📋 Table of Contents
VA Loan Guide for 2025
VA loans, guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer exceptional terms for eligible veterans and service members — often including 0% down payment and no PMI requirement.
Key VA Loan Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Down payment | Often 0% for eligible borrowers |
| PMI | Not required |
| Funding fee | Required (unless exempt), can be financed into the loan |
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan
Eligibility generally requires meeting specific active duty, veteran, National Guard, or Reserve service requirements — a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirms your specific qualification status.
The VA Funding Fee
Most VA borrowers pay a one-time funding fee (which can be financed into the loan rather than paid upfront), though certain veterans with service-connected disabilities are exempt from this fee entirely.
Common Mistakes
Not obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility before house hunting, or assuming you're disqualified without actually checking your specific eligibility status with the VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility depends on specific service requirements — obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm your specific qualification status rather than assuming eligibility either way.
Most borrowers pay this one-time fee, though veterans with service-connected disabilities are typically exempt — confirm your specific status before assuming the fee applies.