How to buy a home with a VA home loan

A VA-backed home loan often needs no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. You get it from a regular lender, not the VA.

What you may need

Step 1: Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE shows a lender that you qualify. You can request it on VA.gov, or your lender can get it for you.
Step 2: Find a lender who does VA loans
Banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies offer VA loans. Compare a few. Lenders set their own credit and income rules.
Step 3: Know about the funding fee
Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee. If you get VA disability pay, you may not have to pay it.
Step 4: Pick a home and get it appraised
A VA appraiser checks the home is worth the price and is safe to live in.

You can use a VA home loan more than once in your life.

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