VA Loan Education: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply
Get clear, simple VA loan guidance: eligibility and COE, how VA loans work, purchase vs refinance, funding fee basics, underwriting factors, and a checklist to move faster.
Start with the basics
VA loans are a benefit earned through service. They often allow $0 down, have no monthly PMI, and are designed to be more flexible than many conventional loans.
VA loan steps (purchase)
- 1) Eligibility + COE: confirm you qualify (we can help pull it).
- 2) Pre-approval: verify income, credit, and your target payment range.
- 3) Shop + offer: choose a home and submit an offer.
- 4) VA appraisal: confirms value + basic property standards.
- 5) Underwriting: finalize documents and conditions.
- 6) Clear to close: final approval, signing, and keys.
Purchase vs refinance (quick guide)
Purchase
Often $0 down with no monthly PMI. Great for first-time and repeat VA buyers.
IRRRL
“Streamline” refinance to reduce rate/payment (simpler than many refis).
Cash-Out
Access equity for debt payoff, renovations, or other goals (rules apply).
What underwriters care about most
- Income stability and ability to repay
- DTI + residual income (money left after obligations)
- Credit history (not just score)
- Occupancy (primary residence intent)
- Property type and appraisal findings
Disclosures: NMLS #213875 • Terms depend on credit, income, assets, property and market conditions. Subject to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Lender.
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Send this and we’ll guide your next best VA steps.
VA Loan Education FAQs
What is a COE and why do I need it?
Do VA loans have PMI?
How fast can I get pre-approved?
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Disclosures: NMLS #213875 • Terms depend on credit, income, assets, property and market conditions. Subject to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Lender.
Veterans Mortgage Solutions
Veterans Mortgage Solutions specializes in providing tailored home financing options for U.S. military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Our mission is to honor the commitment and sacrifice of veterans by offering personalized mortgage solutions that make homeownership accessible and affordable. With a deep understanding of VA loans and other veteran-specific programs, we guide our clients through every step of the home buying process, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. At Veterans Mortgage Solutions, we prioritize trust, transparency, and exceptional service, empowering veterans to achieve their dream of homeownership with ease and confidence.
Local Hubs
Purchase & Refinance
Disclosures
Veterans Mortgage Solutions is not a direct lender. We operate as a mortgage referral service, connecting veterans and homebuyers with mortgage solutions through Cornerstone First Mortgage, a licensed mortgage lender. All loans are provided, underwritten, and serviced by Cornerstone First Mortgage. Veterans Mortgage Solutions does not offer loans or credit decisions directly and is not affiliated with any government agency, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
©2023 Veterans Mortgage Solutions. For informational purposes only. No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. Programs shown may not include all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs, and underwriting policies are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states, and restrictions may apply. Equal Housing.