If there's one thing the Certificate of Eligibility is not, it's a guarantee. The word "guarantee" frequently gets tossed into VA loan discussions, but to be clear, no one is guaranteed to receive a VA loan just by meeting basic service requirements. The COE simply signifies that you've cleared one hurdle on the track - namely, that you've met the military service requirement. Your property still has to measure up to VA criteria, and your borrower qualifications (credit score, income, debts) must meet VA and lender standards.