VA Loans Made Simple
The VA Loan Advantage – Explained by a Sailor, for Sailors
24+ years of active duty. Multiple PCS moves.
Why Use Your VA Loan Benefit?
✅ $0 Down Payment Required
✅ No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
✅ Lower Interest Rates
✅ Limited Closing Costs
✅ Flexible Credit Guidelines
✅ Reusable Benefit
✅ No Prepayment Penalty
✅ Just Your Path to Homeownership
VA Loan Basics (Clear and Simple)
What is the VA Loan?
The VA loan is one of your most powerful military benefits. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it allows eligible service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses to buy a home with $0 down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if you meet one of these:
Active duty service member with at least 90 continuous days of service.
Veteran who meets minimum active duty service requirements.
National Guard or Reserve member with at least 6 years of service (or activated for 90+ days).
Certain surviving spouses.
Why It Beats Conventional Loans
$0 Down Payment – Keep your cash for PCS expenses.
No PMI – Save hundreds each month.
Lower Interest Rates – VA-backed loans often have better rates than conventional
Common Misconceptions & Truths
Myth: You can only use the VA loan once.
Truth: You can use it multiple times—even keep one home and buy another using partial entitlement.
Myth: You need perfect credit to qualify.
Truth: VA loans are more flexible than conventional loans. Past credit challenges don’t always mean denial.
Myth: VA loans take longer to close.
Truth: With an experienced VA lender and agent, VA loans can close just as quickly as conventional loans.
Step by Step Process
Check Eligibility – Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
Get Pre-Approved – Work with a VA-experienced lender.
House Hunt – Choose VA-eligible homes that meet MPR (Minimum Property Requirements).
Make an Offer – Negotiate price & seller concessions for closing costs.
VA Appraisal – Confirms the home’s value and condition.
Closing Day – Sign, get your keys, and move in.
Smart Sailor Tips
Use Your BAH Strategically – Your Basic Allowance for Housing can often cover your mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
Negotiate Seller-Paid Closing Costs – The VA allows sellers to pay certain closing costs, saving you thousands. I’ll strategize the offer to minimize your payment portion.
Funding Fee Waiver – If you have a VA disability rating, you may be exempt from the VA funding fee.
Buying Sight Unseen – I purchased my home in Chesapeake, VA while stationed in Great Lakes, IL — without ever stepping inside before closing. I can guide you through that same process with confidence.
OCONUS & PCS Buying
Buying While Stationed Elsewhere
You don’t have to be in Virginia to buy in Virginia. Whether you’re across the country or deployed, it can be done smoothly if you:
Partner with a VA-friendly agent (✅ That’s me).
Get detailed video walkthroughs.
Use secure digital signing platforms.
Coordinate with lenders who understand military timelines and time zones.
- For complete move planning, check out my Ultimate PCS Checklist — available free right here on my site
📥 Request Your Free VA Loan Game Plan
I’ll create a custom buying plan for your duty station and send you my trusted VA lender list.
Promise:
When you submit this form, you’ll get:
1️⃣ A VA Loan Game Plan customized for your situation.
2️⃣ My personal list of VA lenders who work exceptionally well with military buyers in Hampton Roads.
3️⃣ Tips to combine your VA loan benefits with my $1,000 First-Time Military Buyer Program.