Who it is for
- Veterans, active-duty service members and eligible surviving spouses
- Buyers who want zero down with no monthly mortgage insurance
- Borrowers reusing entitlement for a second VA loan
- Disabled veterans, who are exempt from the funding fee
Typical VA Loan Requirements requirements
| Eligibility | Certificate of Eligibility (COE): service time varies by era; 90 days wartime, 181 days peacetime, 6 years Guard/Reserve typically |
|---|---|
| Down payment | Zero required; full entitlement covers the loan with no down payment |
| Credit score | No VA minimum; most lenders require 580–620, better pricing above 660 |
| DTI guideline | 41% benchmark; higher allowed with compensating factors |
| Residual income | Must-have VA test: income left after debts and living costs, by region and family size |
| Funding fee | Typically 2.15% first use, 3.3% subsequent use; waived with VA disability rating |
| Occupancy | Primary residence; must occupy within 60 days |
| Property | Must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements at appraisal |
Figures are typical market ranges as of October 2026. Actual terms depend on the lender, your credit, the property and the program, and are confirmed on your Loan Estimate or term sheet.
How it works
- Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility; we can usually pull it in minutes with your service details.
- Check remaining entitlement if you have had a VA loan before; restoration rules determine your zero-down capacity.
- Run the residual income math early: it is the test that surprises borrowers who pass DTI but fail VA guidelines.
- Choose a lender that closes VA volume; VA appraisals and the Tidewater process punish inexperience.
- Confirm funding fee status; a service-connected disability rating often means zero fee.
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Pros and cons
Advantages
- No down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance
- Funding fee can be financed into the loan
- No prepayment penalties, assumable by qualified buyers
- Lenient on past credit events after 2 years
Trade-offs
- Funding fee adds 2–3.3% unless exempt
- Primary residence only
- VA appraisal standards and timelines
- Some sellers and listing agents misunderstand VA offers
Documents you’ll need
- Certificate of Eligibility (or DD-214 / service records to obtain it)
- Photo ID and Social Security number
- 2 years of W-2s and tax returns
- 30 days of pay stubs and LES for active duty
- 2 months of bank statements
- Disability award letter if claiming the funding fee exemption
VA Loan Requirements FAQ
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The VA sets no minimum, but nearly all lenders require 580–620. Files above 660 price and approve more smoothly.
What is the VA funding fee?
A one-time fee that keeps the program running: typically 2.15% of the loan on first use and 3.3% on subsequent use, usually financed into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating are exempt.
Can I have two VA loans at once?
Yes, with remaining entitlement. Common when relocating for PCS orders or when the first home’s loan balance leaves enough entitlement for the next purchase.
What is residual income?
The VA’s signature test: after taxes, debts, housing and estimated family living costs, you must have a minimum dollar amount left over, set by VA tables for your region and household size.
Can I use a VA loan for an investment property?
No. VA loans are for primary residences you will occupy within 60 days. You can later convert a VA-financed home to a rental and buy again with remaining entitlement.
Are VA loans assumable?
Yes. A qualified buyer can assume your VA loan at its existing rate, which is a genuine selling advantage when rates rise.
How do I get my Certificate of Eligibility?
Most lenders can pull it electronically in minutes with your Social Security number and service details. If the automated system cannot find your record, you file VA Form 26-1880 with your DD-214. Either way, get it early so entitlement questions do not delay your offer.
What is VA entitlement and how much do I have?
Entitlement is the VA’s guarantee amount backing your loan. With full entitlement, there is no loan limit and zero down is available at any price. If you have a prior VA loan outstanding, your remaining entitlement sets your zero-down ceiling, and your COE shows the exact figure.
Can surviving spouses use VA loans?
Yes, unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability are generally eligible. The funding fee rules differ slightly from veteran borrowers, so confirm the details when you pull the COE.
How VA Loan Requirements compare
| VA Loan Requirements | VA Loans | VA Purchase Loans | VA Loan Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Veterans, active-duty service members and eligible surviving spouses | Veterans and active-duty service members | Eligible buyers purchasing a primary home | Veterans checking first-time eligibility |
| Down payment | Zero required; full entitlement covers the loan with no down payment | $0 with full entitlement | $0 with full entitlement | , |
| Credit | No VA minimum; most lenders require 580–620, better pricing above 660 | VA sets no minimum; lenders commonly look for 580–620 | , | , |
| Income docs | , | , | , | , |
Typical ranges, your Loan Estimate or term sheet confirms actual terms.
Coming soon: a 2-minute walkthrough from our loan team.
Related programs
VA Loans
A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that lets eligible veterans, active-duty service members and certain surviving spouses buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
VA Purchase Loans
A VA purchase loan lets eligible borrowers buy a primary home with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
VA loan eligibility covers veterans, active-duty service members, many Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses.