What is a VA loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and some surviving spouses. With Naval Station Norfolk, Oceana, Fort Eustis and Langley all nearby, VA loans are one of the most common ways buyers finance a home in Hampton Roads.
The biggest advantage: most eligible buyers can purchase with $0 down, and VA loans don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can save hundreds of dollars a month compared to other low-down-payment options like FHA loans.
Zero down doesn't mean unlimited, though. Lenders still look at your debt-to-income ratio to decide how much you can borrow, and my home affordability calculator gives you a quick estimate before you talk to one.
Comparing programs? My overview of special home loan programs in Virginia puts every option side by side.
Who qualifies for a VA loan
Eligibility generally depends on your length and type of service. Most active-duty service members, veterans and National Guard/Reserve members with qualifying service meet the requirement, and some surviving spouses qualify as well. A VA-approved lender can pull your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm your status.
What to expect in the process
VA loans use the same basic homebuying steps as any mortgage — pre-approval, house hunting, offer, appraisal, closing — with a few VA-specific details, like a VA appraisal that also checks the home meets minimum property requirements. Some sellers are unfamiliar with VA loans, so I make sure your offer is presented clearly so it's taken as seriously as any other.
How I help VA buyers in Hampton Roads
I work regularly with lenders experienced in VA financing and can help you understand your entitlement, timeline and what to expect at each step. If you're relocating with PCS orders, see my guide to selling or buying during a PCS move for how the two often overlap. Not sure which part of the area fits your command? My guide to where to live near the base in Hampton Roads compares the major installations and nearby neighborhoods. Coming from another base? I've written guides for moves from San Diego, Coronado, Pearl Harbor, Mayport, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Great Lakes and Newport, all collected on my PCS to Hampton Roads page.
Ready to start? Visit my First-Time Homebuyers page to see the full home-buying process, or reach out directly to get started.
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