Who qualifies for a VA loan?

Eligible applicants include Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses.

What are the benefits of a VA loan?

Benefits include no down payment, no PMI, lower interest rates, limited closing costs, and flexible credit requirements.

VA Home Loan Overview – What Every Veteran Needs to Know

Q: What is a VA home loan?

A VA home loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing eligible borrowers to buy or refinance a home with no down payment and favorable terms.

If you’ve served in the U.S. military, the VA home loan program is one of the most valuable benefits you’ve earned. It makes homeownership more accessible and affordable, especially for those who may face obstacles with traditional loans.

At American Hero Home Loans, I serve Veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard, Reservists, and eligible surviving spouses. With over a decade of experience and 50+ five-star reviews, I offer personal guidance and a step-by-step path to homeownership with $0 down.

What Is a VA Home Loan?

A VA home loan is a government-backed mortgage offered by private lenders and guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Originally created in 1944, it was designed to help service members buy homes with better terms and no down payment. Today, it remains one of the most powerful home financing options available.

VA Loan Benefits – Why Veterans Choose This Program

No Down Payment: $0 required in most cases
No PMI: Save monthly without private mortgage insurance
Lower Interest Rates: Often better than FHA or conventional rates
Flexible Credit Guidelines: Easier approval for many borrowers
Limited Closing Costs: The VA restricts fees charged to you
No Prepayment Penalties: Pay off early without a fee
Reusable Benefit: Use it more than once if eligible

Who Qualifies for a VA Home Loan?

Veterans who served during wartime or peacetime
Active-duty service members
National Guard or Reservists with sufficient service
Eligible surviving spouses

Not sure if you’re eligible? I can retrieve your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at no cost.

How the VA Loan Process Works

Step 1 – Pre-Qualification: We’ll review your credit, income, and goals.
Step 2 – COE: I’ll help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility quickly.
Step 3 – House Hunting: Work with a VA-savvy real estate agent.
Step 4 – Underwriting and Appraisal: We’ll handle the paperwork and VA appraisal.
Step 5 – Closing: Final paperwork, keys in hand, and move in, usually with $0 down.

What Can VA Loans Be Used For?

Buying a home (single-family, condo, townhome, multi-unit)
Building a new home
Purchasing a manufactured or modular home
Refinancing a current mortgage (VA IRRRL or cash-out)
Energy-efficient upgrades

Common VA Loan Myths (and the Truth)

Myth: VA loans take longer.
Truth: With an experienced lender, they close as quickly as conventional loans.

Myth: You can only use it once.
Truth: You can reuse your VA loan benefit if you meet entitlement rules.

Myth: It’s only for first-time buyers.
Truth: VA loans can be used for both first-time and repeat buyers.

Why Work With Me?

19+ years of lending experience
Trusted by Veterans across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan
50+ Five-star Google reviews
Local, personal service — no call centers
Access to my American Hero Rewards Program for closing cost savings