From VA Approval to the Keys: Know Exactly What Happens Next.
The VA home loan process does not have to be confusing. Veterans Mortgage Solutions helps Veterans, active-duty service members and eligible borrowers understand the process, prepare for the next step and move toward homeownership with a clear plan.
Checking your options does not obligate you to proceed. Loan approval is subject to applicable VA and lender requirements.
Start With Your VA Financing — Not the House.
Finding the house first can put you in a difficult position if you do not yet know how the financing fits together.
A better approach is to start by understanding your VA eligibility, income, credit profile, monthly obligations, potential housing payment and the price range supported by your financial situation.
That gives you a clearer picture before you begin seriously shopping and can help uncover issues that may need to be addressed before you make an offer.
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The VA Loan Process From Start to Finish
Every transaction is different, but understanding the major stages makes the entire home-buying process easier to navigate.
Complete Your VA Loan Review
The process begins with information about you: your home-buying goals, income, employment, debts, assets, credit profile and military-service information. This gives your mortgage team the starting point needed to evaluate possible financing.
Review Your Certificate of Eligibility
Your Certificate of Eligibility, commonly called a COE, helps establish that you meet the applicable service requirements for the VA home loan benefit. In many cases, the mortgage lender can help obtain the COE as part of the loan process.
Review Your Potential Pre-Approval
Your financial information can be reviewed to determine the mortgage amount and payment structure that may be supported by the information available at that time. This can give you a much clearer price range before you seriously shop for a property.
Begin Shopping With a Clearer Budget
Once your financing has been reviewed, you can work with your real-estate professional to search for a home that fits your needs, location preferences and financial goals.
Make an Offer and Go Under Contract
When you find the right home, your real-estate professional can help prepare and negotiate the purchase agreement. Applicable VA contract provisions, including the VA escape clause when required, should be addressed as part of the transaction.
Home Inspection and VA Appraisal
A home inspection and a VA appraisal serve different purposes. A professional home inspection can help you understand the physical condition of the property. The VA appraisal provides an opinion of value and evaluates the property under applicable VA minimum property requirements.
Processing and Underwriting
Your loan file is reviewed in greater detail. Processing may include updated documentation, employment or income verification, asset information, appraisal information, title-related items and other documentation applicable to your transaction. The underwriter then reviews the file against applicable loan requirements.
Final Approval and Closing Disclosure
As required conditions are completed, the loan can move toward final approval. Before closing, review your Closing Disclosure carefully. It provides important information about your final loan terms, estimated payment and transaction costs.
Sign, Close and Get Ready for the Keys
At closing, you review and sign the required mortgage and purchase documents. Once the applicable closing, funding and settlement requirements are complete, the transaction can be finalized and ownership transferred according to the terms of the sale.
Don't Wait Until You Find the House to Figure Out the Loan.
Get your VA financing reviewed first so you can shop with a clearer understanding of your options.
Documents Commonly Needed During the VA Loan Process
Exact documentation depends on your employment, income and individual loan file, but getting organized early can make the process easier.
Identification
Government-issued identification and information needed to verify your identity.
Income
Recent pay information, W-2s or other documentation applicable to your type of income.
Employment
Current employment information and employment history when applicable.
Military Service
Information needed to help establish your VA home loan eligibility and COE.
Assets
Bank or other asset statements when applicable to your transaction.
Additional Documents
Other documentation or explanations may be requested depending on your individual loan file.
Your VA Home Loan Benefit Can Be Powerful.
A VA-backed purchase loan includes features designed specifically for eligible Veterans, service members and other qualified borrowers.
The right strategy is not just knowing that the VA program exists — it is understanding how the benefit applies to your particular home purchase.
Review My VA OptionsEligible borrowers may be able to purchase without a down payment when applicable VA requirements are met.
VA-backed purchase loans generally do not require the monthly mortgage insurance associated with many other low-down-payment programs.
VA backing can help eligible borrowers access favorable mortgage financing through private lenders.
VA home loan entitlement may be usable again in qualifying circumstances, subject to applicable entitlement rules.
Four Simple Ways to Help Keep Your Loan Moving
Mortgage files can change when your finances change. Communication matters from application through closing.
Provide requested documents and explanations as completely and promptly as possible.
New loans, credit cards or other debt can change your financial profile during the transaction.
Let your mortgage team know about employment or income changes during the loan process.
Large transfers or deposits may require additional documentation, so discuss them with your loan team.
Your VA Loan Process Can Start Right Here.
Complete the short VA Approval form and tell Veterans Mortgage Solutions about your home-buying goals.
We can use the information you provide to begin reviewing your situation and help you understand potential next steps.
The Mortgage Should Be Explained — Not Just Processed.
Buying a home is a major financial decision. You should understand what is happening, why it is happening and what comes next.
Veterans Mortgage Solutions focuses on helping borrowers understand their VA financing, the mortgage process and the decisions that affect their transaction.
Our goal is to help make your VA home-buying process clearer from the beginning, not leave you trying to figure everything out at the closing table.
Start My VA ApprovalA Better VA Loan Experience Means:
Common VA Home Loan Questions
Get answers to some of the questions borrowers commonly have before starting a VA home purchase.
What is the first step in the VA loan process?
A good starting point is reviewing your VA eligibility and your financial situation. This can include your income, credit profile, monthly obligations, assets and home-buying goals.
What is a VA Certificate of Eligibility?
A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, helps show a lender that you meet applicable service requirements for the VA home loan benefit. A lender may be able to help obtain your COE.
Do I need a down payment with a VA loan?
Eligible VA borrowers may be able to purchase without a down payment when applicable VA requirements are satisfied, including requirements involving the home's appraised value and the transaction.
Does a VA loan have monthly mortgage insurance?
VA-backed purchase loans generally do not require monthly PMI or FHA-style monthly mortgage insurance premiums. Other costs, including the VA funding fee when applicable, should still be reviewed as part of your loan.
Is the VA appraisal a home inspection?
No. A VA appraisal and a professional home inspection are different. The VA appraisal helps determine value and evaluates applicable VA property requirements. A home inspection is intended to provide the buyer with a more detailed evaluation of the home's condition.
What happens during VA loan underwriting?
The mortgage file is reviewed against applicable lending requirements. The underwriter may review income, assets, credit, debts, property information, appraisal documentation and other information relevant to the transaction. Additional conditions or documents may be requested.
Is a mortgage pre-approval final loan approval?
No. A pre-approval is based on the information reviewed at that stage of the process. Final approval depends on the completed loan file, underwriting, the property and satisfaction of applicable conditions and requirements.
When should I start the VA loan process?
Starting before you seriously shop for a home can help you understand your financing, estimated payment and potential price range before making an offer.
How do I get started with Veterans Mortgage Solutions?
Complete the VA Approval form on this page. The information you provide can be used to begin reviewing your situation and potential VA home financing options.
You Earned Your VA Home Loan Benefit. Now Let's Help You Understand How to Use It.
Start with your VA loan review, understand your financing and take the next step toward finding the right home.
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