🎖️ VA Loans for Veterans & Active Duty
VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and some of the lowest rates available — exclusively for those who've served. Lendspedia connects you with VA-specialized lenders who understand your benefits and maximize them.
Check My VA Loan Eligibility — FreeVA loans are government-backed mortgages available to eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. The Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a portion of the loan — which allows lenders to offer better terms than conventional loans, including no down payment and no PMI requirement.
Down Payment
Qualified veterans can purchase a home with zero down — one of the most significant financial advantages available to service members.
VA loan eligibility is based on service history, not credit score. Here's what you need to know.
Generally: 90 days active duty during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves, or surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran.
Your VA lender can typically pull your COE directly from the VA database. You don't need to obtain it separately before applying.
Most VA lenders require a credit score of 580–620+. VA loans have no official minimum DTI, but most lenders look for 41% or below.
These aren't small advantages — VA loans are structurally superior for those who qualify.
Buy a home without saving a 3–20% down payment. Veterans with full entitlement can purchase at any loan amount with no money down.
Conventional loans require PMI (typically $100–$300/month) until you reach 20% equity. VA loans never require PMI — saving you thousands per year.
The VA guarantee reduces lender risk — which translates to rates typically 0.25–0.5% lower than conventional loans for the same borrower profile.
Your VA entitlement is not a one-time benefit. Once you pay off a VA loan (or in some cases while you still have one), you can reuse it for another home purchase.
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional | FHA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | ✓ 0% | 3–20% | 3.5% |
| PMI / MIP Required | ✓ Never | Until 20% equity | Life of loan (in most cases) |
| Typical Interest Rate | ✓ Lowest | Standard market rate | Similar to conventional |
| Minimum Credit Score | 580–620 (lender set) | 620+ | 580 (3.5% down) / 500 (10% down) |
| Who Qualifies | Veterans, Active Duty, Spouses | Anyone | Anyone |
Branch of service, current status, prior VA loan use, and whether you're buying or refinancing — takes about 3 minutes.
Only VA-approved lenders who understand entitlement, COE requirements, and the VA appraisal process — not generalist lenders learning as they go.
Review competing VA loan offers. Ask questions about funding fee waivers (if you have a service-connected disability). No obligation at any stage.
"Bought my first home with zero down. My mortgage payment is $200 less than I was paying in rent. Lendspedia matched me with a VA lender who explained every step clearly."
"I didn't know you could use your VA entitlement more than once. Lendspedia helped me refinance my second home using my remaining entitlement. Saved $187/month."
"As a disabled veteran I had my funding fee waived entirely. That's thousands of dollars saved. The VA lender Lendspedia matched me with knew exactly how to handle it."
Your VA lender can retrieve your COE electronically through the VA's WebLGY system in most cases. You can also apply online through the VA website or by mail using VA Form 26-1880.
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge (typically 1.4–3.6% of the loan amount) that funds the VA loan program. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt entirely.
Yes. VA loans can be used to purchase 1–4 unit properties, as long as you occupy one of the units as your primary residence.
Potentially, yes. You may have remaining entitlement that can be used for a second property. Our matched VA lenders can review your full entitlement situation.
The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) is a streamlined VA-to-VA refinance that requires minimal documentation, no appraisal in most cases, and no out-of-pocket costs if you roll them into the loan.
Check your VA loan eligibility in 3 minutes — no credit impact, no obligation, no cost ever.