VA Loans for Veterans & Military Families
Understand VA eligibility, zero-down financing, costs, property standards, and the steps from preapproval through closing in California, Florida, Iowa, and Texas.
By Holly Luca | Mortgage Strategist | LendingProf | Loan Factory, Inc. | NMLS #586712. Licensed in CA, FL, IA & TX.
Does a VA loan always require zero down?
VA financing can permit 100% financing when the borrower has sufficient entitlement and the purchase price does not exceed the property’s reasonable value, subject to approval. A down payment may be needed when entitlement is limited, value is lower than price, or the borrower chooses to reduce the loan amount.
Are there still closing costs?
Yes. A zero-down loan is not a zero-cost loan. Borrowers may have allowable closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, discount points, and a VA funding fee unless exempt. Seller concessions and lender credits are subject to rules and transaction terms.
What does the VA appraisal review?
The VA appraisal estimates reasonable value and reviews Minimum Property Requirements. It is not a home inspection and does not guarantee condition. Buyers should consider an independent inspection and any appropriate specialty inspections.
Can a seller pay VA closing costs?
A seller may pay certain borrower closing costs and concessions within VA rules. The contract, market conditions, appraisal, lender requirements, and concession limits all matter.
What should VA buyers do before making an offer?
- Confirm Certificate of Eligibility and available entitlement.
- Complete a documented preapproval and discuss residual-income requirements.
- Estimate taxes, homeowners insurance, windstorm or flood coverage where applicable.
- Review funding-fee exemption status and cash-to-close.
- Avoid new debt or major financial changes during underwriting.
What should Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend VA buyers consider?
Along the Texas coast, buyers may need to evaluate homeowners insurance, windstorm coverage, flood zones, property taxes, and total monthly housing costs early in the process. These local factors can affect affordability and cash-to-close even when VA financing permits no required down payment.
Important VA loan notice
The Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a portion of the loan but does not generally lend the money directly. VA loan availability, pricing, approval, property eligibility, and closing terms depend on the lender, borrower, property, and current VA requirements. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Discuss Your VA Mortgage OptionsDownload a practical checklist
Use these educational checklists to organize questions and documents before a mortgage conversation.