VA loans: zero down for those who served
Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a VA loan lets eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. We'll walk through your funding fee and eligibility before you commit to anything.
Who it fits
Eligible veterans & service members
Active duty, veterans, and Reserve/National Guard members who meet service requirements.
Surviving spouses
Certain unremarried surviving spouses of veterans may also qualify for VA benefits.
Buyers who want to preserve cash
Zero down and no monthly MI free up cash for moving costs, reserves, or renovations.
What the VA funding fee costs
An illustrative $400,000 VA purchase with no down payment.
| Scenario | Funding fee | Amount | Monthly MI |
|---|---|---|---|
| First use, 0% down | 2.15% | $8,600 | $0 |
| First use, 5%+ down | 1.50% | $6,000 | $0 |
| Subsequent use, 0% down | 3.30% | $13,200 | $0 |
Illustration only. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating, Purple Heart recipients on active duty, and certain surviving spouses are exempt from the funding fee. Actual fees depend on your COE, down payment, and loan history.
Where VA helps
- 0% down payment required
- No monthly mortgage insurance, ever
- Often competitive rates versus conventional
- Funding fee can be financed into the loan or waived for eligible borrowers
- Reusable benefit — can be used more than once
What to weigh
- Upfront funding fee unless exempt
- Primary residences only
- Requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Condo purchases need VA project approval
Common questions
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?
No — VA loans allow 0% down for eligible borrowers, though putting money down lowers your funding fee.
What's the VA funding fee?
A one-time fee that helps sustain the program, ranging from about 1.25% to 3.3% depending on your down payment and whether it's your first use of the benefit.
Can the funding fee be waived?
Yes — veterans with a service-connected disability rating, Purple Heart recipients on active duty, and certain surviving spouses are typically exempt.
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once?
Yes, as long as you have remaining entitlement. We'll help you confirm what's available on your COE.
See what your VA benefit can do
No cost, no obligation — we'll walk through your COE, funding fee, and entitlement together.