For Military & Veteran Buyers
Using your VA loan benefit?
Here's the truth about VA loans, in plain English — including the myths that talk good buyers out of using a benefit they earned.
What your VA benefit actually gets you
VA loans carry more myths than almost any other loan program, and a lot of eligible buyers either never use the benefit or assume it works differently than it does. The first conversation is about sorting fact from rumor, not committing to anything. We start with what you've earned and walk through how it actually applies to your situation.
In plain terms, eligible buyers can often finance with 0% down, there's no monthly mortgage insurance (VA loans use a one-time funding fee instead, and some buyers, like those with a service-connected disability rating, may be exempt from it), and closing costs the seller can contribute toward are capped by VA rules. Entitlement can be reused, so it isn't strictly a one-time benefit. We pull the specifics with you rather than asking you to decode them on your own.
Eligibility isn't only for combat veterans. Active duty service members, many National Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify too. The team will request your Certificate of Eligibility and walk through the specifics together, so you don't have to self-diagnose before reaching out.
- Confirm eligibility and request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) together.
- Review down payment, funding fee, and whether an exemption applies to you.
- Compare VA to other programs you may qualify for so you can see the tradeoffs.
- Walk through VA's minimum property requirements before you fall in love with a listing.
- Coordinate timing and next steps with your real estate agent once you're ready to look.
Truth vs. Myth
The VA loan myths, and the truth.
You need perfect credit for a VA loan.
Truth: There's no single required score set by the VA itself. Requirements vary, and credit is one piece of a bigger picture we review together.
VA loans take forever to close and sellers won't accept them.
Truth: VA loans close on a comparable timeline to other loan types, and the "sellers won't accept them" reputation is mostly outdated myth, not current reality.
You can only use your VA loan benefit once.
Truth: Entitlement can often be restored and reused for a future purchase, and some eligible buyers can even hold more than one VA loan at a time.
VA loans require a bigger down payment because they're "too good to be true."
Truth: Eligible buyers can often finance with 0% down. No down payment is required by the VA itself.
You'll pay mortgage insurance just like any other low-down-payment loan.
Truth: VA loans don't charge monthly mortgage insurance. Instead there's a one-time funding fee, which some buyers (like those with a service-connected disability rating) may be exempt from.
Only combat veterans qualify.
Truth: Eligibility can extend to active duty service members, many National Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses, not just combat veterans.
Real Buyers, Real Service
A military family we were honored to help.
"We cannot explain how good Ashton was as our loan officer doing the process. She definitely understood our needs and aim to make the process as smooth as possible. Ashton Mitchell was very easy to contact and I loved her weekly video updates of where we were in the process as we moved along getting closer to purchasing our beautiful home. Her entire staff was friendly and easy to talk to, but very professional throughout the whole loan process. This was one of the best experiences I've had, and I've purchased three other homes since 1999 back in St. Louis, Missouri, but this one was my favorite. Thank you, Ashton and your team for a great experience!!!"
The Gerald Family
Start with a conversation
Request your VA loan review.
Tell us where you are in your service and homebuying timeline, and we'll walk through your benefit with you, one clear step at a time.
Ready to start your loan?
Talk to a local advisor today. No pressure, just answers.