HOME LOAN GUARANTY

VA GUARANTEED LOAN

WHAT IS A VA GUARANTEED LOAN? 

A VA-guaranteed loan can be used to:

• buy a home, either existing or pre-construction, as a primary residence

• refinance an existing loan

BENEFITS OF A VA GUARANTEED LOAN:

• Equal opportunity for all qualified Veterans to obtain a VA loan

• Reusable

• No down payment (unless required by the lender or the purchase price is more than the 

reasonable value of the property)

• No mortgage insurance

• One time VA funding fee that can be included in the loan 1

• Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the VA funding fee

• VA limits certain closing costs a Veteran can pay

• Can be assumed by qualified persons 

• Minimum property requirements to ensure the property is safe, sanitary, and sound

• VA staff dedicated to assisting Veterans who become delinquent on their loan

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

Generally, the following people are eligible:

• Veterans who meet length of service requirements

• Servicemembers on active duty who have served a minimum period

• Certain Reservists and National Guard members

• Certain surviving spouses of deceased Veterans

Disabilities determined by VA to be related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable compensation, enrollment in the 

VA health care system, a 10-point hiring preference for federal employment and other important benefits. Ask your VA 

representativeor Veterans Service Organization representative about Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Caregiver 

Program, Career Services, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance and/or Dependents and Survivors’ Benefits.
Note: There are other groups of individuals who may be eligible. To determine your eligibility, 

check eBenefits or contact VA Eligibility Center at 1-888-768-2132.

KEY UNDERWRITING CRITERIA:

• No maximum debt ratio; however lender must provide compensating factors if total debt ratio 

over 41%.

• No maximum loan amount; however, VA does limit its guaranty; Veterans can borrow up to 

$417,000 without a down payment in most of the country. Find out the limit in any county. 

• Published residual income guidelines to ensure Veterans have the capacity to repay their 

obligations while accounting for all living expenses. 

• No minimum credit score requirement; instead VA requires a lender to review the entire loan 

profile to make a lending decision. 

• See the complete VA credit guidelines. 

HOW DO I START THE PROCESS? 

VA provides policy, guidelines and oversight of the program. Lenders provide financing for eligible 

Veterans. The guaranty allows Veterans to obtain a competitive loan without a down payment. 

Lenders need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove your entitlement. Most Veterans can obtain 

the COE online through eBenefits. Lenders also have the ability to request the COE on your behalf.

VA encourages prospective buyers to talk to several lenders to find one that fits their needs, knows the 

VA loan program, and offers competitive rates and terms. 

Note: The VA appraisal is not intended to be an “inspection” of the property.

A Veteran should get expert advice from a qualified residential inspection service before legally 

committing to a purchase agreement. Veterans are also encouraged to have radon testing performed.

CAN VA HELP IF I’M HAVING TROUBLE MAKING PAYMENTS ON MY EXISTING LOAN?

VA Loan Technicians are trained to help Veteran borrowers retain their homes and avoid foreclosure. 

Please call toll-free 1-877-827-3702 to speak to a VA Loan Technician.

For more information visit our Home Loans website.

Home Loan Guaranty – February 2015