No down payment in many cases
Eligible borrowers may purchase with no down payment, depending on entitlement, the purchase price and appraised value, and lender requirements.
For Veterans, service members and eligible surviving spouses
VA Loans &
Home Loan Assistance
The home loan benefit you earned.
Whether you’re buying a home or exploring a refinance, Jennifer can help you understand your VA loan benefit and plan your next step.
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Experienced VA mortgage guidance
Work with a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist.
Welcome to Neighborhood Mortgage, Inc. I’m Jennifer Brown, a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist (CVLS), and I take pride in helping military families make informed home financing decisions.
My advanced training includes eligibility for reservists and surviving spouses, entitlement restoration, VA appraisals and the Tidewater Initiative, and joint-loan situations involving unmarried or non-occupant co-borrowers. Each situation deserves an individual review.
Your VA benefit should be understood, not overlooked because of a misconception. Let’s explore how it may fit your goals.
Benefits for those who served
Explore the advantages of a VA loan.
A VA-backed mortgage is made by a lender and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Purchase and refinance options are available, subject to eligibility and underwriting.
No monthly PMI
VA loans do not require monthly private mortgage insurance. A funding fee and other closing costs may still apply.
Flexible paths to financing
Review purchase, cash-out refinance and VA streamline refinance options. Approval depends on the applicable loan and lender requirements.
Who may be eligible?
Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify. Service length, duty status and character of service affect eligibility; receiving disability compensation alone does not establish eligibility.
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) documents your VA benefit eligibility. Jennifer can help you review your service history and the documentation needed. A COE does not replace the lender’s credit, income and other loan requirements.
Review requested documentsPlan for the full cost
VA funding fee and closing costs
The VA funding fee is generally a one-time charge. Its amount depends on the loan type and may also depend on prior benefit use and the down payment. Eligible borrowers can finance the fee or pay it at closing.
Some borrowers are exempt, including qualifying Veterans receiving compensation for a service-connected disability. Other exemptions may apply. Jennifer can help verify your exemption status and review current fees.
No down payment does not mean no closing costs. Seller contributions or lender credits may help cover eligible expenses, subject to program limits and the agreed transaction terms.
VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)
If you already have a VA-backed mortgage, an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan may help lower your payment or make it more stable. Documentation, closing costs, lender requirements and the required loan benefit must be reviewed; a refinance is not automatically cost-free.
Separate myths from possibilities
Common Veteran misconceptions
“My eligibility expired.”
Leaving active duty does not automatically end your benefit. Review your service history and COE.
“I can only use it once.”
Repeat use may be possible through remaining or restored entitlement.
“It’s only for active-duty military.”
Eligible Veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may also qualify.
“VA loans are always harder to qualify for.”
VA financing has its own requirements. Compare your options with someone who understands the benefit.
“I can’t have two VA loans.”
More than one may be possible with sufficient entitlement and qualifying occupancy and underwriting circumstances.
“A previous foreclosure rules me out forever.”
A prior credit event may not permanently prevent approval. Waiting periods, entitlement and current qualifications matter.
What sellers should know
Seller-paid fees aren’t automatic.
VA restrictions on certain borrower-paid fees do not automatically require the seller to pay them. Permitted arrangements should be reviewed with the lender and closing team.
No down payment is a benefit.
A qualifying buyer may use this benefit while still meeting credit, income and loan requirements.
Every closing has its own timeline.
A VA loan does not automatically mean a slower closing. Timing depends on the property, documentation, appraisal and transaction.
The appraisal serves a purpose.
VA appraisals address value and minimum property requirements. Jennifer can explain the appraisal process and the Tidewater Initiative.
Your next chapter
Looking for a VA Loan?
We honor your service with thoughtful home financing.
Let’s review your eligibility, entitlement, purchase or refinance goals, and the next steps for your household.
All loans are subject to eligibility, underwriting and applicable program and lender requirements.
Official resources: VA home loans · Funding fee and closing costs · IRRRL