Veterans Housing guide

VA Loan Center

Understand VA-backed home loans in plain language.

The fundamentals

What is a VA loan?

A VA-backed home loan is made by a private lender, while the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a portion of the loan. Eligible veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses may use the benefit to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home, subject to program and lender requirements.

Veterans Housing is privately operated. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility and benefits must be confirmed through VA and qualified providers.

No VA-required down payment

VA generally does not require a down payment, although lenders may in some circumstances and borrowers may choose one.

No monthly private mortgage insurance

VA-backed loans generally do not require monthly PMI, though other costs and fees may apply.

Limited closing costs

VA rules limit certain borrower-paid closing costs. Review the complete Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.

Reusable benefit

Eligible borrowers may use the benefit more than once, depending on entitlement and other requirements.

How to start

The VA loan process

1Learn the eligibility basicsService history, duty status, discharge character, and other factors affect eligibility.2Request your Certificate of EligibilityApply through VA.gov, by mail, or ask a participating lender to request it.3Review entitlement and budgetEligibility does not determine affordability; evaluate income, debts, credit, savings, and comfort range.4Compare qualified lendersCompare rates, fees, service, overlays, closing time, and written Loan Estimates.5Choose an experienced agentRelevant VA transaction experience can help with offer structure, property evaluation, and timelines.6Contract and loan applicationProvide documents, authorize credit, select loan terms, and review disclosures.7Inspection and VA appraisalArrange an independent inspection; the lender orders the VA appraisal.8Underwriting and conditionsRespond to documentation and property-condition requirements.9Final review and closingReview the Closing Disclosure, complete a final walkthrough, sign, and retain records.

Key topics

VA loan resource library

VA-backed home loansOfficial program overview at VA.gov ↗EligibilityReview service requirements and eligible borrowers ↗Certificate of EligibilityLearn how to request a COE ↗Funding fee and closing costsOfficial explanations and current rules ↗VA appraisalAppraisal information from VA Home Loans ↗

Agent matching

Pair good financing information with the right local guidance

When you are ready to shop, Veterans Housing and AgentMVP can introduce you to a qualified real estate agent with relevant experience.

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