VA Loans
A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. It requires no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. A one-time funding fee of roughly 1.25%–3.3% applies unless the borrower is exempt, and credit standards are more flexible than conventional loans.
An exclusive benefit earned through military service. VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and some of the most competitive rates available — for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses.
What Is a VA Loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and surviving spouses. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, allowing lenders to offer favorable terms without requiring a down payment or PMI.
VA loans consistently offer some of the lowest interest rates available for any mortgage product. Combined with zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, the monthly savings compared to a conventional or FHA loan can be substantial.
At The Mortgage Zone, we have deep experience navigating VA loan requirements and work with VA-approved lenders across our network to ensure eligible borrowers receive every benefit they've earned.
Key VA Loan Benefits
- Zero down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates — often below market
- Limits on closing costs the veteran can pay
- No prepayment penalty
- Reusable benefit — can be used multiple times
- Assumable by another eligible veteran
Who Is Eligible?
- Veterans with qualifying active-duty service
- Active-duty service members (90+ days continuous)
- National Guard / Reserve members (6+ years)
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required
- We can help you obtain your COE
Free Tool
Estimate Your VA Monthly Payment
See how much you could save with zero down and no PMI. Enter a home price and rate to get an instant monthly payment estimate — no sign-up needed.
$0
Down Payment
Saved
No PMI
~$1,620
Est. Payment
VA Loan Guidelines
Service Requirements
- 90 consecutive days active duty during wartime
- 181 days active duty during peacetime
- 6+ years in National Guard or Reserves
- Discharge must be other than dishonorable
- Surviving spouses with specific conditions
Financial Guidelines
- No VA-set minimum credit score (lenders typically 580–620+)
- Residual income requirement must be met
- DTI up to 41% standard; higher with residual income
- VA funding fee applies (waived for disabled veterans)
- Seller can pay all closing costs
Property Requirements
- Primary residence only
- Must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
- VA appraisal required
- Single-family homes, condos (VA-approved), multi-unit
- New construction eligible with conditions
You've Earned This Benefit — Let's Use It
Our team will verify your eligibility, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility, and find the best VA loan rates available.
No credit pull required. NMLS #2697124
Ready to move forward? Get a free, no-obligation quote in under 2 minutes.