Discover how VA loans can help you buy a home with $0 down payment, no PMI, and loan limits up to $832,750 in 2026.
Great news for veterans! The FHFA announced a 3.3% increase in conforming loan limits for 2026, giving you more buying power than ever before.
In high-cost areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Hawaii, limits can reach up to $1,249,125 for single-family homes.
VA loans offer unmatched benefits that can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
Purchase a home without saving for years. VA loans allow 100% financing on loans up to $832,750 in most areas—no down payment required.
Conventional loans with less than 20% down require Private Mortgage Insurance. VA loans never charge PMI—saving you hundreds monthly.
VA loans typically offer interest rates 0.25-0.5% lower than conventional loans because the government guarantees a portion of the loan.
Pay off your mortgage early without any penalty fees. Make extra payments anytime to build equity faster and save on interest.
Your VA loan benefit isn't a one-time use. You can restore your entitlement and use VA loans multiple times throughout your lifetime.
The VA limits what lenders can charge for closing costs. Plus, sellers can pay up to 4% of the loan amount toward your closing costs.
One of the most valuable yet overlooked benefits: anyone can assume a VA loan at the original interest rate—potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When you assume a VA loan, you take over the seller's existing mortgage—including their interest rate, remaining balance, and loan terms. In today's high-rate environment, this means you could get a loan at 2-4% when market rates are 6-7%+.
You don't need to be a veteran to assume a VA loan
Lock in rates from 2020-2022 when they were at historic lows
Save $100,000-$400,000+ over the life of the loan
VA loans are available to service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses who meet specific service requirements.
Your COE proves to lenders that you qualify for a VA loan. Apply online at VA.gov, through a VA-approved lender, or by mail using VA Form 26-1880.
The VA funding fee is a one-time payment that helps keep the VA loan program running for future veterans. It can be financed into your loan.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase/Construction | Less than 5% | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| Purchase/Construction | 5% - 9.99% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Purchase/Construction | 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Cash-Out Refinance | N/A | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| IRRRL (Streamline) | N/A | 0.5% | |
Some veterans are exempt from paying the VA funding fee:
The VA doesn't set a minimum credit score, but most lenders require a score of 620 or higher. Some lenders specialize in working with veterans who have lower credit scores. Your credit history, income, and other factors also play a role in approval.
VA loans are intended for primary residences only. However, you can have multiple VA loans if you have enough entitlement. For example, if you're PCS'd and keep your first VA-financed home as a rental, you may be able to use remaining entitlement for a new primary residence.
A typical VA loan takes 30-45 days to close, similar to conventional loans. The VA appraisal, which is required for all VA purchases, typically takes 7-10 business days. Working with an experienced VA lender can help expedite the process.
Entitlement is the amount the VA will guarantee to your lender (typically 25% of the loan). Loan limits ($832,750 in 2026 for most areas) determine the maximum loan amount you can get without a down payment. Thanks to the Blue Water Navy Act of 2019, veterans with full entitlement have no loan limits—though lenders may have their own limits.
Yes! If you're eligible for a VA loan but currently have a conventional mortgage, you can refinance into a VA loan through a VA Cash-Out Refinance. This allows you to eliminate PMI, potentially get a lower rate, and even access your home's equity. However, the VA funding fee will apply.
No! VA loans can be used for various property types including single-family homes, condominiums (in VA-approved projects), manufactured homes, and multi-unit properties (up to 4 units) as long as you live in one of the units. This makes VA loans excellent for house-hacking and building rental income.
Use our free tools to estimate your buying power, calculate payments, and plan your home purchase.
Find the 2026 VA loan limit for any county in the United States.
Check Your LimitCalculate your Basic Allowance for Housing based on location and pay grade.
Calculate BAHSee how much you could save by assuming a low-rate VA loan.
Calculate SavingsYou've earned these benefits through your service. Let us help you navigate the process and find your perfect home with $0 down.