Private VA loan education

How VA purchase loans work.

A VA purchase loan can help eligible borrowers buy with $0 down, but the strongest buyers still prepare early.

NMLS #457569 Updated June 18, 2026

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Main takeaways

What to know first.

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

$0 down can be available, but the full payment and closing costs still matter.
Preapproval should happen before serious house hunting.
The property, appraisal, and seller timeline can affect how smooth the purchase feels.

A VA purchase loan can allow eligible borrowers to buy a primary residence with no required down payment, subject to VA and lender rules.

The loan still needs to meet lender guidelines, VA property standards, and normal purchase contract timing.

Gather income documents, check your credit, talk through debts, estimate the full monthly payment, and understand any possible funding fee.

If you are using Basic Allowance for Housing or moving because of PCS orders, talk through timing early.

Avoid shopping only by rate, waiting too long to get preapproved, ignoring taxes and insurance, or assuming every property will pass VA review.

A clear preapproval and a clean explanation of your VA benefit can also help sellers understand the strength of the offer.

FAQ

Qualified borrowers may be able to buy with $0 down, but closing costs and prepaid items may still apply.

VA purchase loans are generally for primary residences, not pure investment properties.

No, seller credits may be negotiated, but they are not automatic.