You Served Your Country — Now Let Your Benefits Serve You

Many Veterans are surprised to learn they qualify for one of the best home financing options available — the VA home loan. If you’ve served in the military but never used your benefits, this could be your opportunity to make homeownership easier and more affordable than you thought possible.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair. Designed to help Veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses buy homes with flexible terms and big savings.

Here’s what makes VA loans stand out:

• No down payment required (in most cases)

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive interest rates

• Easier qualification standards

How Do You Know If You Qualify?

If you’ve served at least 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or more than 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves — you likely qualify.

For example, I recently heard from a Veteran who served 7 years, 2 months, and 27 days and had never taken advantage of the VA loan benefit. He was thrilled to learn he qualified!

How to Get Started

The first step is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. You can:

1. Ask a VA-approved lender (I can connect you with one who specializes in helping Veterans).

2. Request it online through the VA eBenefits portal.

3. Submit VA Form 26-1880 by mail to the VA Loan Eligibility Center.

Once you have your COE, your lender can guide you through preapproval and help you find the home that fits your needs and budget.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you’re a Veteran who’s ready to buy a home — or just curious whether you qualify — I’d be honored to help. With over 38 years of experience in real estate and a deep respect for those who’ve served, I can help you connect with trusted VA lenders and find the home that’s right for you.

💬 Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About VA Loans

1. What is a VA loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s designed to help eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses buy or refinance a home with favorable terms — often with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

2. Who is eligible for a VA loan?

Generally, you may qualify if you’ve:

• Served 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime,

• Served 181 days during peacetime, or

• Served more than 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves.
  Surviving spouses of Veterans may also be eligible in some cases.

3. What are the main benefits of a VA loan?

• No down payment required (in most cases)

• No PMI (saves hundreds per month)

• Competitive interest rates

• Flexible credit guidelines

• Ability to reuse the benefit more than once

4. Can I use a VA loan to buy any type of home?

VA loans can be used to buy a primary residence such as a single-family home, townhouse, or certain condos approved by the VA. They can’t be used for investment properties or vacation homes.

5. How do I get started with a VA loan?

The first step is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. You can do this online through the VA’s website, or your lender can request it for you.
Once you have your COE, you can get preapproved and start shopping for your new home!

📞 Marsha Hick
Realtor®, Century 21 Veterans
“Putting You 1st Is 2nd Nature!”

Update 11/12/2025