Your service. Your next chapter.
VA Loan Benefits & Requirements
YOUR SERVICE. YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.
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Original Mortgage Rebel service-inspired artwork, not official military seals. No Department of Defense, military service, or VA endorsement is implied.
VA financing can be a powerful homebuying benefit. Let’s separate the real advantages from the mortgage myths—and work out what applies to you.
Start with eligibility
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify. Service requirements vary. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirms the benefit available to you; it is not a lender’s approval.
Zero down can be possible
A purchase may require no down payment when entitlement, lender approval, and the property’s appraised value support it. An appraisal gap, limited entitlement, or lender requirements may change the cash needed. Closing costs and prepaid expenses still matter.
Credit: no universal magic number
VA does not set a universal minimum credit score for its purchase-loan program. Individual lenders set credit standards and review income, debts, repayment history, and the overall application. VA residual-income and other underwriting requirements still apply. A score alone cannot promise approval.
Bring the full picture to the conversation. If one program does not fit, we can discuss available alternatives without pretending every lender has the same rules.
No monthly mortgage insurance
VA-backed home loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance. That is separate from the one-time VA funding fee, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and any HOA dues.
Build a monthly payment estimate →Funding fees and exemptions
Veterans receiving VA disability compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt from the VA funding fee. A 0% disability rating alone does not establish an exemption. Other exemptions may apply. Your exemption status must be verified through VA.
A compensable disability rating is generally 10% or higher. A veteran with only a 0% rating, no disability compensation, and no other qualifying exemption is not automatically exempt.
Additional exemptions may include:
- Veterans entitled to VA disability compensation who receive retirement or active-duty pay instead.
- Eligible surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
- Active-duty service members who provide evidence of a Purple Heart on or before closing, subject to VA requirements.
- Veterans with a qualifying pre-discharge disability examination or memorandum rating establishing eligibility for compensation before closing.
VA is the controlling authority for funding fee exemption. Your lender must verify your status using VA documentation and consult VA when it is unclear. An unverified exemption is not treated as an automatic waiver.
VA funding fee guidance · 38 U.S.C. § 3729 · VA Lenders Handbook, Chapter 8 · VA non-compensable disability explanation
You may be able to finance the fee, which raises the balance and interest paid. Paying it at closing affects cash needed. Our calculator estimates the fee using your loan details and lets you compare financing it or paying it at closing. Select confirmed exemption only when VA has verified it.
Entitlement is reusable
This benefit is not necessarily a one-time opportunity. Restored or remaining entitlement may allow another VA loan. Prior loans, assumptions, and any loss to VA can affect what is available. Review your COE and loan history before making an offer.
What about VA jumbo loans?
With full entitlement, VA does not impose a county loan limit on loans over $144,000. That does not mean unlimited borrowing: lender approval, affordability, and appraisal still control. With remaining entitlement, county limits affect the guaranty and may affect the down payment needed.
Understand VA entitlement and loan limits →
Refinancing: compare the whole picture
Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)
For an existing VA-backed loan, an IRRRL may lower the interest rate or move an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed rate. Compare fees, the break-even point, repayment term, and total cost—not just the new payment.
VA cash-out refinance
This replaces an existing mortgage and can allow eligible borrowers to access equity or refinance a non-VA loan into VA financing. Credit, income, entitlement, and property requirements apply. Taking cash out increases what you owe; costs and a new term can increase total interest.
Get ready for pre-approval
- Review your service history and COE with Kris.
- Gather the income, asset, debt, and employment documents your lender requests.
- Compare estimated payment, cash to close, and financing options.
- Confirm occupancy plans, property requirements, and your purchase timeline.
Use the separate Barrett Financial application portal for application documents and sensitive financial details. Do not send Social Security numbers or account documents through ordinary email.
Pre-approval is conditional; final approval depends on underwriting, verified information, and the property.
Three myths to leave behind
“Zero down means no cash.”
Closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and appraisal gaps can still require funds.
“A COE guarantees the loan.”
Benefit eligibility and mortgage approval are separate decisions.
“VA is only for a first home.”
Eligible borrowers may use the benefit again, subject to entitlement and other requirements.
Moving to Utah? Start with the BAH and housing guide and Utah military communities.
Educational information checked October 10, 2026. Rules and lender availability can change; follow the linked VA guidance for your situation. Mortgage Rebel and Barrett Financial Group are not affiliated with or endorsed by VA or the U.S. military.
Compare Temporary Buydown Options
Explore 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, and 3-2-1 payment subsidies, monthly savings, and seller-funded costs. Temporary buydowns reduce initial payments, not the permanent note rate.
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