VA Loans Explained
VA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offered to eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. They're one of the most powerful loan products available.
Who's eligible
Active-duty service members after 90 continuous days of service.
Veterans who meet length-of-service requirements (typically 24 months or the full period called).
National Guard and Reserve members after six years of service or 90 days of active duty.
Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability.
Why VA loans stand out
No down payment required for most loan amounts.
No private mortgage insurance, ever — even with 0% down.
Competitive interest rates, often lower than conventional loans.
Limited closing costs and the ability for sellers to pay them.
The funding fee
VA loans charge a one-time funding fee (typically 1.25–3.3% of the loan), which can be rolled into the loan.
The fee is waived for veterans with a service-connected disability rating, surviving spouses, and Purple Heart recipients.
Key takeaways
- Zero down, no PMI, and competitive rates make VA loans hard to beat for those who qualify.
- You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — your lender can request it for you.
- The funding fee replaces mortgage insurance and is often waived for disabled veterans.
Have questions about your situation?
Ark Beacon can answer questions and match you with a vetted lender in about 60 seconds.
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