The VA home loan remains one of the most powerful mortgage benefits available to eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this program allows qualified borrowers to purchase a home with zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates.Official VA Home Loan Overview:https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/ At ROGER Bank, we specialize in VA lending with transparent fees, clear communication, and exceptional client experience from preapproval to closing. VA Loan EligibilityYou may be eligible if you meet one of the following service requirements:90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime181 days of active duty during peacetime6 years in the National Guard or ReservesSurviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of dutyFull eligibility details:https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/eligibility/ Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) verifies your entitlement to a VA loan.You can obtain it by:Applying online at VA.govAsking your lender to retrieve it electronicallySubmitting VA Form 26-1880COE Information:https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/how-to-request-coe/ ROGER Bank can typically obtain your COE within minutes. 0% Down Payment ExplainedVA loans allow 100% financing up to conforming loan limits with full entitlement for qualifying applicants. This means:No down payment requiredYou may finance the full purchase price (if supported by appraisal)You preserve savings for emergencies or investmentsImportant: Zero down does not mean zero cost. Closing costs and funding fees still apply unless exempt. VA Funding Fee (2026)The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that keeps the program self-sustaining.Examples (first-time use, no down payment):2.15% for regular military 2.15% for Reserves and National Guard3.3% for subsequent useExemptions may apply for:Veterans receiving VA disability compensationPurple Heart recipients on active dutyOfficial Funding Fee Chart:https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/ The funding fee may be financed into the loan. VA Appraisal ProcessA VA appraisal protects veterans by ensuring:The home meets fair market valueThe property meets VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)Appraisers are assigned through the VA system.Appraisal Guidelines:https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/appraisal_process.asp Occupancy RulesVA loans are for primary residences only.You must intend to occupy the home within approximately 60 daysNot permitted for vacation homesNot permitted for pure investment propertiesOfficial Guidelines:https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/purchase-loan/ VA Loan Limits (2026)Borrowers with full entitlement have no loan limits.If you have partial entitlement, county conforming loan limits may apply.https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-limits/ Residual Income Requirements ExplainedUnlike FHA and Conventional loans, VA loans require residual income.Residual income is the amount left over after:TaxesHousing expenseDebt paymentsEstimated utilities and living costsThe VA sets minimum residual income amounts based on:Geographic regionFamily sizeResidual Income Tables:https://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/admin26/m26-07/Chapter_4_Credit_Underwriting.pdf This ensures veterans can comfortably afford their mortgage. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or other financial advice. Consumers should seek the advice of a financial advisor/professional, tax consultant or legal counsel for their specific needs.
