VA HOME
LOAN GUIDE
The VA loan is one of the most powerful financial benefits in existence. You can buy a home with zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates — backed by the federal government.
Key Benefits
VA Funding Fee by Service Type & Down Payment
| Service Type | First Use | Subsequent Use | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Down | 5% Down | 10%+ Down | 0% Down | 5% Down | 10%+ Down | |
| Regular Military | 2.15% | 1.50% | 1.25% | 3.30% | 1.50% | 1.25% |
| Reserves / Guard | 2.40% | 1.75% | 1.50% | 3.30% | 1.75% | 1.50% |
| Veterans with 10%+ VA disability rating are exempt from the funding fee. Source: VA.gov 2026. | ||||||
VA Loan Calculator
How to Use Your VA Loan Benefit
Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Apply at va.gov or ask your lender to pull it for you. Takes 10-30 minutes online.
Find a VA-approved lender
USAA, Veterans United, and Navy Federal specialize in VA loans. Get pre-approved before house hunting.
Find a home
VA loans work on primary residences only. The home must pass a VA appraisal.
Close with $0 down
You may owe a VA Funding Fee (0.5%-3.6% depending on usage and down payment) -- but no PMI, ever.
Who qualifies?
- ✓ Active duty: 90+ continuous days of service
- ✓ Veterans: various service requirements by era
- ✓ National Guard / Reserves: 6 years of service or 90 days active duty orders
- ✓ Surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from service-connected disability
READY TO USE YOUR
VA BENEFIT?
Get pre-approved with a VA-specialized lender. Takes 10 minutes, no commitment.
VA Home Loan Info on VA.gov ›Veterans United Home Loans
The #1 VA purchase lender in the U.S. Specializes exclusively in VA loans — zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates for active duty and veterans.
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility →Affiliate link — TotalMilPay may earn a referral fee at no cost to you.
Rates shown are estimates. Contact a VA-approved lender for official quotes. Source: VA.gov, DFAS. Updated 2026.