VA LOANS
VA Home Loans For Veterans
A benefit you earned: financing guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
OVERVIEW
Honoring your service with real savings
VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves who meet service requirements, and certain surviving spouses. Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, lenders can offer no-down-payment financing for qualified borrowers with full entitlement, and there is no monthly mortgage insurance.
Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee, which can be financed. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, and some other borrowers, are exempt.
At a glance
- No down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- VA funding fee may apply (exemptions available)
- Competitive rates and limits on certain closing costs
- Can be used more than once
Who it’s a good fit for
- Veterans and active-duty service members
- Eligible National Guard and Reserve members
- Certain un-remarried surviving spouses
- Buyers who want to keep cash in reserve
KEY FEATURES
How it works
Certificate of Eligibility
Alex can help request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm entitlement — often in minutes online.
No PMI
Unlike most low-down-payment loans, VA loans do not carry monthly mortgage insurance, which can lower your payment.
Refinance options
The VA IRRRL (streamline) can lower the rate on an existing VA loan, and VA cash-out refinances let eligible owners access equity.
Seller concessions
Sellers can pay certain closing costs and concessions within VA limits, which your agent can negotiate.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
What lenders typically look at
- Valid Certificate of Eligibility
- Credit, income and residual income that meet VA and lender guidelines
- The home must be your primary residence
- Property must meet VA minimum property requirements
- Condos must be VA-approved
Guidelines vary by lender and change over time. Alex will review your specific situation against current program rules.
GOOD TO KNOW
Things to consider
- The VA funding fee varies by down payment and prior use
- Some condo projects are not VA-approved
- Entitlement may be reduced if a prior VA loan is still active
- Not available for pure investment properties
FLORIDA SPECIFICS
VA loans in Florida: what’s different
Loan limits
Veterans with full VA entitlement have no VA loan limit. If part of your entitlement is in use, the 2026 county limit applies: $832,750 in most of Florida and $990,150 in Monroe County.
Your Certificate of Eligibility shows your entitlement. Alex can help you request it.
- Military communities. Florida is home to major installations including Eglin AFB, MacDill AFB, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Pensacola and Patrick SFB, and VA financing is common in those markets.
- Property taxes. Florida offers property tax exemptions for eligible disabled veterans on top of the homestead exemption. Check with your county property appraiser.
- Condo approval. The condo building must be VA-approved. Florida’s condo safety laws also affect building approvals, so Alex checks the building early.
- Insurance. Wind and, in flood zones, flood insurance count toward your payment and residual income, so get quotes early.
Run your numbers first
Use the Affordability Calculator to see how much home fits your budget. Then tap Check My Options and Alex will confirm real figures for your situation.
FAQ
Common questions
Do VA loans really require no down payment?
For eligible borrowers with full entitlement, no down payment is required. Lenders may require a down payment in certain situations, such as reduced entitlement.
How much is the VA funding fee?
It depends on whether you have used the benefit before and how much you put down. Borrowers receiving VA disability compensation are generally exempt.
Can I use my VA benefit more than once?
Yes. Entitlement can be restored after a VA loan is paid off, and in some cases you can have more than one VA loan.
Can I buy a condo with a VA loan?
Yes, if the condominium project is VA-approved. Alex can check the building early in your search.
GET STARTED
See what you may qualify for
Share a few details and Alex will follow up personally to review your options — usually the same business day. No obligation, and requesting information does not affect your credit.
- Shop 300+ wholesale lenders through NEXA Mortgage
- Clear answers on rates, costs and cash to close
- Pre-approval decisions typically within 24 hours of a complete application
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EXPLORE MORE
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Not a commitment to lend. Not all applicants qualify. Programs, rates, terms and availability may change without notice. All loans are subject to credit, income, asset and property approval. H. Alex El-Ali, NMLS #1513750, FL LO125697 | NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690. Equal Housing Lender.
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