Private lender. Not endorsed or sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. NMLS #457569. See disclosures
Veterans Mortgage Center
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VA loan guidance without the runaround

VA home loans made easier to understand.

Learn how VA purchase loans, VA streamline refinances, cash-out options, eligibility, and funding fees work before you make a move.

NMLS #457569 Updated June 18, 2026
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NMLS #457569
Loans through PB&T
Not a VA.gov website
Explore the guide

Main takeaways

What to know first.

The goal is to give you useful context before you compare offers or fill out a loan application.

  • VA loans can allow qualified borrowers to buy with $0 down and no monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI).
  • The VA guarantees part of the loan, but private lenders still review credit, income, property, and occupancy details.
  • VA streamline refinances can be useful, but refinance offers should be reviewed carefully for real savings and total cost.

VA loan topics

Start with the questions people actually ask.

Each guide is built for quick answers first, then deeper context when you need it.

01 $0

VA Purchase Loans

How $0 down works, what lenders review, and what to know before you start house hunting.

 02 IR

VA Streamline Refinance

What an IRRRL can do, what it cannot do, and what to watch before refinancing.

 03 FF

VA Funding Fee

Simple explanations for first use, subsequent use, exemptions, and refinance scenarios.

 04 COE

VA Loan Eligibility

Service basics, surviving spouse rules, COE basics, and what private lenders still verify.

Why this site exists

VA loan rules can feel simple on the surface and confusing once real numbers, property details, credit questions, and refinance offers get involved.

This site is meant to explain the benefit in plain English so you can ask better questions before you apply.

Important note about VA direct loans

Veterans Mortgage Center is not a VA direct loan program. This site explains VA-backed loans made by private lenders.

That distinction matters because most VA home loans are VA-backed loans, not loans issued directly by VA.

Read the VA direct loan explanation

FAQ

Common questions.

Is Veterans Mortgage Center part of the Department of Veterans Affairs?

No, Veterans Mortgage Center is a private lender education resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Can Veterans Mortgage Center help with VA purchase loans and VA refinances?

Yes, Veterans Mortgage Center focuses on VA purchase loans, VA streamline refinances, VA cash-out refinances, and related mortgage questions for eligible borrowers.

Where are loan applications handled?

Loan applications are handled through PBT Bancorp.