Loans / VA Loans
VA
Mortgage Loans
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for people who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. It requires no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, which makes it one of the most generous home loans available to those who qualify.
Reviewed by Kevin Danowitz, NMLS #924478
Last updated November 5, 2026
Who is eligible for a VA loan?
- Active-duty service members
- Veterans
- Reserve members
- National Guard members
- Eligible surviving spouses
What are VA loan requirements?
| Requirement | VA loan |
|---|---|
| Down payment | None |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | None |
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | Required |
| Occupancy | Must be your primary home |
| Credit and income | Must meet the lender’s standards |
| VA funding fee | One-time fee, which can be financed; waived for some veterans with service-connected disabilities |
Licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, Florida Office of Financial Regulation, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, and Virginia State Corporation Commission.
How do I get a VA loan?
Step 1
Call HP Mortgage. A pre-approval takes about a five-minute phone call.
Step 2
Get your Certificate of Eligibility. HP Mortgage can help you request it.
Step 3
Shop for a home with your pre-approval in hand.
Step 4
Appraisal, approval and closing.
Frequently asked questions
Do VA loans require a down payment?
No. Eligible borrowers can buy with no down payment.
Do VA loans have mortgage insurance?
No monthly mortgage insurance. There is a one-time VA funding fee, which some veterans with service-connected disabilities do not pay.
Who qualifies for a VA loan?
Active-duty service members, veterans, Reserve and National Guard members, and eligible surviving spouses with a valid Certificate of Eligibility.
Can I use a VA loan for a second home?
No. A VA loan is for a home you will live in.
Reviewed by
Kevin Danowitz
Founder, HP Mortgage LLC · NMLS #924478
In mortgage lending since 2003, starting as a loan officer at Chase Manhattan. Founded HP Mortgage in 2015 to place self-employed and non-QM borrowers the big banks turn away. Consistently one of the top-producing brokers with his wholesale lenders since 2017.