The benefit you earned, priced right.
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans and service members — no down payment on most purchases and no monthly mortgage insurance, ever. The VA guarantees the loan but doesn't set your rate, so the game is the same as always: put your file in front of 50+ lenders instead of one branch and let them compete for it.
The benefit you earned, priced properly.
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, open to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and many surviving spouses. Two things make it special: no down payment on most purchases and no monthly mortgage insurance — ever. That second point alone quietly saves hundreds a month versus a low-down conventional or FHA loan. It's not a lesser loan or a slower one; it's one of the strongest products on the board, and it's yours by service.
VA rates are still a shopping problem.
The VA guarantees the loan — it doesn't set your rate. Every lender prices VA differently, and the spread between them is real money over 30 years. A retail branch shows you their VA sheet; a broker puts your file in front of 50+ lenders and lets them compete. Same entitlement, same zero-down benefit — very different rate depending on who you let price it. On a benefit this good, it would be a shame to leave money on the table by taking the first quote.
The funding fee — and when you skip it entirely.
Most VA loans carry a one-time funding fee (rolled into the loan, not cash out of pocket) in place of monthly mortgage insurance. But veterans receiving VA disability compensation are typically exempt — no funding fee at all. The exact percentage depends on your down payment and whether it's your first use of the benefit. It's not a mystery; send me your scenario and I'll tell you your fee, or confirm you're exempt, before you write an offer.
You can reuse it — and it's assumable.
The VA benefit isn't one-and-done. Entitlement can be restored and reused across a lifetime of moves, and in some cases you can hold more than one VA loan at once. VA loans are also assumable — a future buyer who qualifies can take over your low rate, which can be a real selling point down the road. If you've used VA before and aren't sure what's left, that's exactly the kind of thing I'll untangle for you on a quick call.
Straight answers.
Straight answers — the same way you'd get them on the phone.
Do I really put zero down on a VA loan?+
On most purchases, yes — VA is one of the only true zero-down options left, with no monthly mortgage insurance either. A down payment is optional and can lower your funding fee, but it isn't required.
Is the VA rate the same at every lender?+
No. The VA guarantees the loan but doesn't set the rate — every lender prices VA on its own sheet, and the spread is real money over the life of the loan. That's why we shop it across 50+ lenders rather than taking one branch's number.
What is the VA funding fee, and can I avoid it?+
It's a one-time fee (usually rolled into the loan) that replaces monthly mortgage insurance. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are typically exempt entirely. The percentage depends on your down payment and whether it's your first use — send your scenario and we'll confirm yours.
Can I use my VA benefit more than once?+
Yes — entitlement can be restored and reused across multiple homes over your lifetime, and in some situations you can carry more than one VA loan at a time. If you've used it before, we'll work out exactly what entitlement you have left.
Are VA loans harder to close?+
They're routine through the wholesale channel. There's a VA appraisal and some property condition standards, but none of it is unusual — we handle VA files regularly and keep them on schedule.
VA loan eligibility, funding fees, and entitlement are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs and vary by individual. Figures and features shown are general information, not a loan commitment or offer to lend. LoanGuru is not affiliated with any government agency.
Let's put your benefit to work.
Send your scenario — I'll confirm your entitlement and funding fee, then shop the rate across the lenders who compete hardest for VA.