Loan Options • VA Loans

VA loans · $0 down for eligible veterans

VA home loans with $0 down for eligible veterans and service members.

VA-backed mortgages are designed to honor your service with no down payment for many eligible borrowers, no monthly mortgage insurance, and guidelines that recognize real-life service and deployment history.

VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offered by approved lenders. If you like to dig in first, the VA Loans Guide walks through eligibility, entitlement, funding fees, and how VA compares to other loan types.

NMLS #277954 • Success Mortgage Partners • VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offered by VA-approved lenders. Eligibility, entitlement, and credit requirements may vary.

Coaching insight

Who VA loans are built to help.

VA loans exist to open the door to homeownership for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. The program pairs strong benefits with guidelines that reflect the realities of military pay and moves.

Veterans & active-duty

Those who have served or are currently serving and meet VA service and eligibility requirements, looking to build stability through homeownership.

Guard & Reserve members

Eligible National Guard and Reserve members who meet minimum service thresholds and want to use their VA benefit.

Certain surviving spouses

Eligible surviving spouses of veterans who may qualify for VA home loan benefits under specific VA rules.

How it works

$0 down, credit, and the VA funding fee.

VA loans pair no-down-payment options with flexible credit and debt ratios. Instead of monthly mortgage insurance, most VA loans include a one-time funding fee that helps keep the program sustainable.

  • $0 down payment: Many eligible buyers can purchase with no money down, subject to entitlement and lender requirements.
  • Flexible credit history: Past credit events don’t automatically disqualify you. We’ll look at the full story behind the score.
  • No monthly PMI: VA loans do not require monthly private mortgage insurance, which can help keep the payment in check.
  • VA funding fee: Most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, which is often financed into the loan. Some veterans may be exempt based on VA disability status.

Good fit signals

  • Eligible veteran, service member, or surviving spouse with VA entitlement
  • Stable income through military, civilian, or retirement sources
  • Looking to buy or refinance a primary residence
  • Interested in minimizing cash to close and monthly payment

Exact service requirements, funding fee amounts, and credit guidelines are set by VA and individual lenders. We’ll walk through how they apply to you before you make decisions.

Property & occupancy

What kinds of homes work with VA?

VA loans focus on homes you’ll live in as your primary residence. Within that, there is flexibility in the type of property and, in some cases, the number of units.

  • Primary residence required: VA is for owner-occupied homes, not second homes or investment-only purchases.
  • 1–4 unit properties: In many cases you can buy up to a four-unit property if you live in one of the units.
  • Condos and townhomes: Allowed when the project meets VA or lender guidelines.
  • Property condition: The home must meet VA’s minimum property requirements for safety, soundness, and livability.

Sample VA scenarios

  • Buying your first home after separating from active-duty service
  • Purchasing a duplex, living in one unit, and renting the other
  • Using a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) to lower your rate*
  • Moving from base housing into a home near your next duty station

*IRRRL and other refinance options are available in certain situations. We’ll help you compare options if you already have a VA loan.

Cash to close

Closing costs, seller concessions, and strategies.

Even with $0 down, there are still closing costs to plan for. The good news: VA allows for a range of seller-paid costs and thoughtful ways to structure your cash to close.

  • Seller concessions can often cover some or all of your closing costs, within VA limits.
  • The VA funding fee is frequently financed into the loan to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
  • Lender credits and negotiated terms can help offset upfront expenses.
  • We’ll map out a realistic cash-to-close number early so you can plan with confidence.

Things we’ll talk through

  • Estimated cash needed based on your price point and location
  • How seller concessions and lender credits actually work
  • Whether to finance the funding fee or pay it upfront
  • Trade-offs between payment, interest cost, and reserves

VA and investor rules limit how much a seller can contribute. We’ll structure your offer and loan so the numbers are clear and realistic.

VA purchase checklist

  • Most recent 30 days of pay stubs (military LES or civilian pay, if applicable)
  • W-2s and/or 1099s for the last 2 years
  • Federal tax returns (personal, and business if self-employed)
  • 2 months of bank or asset statements for reserves and cash to close
  • Government-issued ID and Social Security card (or applicable documentation)
  • DD-214, Statement of Service, or other proof of military service as applicable

Helpful “nice-to-have” items

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if you already have it (we can often help retrieve this)
  • Documentation for any recent large deposits
  • Letters of explanation for prior credit events, if needed
  • Contact info for your HR, payroll, or commanding officer as applicable
  • Rough idea of your timeline, duty station plans, and budget comfort zone
Next steps

Numbers and deeper dives.

Want one rough payment and a clearer lane forward? Start with the guides that match your situation, then run quick numbers in the mortgage calculators.

VA Loans Guide

Walk through eligibility, entitlement, funding fees, and how VA fits with your broader financial picture.

Read the guide

Conventional Loans Guide

See how conventional loans stack up against VA when it comes to long-term cost, equity, and flexibility.

Read the guide

Refinance Strategy Guide

Learn when refinancing or restructuring can make sense down the road—whether you stay in VA or move to conventional.

Read the guide

Mortgage Calculators

Estimate rough VA-style payments, compare price points, and see how different terms feel month-to-month.

Open calculators

Quick answers

VA loan FAQs.

A quick snapshot of the questions that come up most often when we talk about VA loans, $0 down options, entitlement, and how VA compares to other loan types.

In many cases, yes. Eligible VA buyers can purchase with $0 down when they have sufficient entitlement and the home appraises for at least the purchase price. You’ll still have closing costs, but we’ll explore ways to reduce what you bring to the table.

Eligibility is based on your military service history and duty status. That can include many veterans, active-duty service members, certain National Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses. We’ll help you review VA’s rules and confirm your eligibility.

The VA funding fee is a one-time cost that most borrowers pay to help keep the program running. The amount depends on factors like your down payment, service category, and whether you’ve used VA before. It’s often financed into the loan amount, and some veterans with qualifying VA disability ratings may be exempt.

In many cases, yes. Your VA benefit can often be reused after you sell or pay off a prior VA loan, and in some situations you can even have more than one VA loan at a time with remaining entitlement. We’ll look at your COE and big-picture plans together.

VA loans often shine for eligible borrowers because of $0 down, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates. Conventional loans may offer more flexibility for second homes or investment properties. We’ll run the numbers side-by-side so you can see which path supports your budget and long-term plans.

Yes. If you already have a VA loan, an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) may help you lower your rate or payment with simplified documentation. Cash-out refinance options may also be available in some situations. We’ll walk through your goals and current loan details.

Ready to see if a VA loan fits your next move?

I’ll help you translate your service into clear home loan options and compare VA side-by-side with other paths so you can choose what best supports your family, budget, and long-term plans. If you’d rather learn first, you can start with the VA Loans Guide for a deeper walkthrough.

VA home loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offered by VA-approved lenders. Programs, rates, and terms are subject to change without notice. Eligibility, entitlement, and underwriting requirements vary by VA rules, lender, and location. Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit and collateral approval. All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender.