Mortgage VA Loan Eligibility Guide for Military Home Buyers (2026)
Qualify for VA mortgage loans: military service requirements, certificate of eligibility, funding fee, and zero-down benefits for veterans and active military.
Summary
VA loans offer zero-down mortgages for military borrowers. This guide explains eligibility, certificate process, funding fee, and VA loan benefits.
Key Steps
- 1Check service requirements: 90 days active duty, 6 years reserve, or spouse of deceased veteran.
- 2Request COE: Certificate of Eligibility from VA, apply online or through lender.
- 3Understand funding fee: 2.15% first use, 3.3% subsequent, exempt for disabled veterans.
- 4Compare to conventional: no PMI, no down payment, competitive rates, easier qualification.
- 5Check VA limits: no limit with full entitlement, county limits with reduced entitlement.