As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the ways service shapes lives long after the uniform is hung up. For many veterans, one of the biggest unseen rewards is something that can open a door — literally — to a home of their own.
When Rustin and I bought our first home, we used a VA loan. We were new to the process and didn’t have much money to bring to the table. That program made it possible for us to buy sooner, start building equity, and begin creating a life we were proud of. Looking back, it’s one of the best decisions we ever made.
What surprises me, though, is how many veterans still don’t realize just how powerful this benefit really is. A recent study showed that three out of ten veterans don’t know they can buy a home with zero percent down. That one detail alone changes everything — especially for families who are ready to stop renting but don’t have a big savings account tucked away.
So What Exactly Is a VA Loan?
A VA loan isn’t money from the Department of Veterans Affairs itself. Instead, the VA backs a portion of the loan, which gives local lenders the confidence to offer lower interest rates and better terms. You still work with a private lender — often your local bank or credit union — but the VA guarantee helps reduce their risk and makes homeownership more accessible.
You can only use it to buy a primary residence, meaning it has to be the home you live in. You can’t buy a vacation property or a rental home, but if you want to purchase a small multi-unit property and live in one of the units, that’s allowed. It’s flexible, which is one of the things I love most about it.
Another fact that often surprises people is that the benefit doesn’t expire. It’s yours for life. You can use your VA loan more than once, even have more than one active VA loan at a time, depending on how much of your entitlement is still available. Entitlement is the portion of the loan the VA guarantees to your lender — a technical term, but an important one, since it’s what makes the whole system work.
What You’ll Need to Know
To get started, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, which confirms your service history and duty status. Most veterans qualify after 90 days of wartime active duty or six years in the Reserves or National Guard. Your lender can usually request this for you in minutes.
You’ll also see something called a VA funding fee when you apply. It’s a one-time cost that helps keep the program running, and it can usually be rolled into your loan. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and certain surviving spouses are exempt from paying it.
And while the VA loan eliminates the need for a down payment or private mortgage insurance, you’ll still have some closing costs — things like title fees and insurance. The good news is that the VA limits what lenders can charge, and sellers can help cover a portion of those expenses too.
What the VA Looks For
VA loans come with something called Minimum Property Requirements, which simply means the home has to be safe, sound, and move-in ready. You don’t need a perfect house with granite counters and brand-new floors… but you do need one without major safety issues. Think leaky roofs or electrical problems, not scuffed walls or outdated cabinets.
The VA appraisal process sometimes gets a bad reputation, but it isn’t meant to make buying harder. It’s there to make sure the home you’re buying is worth what you’re paying and that it’s livable from day one.
The Real Advantages
The heart of the program is in what it offers. A VA loan lets eligible borrowers finance 100% of the home’s value — that means zero down. It also skips monthly mortgage insurance, which can save hundreds each month compared to other loan types. Rates tend to be competitive, credit standards are often more forgiving, and you’ll never be penalized for paying your loan off early.
It’s also one of the only loan programs that’s assumable, which means another qualified buyer can take over your VA loan — including your low interest rate — if you ever sell. That can be a huge advantage in the future.
And if life takes a tough turn, the VA has programs to help you avoid foreclosure, offering financial counseling and support that most other loan types simply don’t.
Why It Matters
When I first started in real estate in the Hampton Roads area, about 80% of my business came from working with active-duty and retired military clients. I learned early on how deeply personal these loans can be — they’re not just a financial product. They represent stability, security, and a well-earned next step.
Now, here in the Shenandoah Valley, I see the same thing: families ready to plant roots, to find home, to start a new chapter. The VA loan makes that possible every single day.
If you’re a veteran or a member of a military family, this benefit is yours. It’s flexible, affordable, and designed to help you succeed. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to connect you with trusted local lenders who understand the program inside and out.
You’ve earned this. You deserve to use it. And it would be an honor to help you do just that.
Thank you, truly, for your service.
Ashley Dudley | Broker Owner HomeGrown Real Estate
ashley.dudley@homegrownreva.com
540.271.1655
