Skip to Main Content
VA Purchase Loans: Buy a Home with Your VA Home Loan Benefits

VA Purchase Loans: Buy a Home with Your VA Home Loan Benefits

Use your Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan benefit to buy a primary residence with features like potential $0 down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

Buy a Home

Talk to a Banker (866) 870-4650

What is a VA Purchase Loan?

A VA purchase loan is a home financing option available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. It’s issued by private lenders, like The Federal Savings Bank, and guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Because of that loan guarantee, VA home loans often come with advantages that aren’t available with conventional mortgages, including the potential for no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

See How A Va Purchase Loan Can Help Qualified Buyers Buy a Home

Veteran-Owned Bank

Lending in all 50 state

In-House Underwriting

Streamlined Loan Process

Advantages of a VA Purchase Loan

    VA home loans come with several features that set them apart from many conventional mortgage products:

  • No down payment required for eligible borrowers
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Competitive rates
  • The VA home loan benefit may be used more than once

Va Home Loan Requirements

To explore a VA purchase loan, you’ll generally need to meet the following requirements:

Not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for. Talk to a banker and we’ll guide you through the Certificate of Eligibility process and help you understand your next steps.

Certificate Iconn

Certificate of Eligibility (COE):

Confirms your VA home loan eligibility. We can help you obtain yours.

Primary Residance Icon

Primary residence requirement:

VA loans are for homes you’ll live in as your main residence.

Credit Debt Icon

Credit, income and debt to income (DTI)
review:

Standard lender requirements apply.

VA Appriasal Icon

VA appraisal:

The property must meet VA minimum property requirements (MPRs)

Property Types You Can Buy With a VA Home Loan

VA home loans can be used to purchase a variety of property types, including:

  • Single-family home
  • Condominium (in a VA-approved project)
  • Multi-unit property (up to four units, if you’ll occupy one)
  • Manufactured home (with eligible lot)
  • New construction

If you aren t sure your target property is eligible, talk to a banker experienced in VA loans to find out.

3 Step VA Loan Process

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Here’s how The Federal Savings Bank aims to make the process straightforward for veterans.

STEP 1: TALK TO A BANKER

Connect with one of our VA-experienced mortgage bankers. We’ll help you check your eligibility, answer your questions, and explain your options.

STEP 2: REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS AND GET PRE-APPROVED

We’ll walk you through your Certificate of Eligibility, review your financials, and help you understand the pre-approval path, so you know where you stand before you start shopping.

STEP 3: MOVE FORWARD, FROM VA LOAN TO WELCOME HOME

Once you’ve found the right home, we’ll guide you through the final steps, from the VA appraisal to closing day. We’re right there with you the whole way.

Costs to Know Before You Buy

VA home loans are known for having fewer out-of-pocket costs than some conventional mortgages, but there are still some costs to be aware of:

  • VA funding fee: A one-time fee that helps fund the VA loan program. The amount varies based on your service history, loan type, down payment, and how many times you ’ve used your home loan benefit. Some borrowers may be exempt.
  • Closing costs: Including title, appraisal and inspection fees. Sellers may be able to cover some of these costs.
  • Appraisal and inspection: Appraisal is re quired to confirm the home meets VA property standards. Inspection is not but is generally recommended.
  • Seller concessions: The VA allows sellers to pay certain costs on your behalf, which can reduce what you pay at closing.


Consult your financial advisors and appropriate government agencies for any effect on taxes or government benefits. Calculator disclaimer: The information provided by these calculators is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to purport actual user-defined parameters. The default figures shown are hypothetical and may not be applicable to your individual situation. Be sure to consult a financial professional prior to relying on the results. Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions may apply. Subject to VA eligibility requirements. Property insurance is required on all loans secured by property.

VA Loan vs. FHA vs. Conventional: What’s the Difference?

Not sure which loan type is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand key differences between VA, Federal Housing Administration (FHA),conventional loans.

 

VA Loan FHA Loan Conventional
Down Payment May be $0 for eligible borrowers As low as 3.5% Percent varies by lender, but some usually required
PMI Required No Yes (Mortgage Insurance Premium) Generally, yes, unless 20% down
Who Can Apply Eligible veterans & service members Most borrowers Most borrowers
Funding Fee Yes (exemptions may apply) Upfront MIP required None
Typically Suited For Eligible veterans and service members Lower credit score buyers + ineligible for VA loans Strong credit + larger down payment

Why Veterans Choose The Federal Savings Bank

Thousands of military families have found their home with us. Yours might be next.

When you work with The Federal Savings Bank, you’re working the largest privately held, veteran-owned and operated bank in the country. Our team understands your service, and they care about what comes next for you and
your family.

Learn about VA Loans In Your State

VA Loans for Veterans, by Veterans

Representative Available 24/7 to Better Serve Troops Overseas

Get Started

Or call us at (866) 870-4650

Customer Reviews


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A VA purchase loan is a home financing option for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. It’s issued by private lenders like The Federal Savings Bank, with a partial guarantee from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This arrangement can make it possible for qualified borrowers to buy a primary residence with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance required.

Eligibility is generally based on your service history. This includes veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members who meet certain service requirements, and some surviving spouses. The best first step is to connect with a banker who can help you confirm your eligibility and obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Eligible borrowers may be able to purchase a home with no down payment using a VA home loan. Your specific situation, including your COE status and lender requirements, will determine what applies to you.

No. VA home loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is usually required on conventional loans when the down payment is less than 20% . This can potentially reduce your monthly payment.

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that helps sustain the VA loan program. The amount depends on your service history, loan type, and whether you’ve used a VA loan before. Some borrowers, including those receiving VA disability compensation, may be exempt. A banker can help you understand what applies to your situation.

In addition to service eligibility, borrowers must meet lender requirements related to credit, income, and property standards. The home must be used as a primary residence and meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).

For a detailed breakdown, visit our VA loan requirements page.

Yes. In many cases, you may be able to use your VA home loan advantage more than once over your lifetime, even if you’ve had a VA loan before. Remaining entitlement and other factors will apply.

Yes. Our mortgage bankers can guide you through the Certificate of Eligibility process and help you understand your next steps toward homeownership.

This information is intended for educational purposes only. Products and interest rates subject to change without notice. Loan products are subject to credit approval and include terms and conditions, fees and other costs. Terms and conditions may apply. Property insurance is required on all loans secured by property. VA loan products are subject to VA eligibility requirements. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) interest rates and monthly payment are subject to adjustment. Upon submission of a full application, a mortgage banker will review and provide you with the terms, conditions, disclosures, and additional details on the interest rates that apply to your individual situation.

Gold House Icon

Ready to Buy A Home With Your VA Home Loan Benefits?

Buy A Home