How to Get a VA Loan

Eligible VA Loan Applicants

There are over 25.5 million veterans who are eligible for VA loans, yet unfortunately the vast majority of them don’t take advantage of the opportunity. The VA loan program has a wide array of advantages that can help veterans and their families get housing they otherwise might not be able to attain. In order to avail themselves of the benefit, veterans have to serve in active duty for at least 90 days in wartime and 180 consecutive days in times of peace.

National Guard and Reserve personnel are also eligible, as long as they are discharged honorably after at least six years of service to their country. Spouses of deceased military personnel can also get VA loans as well. While VA loans comes with a funding fee that ranges from 0.5% to 3.3%, the funding fee is rolled over into the loan itself so veterans don’t have to pay for it in cash. Even with the funding fee, the benefits and advantages of VA loans make them one of the best if not the best loan programs out there.

VA Loan Checklist

We've created a VA Loan Checklist of information to have handy when you're ready to apply for a VA Loan. Having the information at your fingertips can save you a lot of time, not to mention make the process of applying much, much faster.

When applying for a VA Loan, you should know the following information about the veteran:

  • Full name
  • If a veteran, Certificate of Eligibility and DD 214 form. Applicants still in active duty, National Guard personnel and Reservists do not need these documents
  • Residence/ address for the last two years
  • An estimation of the value of all personal property
  • Social Security Number
  • Employer name and address for the last two years
  • Current monthly salary (gross)
  • Recent check stubs and W2 forms for the last two years
  • Personal tax returns, recent income statements and balance sheets for the last two years for military personnel who are self-employed and have their own business
  • All checking and savings account numbers, balances, names and addresses on the accounts
  • All current loan account numbers, balances, names, addresses and monthly payment amounts
  • Information and appraisal of any property already owned
  • You will also need to get a full credit report for yourself (which you pay for), as well as an appraisal of the property you wish to purchase

Next Steps for a VA Loan

As a VA loan processing service for veterans, National Guardists, Reservists and surviving spouses, we are equipped and experienced in creating the best VA Loan package possible for you. If you are a veteran, we will need the Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs before we can start to process your VA Loan application. If you need any assistance acquiring that document, just let us know and we will guide you through the process.

A little preparation goes a long way. With the aforementioned information and your Certificate of Eligibility ready, you have already taken the first steps to getting a VA Loan. We will help with the rest.