Confirm your eligibility
Ask a VA-experienced lender to obtain or review your Certificate of Eligibility and explain your available entitlement.
Home / VA Homebuyers
VA HomebuyersYour service earned a benefit.
Explore what it can do.
For eligible veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses, a VA-backed home loan may offer a valuable route to a qualifying primary residence.
Why consider VA financing
Preserve savings.
Preserve savings.
Compare the possibilities.
No required down payment*
A qualifying purchase may allow financing without a down payment when entitlement, appraisal, and lender conditions are met.
No monthly mortgage insurance
VA does not require monthly mortgage insurance. Compare this benefit against the complete financing costs.
A reusable benefit
You may be able to use your benefit again, subject to entitlement and applicable requirements.
*A lender may require money down in some situations. An appraisal shortfall or remaining entitlement can affect required cash. Funding fees and closing costs may still apply.
Start with eligibility, then the home
Know your benefit.
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Know your benefit.
Build your buying plan.
Review your full budget
Compare the payment, closing costs, funding fee if applicable, reserves, and the amount you want to keep in savings.
Match the property to the program
The home must meet applicable VA and lender requirements. Condos require project review; intended occupancy matters.
Important at San Diego prices:
VA does not set a county loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement.
Your lender still determines what you can qualify to borrow.
Remaining entitlement can change the calculation, and large loans
may have additional lender requirements.
Compare with your mortgage professional
The right choice starts
The right choice starts
with your numbers.
| Question | VA financing | Conventional financing |
|---|---|---|
| Who can qualify? | Eligible borrowers with a COE who meet credit, income, occupancy, and other requirements. | Borrowers meeting the chosen lender and program requirements. |
| Down payment? | May be unnecessary, subject to entitlement, appraisal, and lender review. | Depends on product, borrower, occupancy, and property. |
| Monthly mortgage insurance? | Not required by VA. | May apply at higher loan-to-value ratios. |
| Costs to compare? | Rate, APR, lender costs, closing costs, and any VA funding fee. | Rate, APR, lender costs, closing costs, and any mortgage insurance. |
| Property review? | VA appraisal and property requirements; condo project eligibility where relevant. | Applicable appraisal, property, and project requirements. |
Common VA questions
A little clarity
A little clarity
goes a long way.
Is a VA loan automatically the best choice?
No. Compare options using the same purchase price, timeline, and complete cost assumptions. Eligibility, funding-fee status, down payment, and how long you expect to own the home can affect the comparison.
Does no down payment mean no closing costs?
No. Closing costs and prepaid items can still be due. A funding fee may apply unless you qualify for an exemption. Ask the lender for a detailed estimate of your total cash to close.
Can I buy a condo or a two-to-four-unit property?
Potentially, if the property and transaction meet the program and lender requirements. A condo project must qualify, and a multi-unit purchase must satisfy applicable occupancy requirements. Do not assume a property is approved from a listing description.
Can I use VA for a rental-only investment?
A VA purchase loan is intended for a qualifying home you will occupy, not a rental-only investment purchase. Discuss your intended use with the lender before selecting properties.
How can Jessica help?
Discuss the real estate search, property questions, tours, offer process, and your moving timeline with Jessica. Your selected mortgage professional handles loan eligibility, pricing, approval, and financing disclosures.
What should I prepare before starting my search?
Discuss your purchase timeline, lender preapproval, available cash, preferred locations, and any military move deadlines. Your lender can explain which service, income, asset, and eligibility documents are needed.
Official references: VA purchase loans · Entitlement and limits · Funding fees and closing costs. Information reviewed October 15, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your lender.
Your next chapter starts here
Your home search.
Your home search.
A clear next step.
Tell Jessica about your preferred locations, purchase timeline, and what you need from your next home. Coordinate financing with a mortgage professional of your choice.
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Start your VA home search.
Share your timeline, approximate budget, preferred areas, and whether you have already spoken with a VA-experienced lender.
Jessica provides real estate services, not loan approval. Email opens in your email application. Do not include sensitive service or financial documents in a general inquiry.