VA Loans

Confirm Eligibility and Entitlement

A Certificate of Eligibility helps establish the VA benefit. The lender still checks income, credit, occupancy and the property. If you have used the benefit before, ask how remaining or restored entitlement affects this purchase.

• Request or locate your Certificate of Eligibility.
• Discuss any prior VA loan or existing entitlement use.
• Confirm the home will meet occupancy and property requirements.

Budget for Closing Even with Zero Down

No required down payment does not mean no closing costs. A one-time VA funding fee may apply, though certain borrowers are exempt. Taxes, insurance, inspections and other settlement charges also matter. VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance.

• Ask whether you are exempt from the funding fee.
• Compare financing the fee with paying it at closing, if applicable.
• Review total cash to close and payment on the Loan Estimate.

Put Your VA Benefit into a Buying Plan

Ask Adam to put together a VA purchase scenario using your entitlement, down payment and timeline. Review the payment, any funding fee, eligible seller concessions and cash needed so you can use the benefit with a clear plan.

Put the Benefits to Work for Your Purchase

Keeping your down-payment cash and avoiding monthly mortgage insurance can make VA attractive. A funding fee, when required, adds cost; financing it increases the loan and the interest paid on that amount.

• Compare paying the fee in cash with financing it.
• Ask how your entitlement, appraisal and prior VA use affect the purchase.

Put the Guide to Work