VA Loans

Zero down. No PMI. No loan limit. The most powerful home loan benefit available, and you have earned every bit of it.

The VA loan program offers better terms than any other loan type on the market. We specialize in helping veterans and active-duty service members maximize this benefit when buying or refinancing a home.

0%
Down payment required for eligible vets
No PMI
Ever, for the life of the loan
21
Average days to close with Invest West
0%
Min Down Payment
No Minimum
VA Credit Score
No PMI
Ever
No Loan Limit
Full Entitlement
The Basics

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans offer the most favorable terms of any loan program available, including zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

We have helped many veterans use this earned benefit to buy, build, or refinance a home, and he understands the nuances of VA underwriting that general loan officers often miss.

Through our hybrid platform, we shop multiple VA-approved lenders to find the most competitive rate for your situation, not just what one institution offers.

Zero Down PaymentQualified veterans can purchase a home with no money down. This benefit has no expiration and can be used multiple times.
No Private Mortgage InsuranceVA loans have no PMI, ever. This saves most borrowers $100 to $400 per month compared to conventional or FHA loans with less than 20% down.
Competitive Interest RatesBecause VA loans are government-backed, lenders price them aggressively. VA rates are often lower than conventional rates for the same borrower.
No Loan Limit for Full EntitlementEligible veterans with full entitlement can borrow as much as a lender will approve with no loan limit, including in high-cost markets.
Assumable LoanVA loans can be assumed by a future buyer, including non-veterans. In a rising rate environment, this is a powerful selling advantage.
Eligibility

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?

VA loan eligibility is tied to your service history. Here is a general overview.

Active Duty

90 Days

Active duty service members are eligible after 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime.

Veterans

Discharged

Veterans who served the minimum required period and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable qualify for VA benefits.

National Guard and Reserves

6 Years

Members of the National Guard or Reserves who have served 6 years qualify, as do those called to active duty under federal orders for 90 or more days.

Surviving Spouses

Eligible

Un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability may qualify for VA loan benefits.

Credit Score

No VA Minimum

The VA does not set a minimum credit score. We work with lenders whose overlays start as low as 580, making VA accessible even after credit challenges.

Certificate of Eligibility

Required

You will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to use your VA benefit. We can pull this for you as part of the pre-approval process at no cost.

Your Benefits

Why a VA Loan Is Your Best Option

The VA loan benefit is one of the most valuable financial tools available to eligible veterans. Here is why.

$0 Down Payment

Buy a home without touching your savings. Preserve your cash for moving costs, renovations, or investments instead of tying it up in a down payment.

No PMI Ever

Conventional and FHA loans charge monthly mortgage insurance when you put less than 20% down. VA loans have no PMI, saving you hundreds per month for the life of your loan.

Lower Rates Than Conventional

VA rates are typically 0.25% to 0.5% lower than conventional rates for the same borrower profile. On a $500,000 loan that is tens of thousands in interest savings over 30 years.

Reusable Benefit

Your VA entitlement can be used more than once. If you sell your home and pay off the loan, your full entitlement is restored and you can use the VA benefit again.

Funding Fee Waiver

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more are exempt from the VA funding fee entirely, saving thousands at closing.

Flexible Qualifying

VA underwriting is more flexible than conventional loans on credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and residual income requirements, helping more veterans get approved.

Understanding the Costs

The VA Funding Fee Explained

The VA funding fee helps sustain the program for future veterans. Here is how it works and who is exempt.

Borrower TypeDown PaymentFirst UseSubsequent Use
Regular MilitaryLess than 5%2.15%3.3%
Regular Military5% or more1.5%1.5%
Regular Military10% or more1.25%1.25%
Reserves / National GuardLess than 5%2.3%3.6%
Veterans with 10%+ disability ratingAnyExemptExempt
Surviving SpousesAnyExemptExempt

The funding fee can be rolled into the loan amount so you do not need cash at closing to cover it. We will confirm your exact funding fee and whether you qualify for an exemption.

The Process

How to Use Your VA Benefit

Using your VA benefit is simpler than most veterans expect. We handle the paperwork.

1

Confirm Eligibility

We pull your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) directly from the VA system. This typically takes minutes and costs you nothing.

2

Get Pre-Approved

We compare VA-approved lending partners for your best rate and issue a pre-approval, usually the same business day you submit your documents.

3

Shop with Confidence

A VA pre-approval is respected by sellers and listing agents. We will advise on any property conditions that might trigger a VA appraisal concern before you make an offer.

4

Close in 21 Days

We manage the VA appraisal, underwriting, and all lender communication to keep your closing on schedule.

Common Questions

VA Loan FAQs

Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once?
Yes. Your VA entitlement can be restored and reused each time you pay off a VA loan and sell or refinance the property. You can also have multiple VA loans simultaneously in some circumstances, such as relocating for military orders before selling your current home.
Is there a VA loan limit?
Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit. You can borrow as much as a lender will approve. Veterans who have used part of their entitlement previously may have a limit tied to the county conforming loan limit. We will review your COE and explain exactly what your entitlement allows.
What is the VA funding fee and can it be waived?
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that helps sustain the VA loan program. It ranges from 1.25% to 3.6% of the loan amount depending on your service type, down payment, and whether it is your first use. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more are exempt entirely. The fee can be rolled into the loan so you do not need cash at closing.
What is a VA IRRRL?
An IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) is a VA streamline refinance. It lets you lower your existing VA loan rate with minimal paperwork, no new appraisal, and no out-of-pocket costs in most cases. If rates have dropped since you got your VA loan, an IRRRL is typically the fastest and cheapest way to refinance.
Can a non-veteran assume my VA loan?
Yes. VA loans are assumable, meaning a future buyer can take over your loan regardless of whether they are a veteran. This is a significant advantage when rates are higher than your current loan rate, as it makes your home more attractive to buyers. Note that your entitlement remains tied to the loan until the buyer either refinances or has their own VA entitlement substituted.

Ready to Use Your VA Benefit?

We will pull your Certificate of Eligibility and get you pre-approved, usually the same day. No cost and no commitment required.