment
- Property used as your primary residence (not a second home or investment property)
- The home meets VA's minimum property requirements for safety and habitability
VA purchase and refinance options
VA loans can help you buy your next home or improve the terms of your current mortgage through refinancing.
VA Purchase
- Buy a primary residence with no required down payment
- Use your VA benefit to move up, downsize, or relocate
- Combine VA with seller credits to reduce cash needed at closing
VA IRRRL (Streamline Refinance)
- Designed for existing VA borrowers looking to lower their rate or payment
- Often simplified documentation and faster timelines compared to full refinances
- Typically used when market rates or your situation improves
VA Cash-Out Refinance
- Refinance to access equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other goals
- May allow higher loan-to-value than some conventional options, subject to guidelines
- Can also be used to refinance certain non-VA loans into a VA loan
VA vs FHA vs conventional
If you're eligible for VA, it's often one of the most powerful options on the table. Here's how it compares at a high level.
VA
- No required down payment for many buyers
- No monthly PMI
- Primary residence only
- Funding fee in most cases (sometimes waived)
FHA
- Minimum 3.5% down with qualifying credit
- Government-backed, but not limited to veterans
- Upfront and monthly mortgage insurance
- Often used when credit or down payment doesn't yet fit conventional
Conventional
- As little as 3–5% down for eligible buyers
- No funding fee
- PMI required under 20% down but can be removed later with equity
- Often a strong fit for higher credit scores and larger down payments
How WeLoan guides your VA process
From confirming eligibility to closing, we keep your VA loan process clear, paced, and transparent.
1. Quick VA check
We start with a few questions about your service, goals, and budget to see how your VA benefit can be used — and how it compares to other options.
2. COE & application
We help you request or confirm your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), then complete a secure application so we can verify income, assets, and credit.
3. Underwriting & appraisal
We move your file through underwriting and appraisal, making sure the home and loan structure line up with VA requirements and your goals.
4. Clear to close
Once conditions are met, we finalize your terms, walk you through your closing numbers, and help you get the keys or finish your refinance with clarity.
VA loan FAQs
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use a VA loan?
No. You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer to use a VA loan. Many veterans use their benefit again when they move, refinance, or buy a different primary residence, subject to eligibility and entitlement.
Can I use a VA loan for a second home or investment property?
VA loans are designed for primary residences. If you’re considering a second home or rental, we can help you compare conventional and other options that may fit those goals.
What if I already used my VA benefit before?
In many cases, you may still have remaining entitlement or be able to restore it, depending on what happened with the previous VA loan. We’ll help you review your COE and talk through what’s possible.
How does the VA funding fee work?
Most VA loans include a funding fee that helps keep the program available for future veterans. The amount can vary based on factors like your service history, whether it’s your first use, and your down payment amount. In some cases — such as certain disability ratings — the funding fee may be waived.
Ready to see what your VA benefit can do for you?
Whether you're buying your first home, moving, or refinancing, we'll help you understand your VA options next to FHA and conventional, so you can choose with confidence.
Exploring other paths too? You can also review FHA loans, conventional purchase, down payment assistance, jumbo loans, and USDA loans.