I'm proud to help veterans and service members buy homes. The VA loan is one of the best benefits you've earned, and a lot of eligible buyers don't use it, or don't use all of it.

The headline benefits

  • No down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement.
  • No monthly mortgage insurance. On other loans with a small down payment, that can be a meaningful monthly cost.
  • Competitive pricing backed by the VA guarantee.
  • Flexible credit guidelines compared with many conventional loans.

The benefits people miss

Funding fee exemptions

Most VA loans have a one-time funding fee, which can be rolled into the loan. But veterans receiving VA disability compensation are generally exempt, and so are some surviving spouses and Purple Heart recipients on active duty. If you have a disability rating, make sure your lender knows.

You can use it more than once

The VA benefit isn't one-and-done. After you sell and pay off a VA loan, your entitlement can be restored. In some situations, you can even have two VA loans at once, like keeping a home as a rental after a move.

Assumability

VA loans can be assumed by a qualified buyer. If you sell in the future, a buyer may be able to take over your loan at its existing terms, which can be a selling point.

Limits on closing costs

The VA restricts some fees that veterans can be charged, and sellers can contribute toward your closing costs.

Iowa's $5,000 military grant

The Iowa Finance Authority's Military Homeownership Assistance program offers a $5,000 grant to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses buying in Iowa. Funding is limited each year, so ask about it early. Here's how it fits with Iowa's other programs.

Getting started

The first step is your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). I can usually pull it online in minutes. From there, we'll talk about your budget, your funding fee status, and whether a VA loan or another option fits your plans best.

Thank you for your service. Learn more on my VA loans page, or reach out and let's get your COE pulled.