Free Tools & Guides for Veterans
Everything you need to make informed decisions about your VA home loan benefit. Calculators, current rates, step-by-step guides, and answers to your most important questions.
VA Loan Tools & Calculators
Free tools to help you plan your VA loan
VA Loan Calculator
Calculate your monthly VA loan payment with zero down. Includes principal, interest, and estimates for taxes and insurance. See how much you can save by avoiding PMI.
- Estimate monthly payment
- Calculate total interest paid
- Compare VA vs conventional loans
- Factor in VA funding fee
Current VA Rates
View today's VA loan rates for purchase, IRRRL, and cash-out refinance. Rates updated daily for qualified veterans with good credit.
- Today's VA purchase rates
- VA IRRRL refinance rates
- VA cash-out rates
- Rate comparison by loan term
Get Your COE
Learn how to obtain your VA Certificate of Eligibility — the document that proves you're qualified to use your VA loan benefit. We can help you get it fast.
- What is a COE?
- How to apply online
- Required documents
- We can pull it for you
VA Loan Guides & Education
Step-by-step guides to help you navigate the VA loan process
Veteran Home Buyer's Guide
Complete guide to buying a home with your VA loan benefit. From pre-approval to closing, we walk you through every step of the process.
- How VA loans work
- Step-by-step home buying process
- What to expect during underwriting
- VA appraisal requirements
- Closing day checklist
VA Loan FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about VA loans, including eligibility, funding fees, occupancy requirements, and more.
- Can I use VA loan multiple times?
- What is the VA funding fee?
- Do I need perfect credit?
- Can I buy a fixer-upper?
- What if I'm divorced or widowed?
VA Loan Eligibility
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan. Learn about service requirements for veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reserves, and surviving spouses.
- Service time requirements
- Active duty eligibility
- National Guard & Reserve rules
- Surviving spouse benefits
- Disability exemptions
Types of VA Loans
Explore your VA loan options
VA Purchase Loan
Buy your home with zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. The most popular VA loan option for first-time and repeat buyers.
Learn MoreVA IRRRL Refinance
Streamline refinance for existing VA loans. Lower your rate with no appraisal, minimal paperwork, and close in 2-4 weeks.
Learn MoreVA Cash-Out Refinance
Access your home's equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other needs. Refinance any loan type into a VA loan.
Learn MoreVA Loan Benefits
Why VA loans are the best mortgage option for veterans
Zero Down Payment
VA loans allow you to finance 100% of your home's purchase price with no down payment required. Keep your savings for furniture, moving costs, or emergencies.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Unlike conventional loans with less than 20% down, VA loans never require PMI. This can save you $100-300+ per month depending on your loan amount.
Lower Interest Rates
VA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional and FHA loans. Even a 0.25% difference can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
Reusable Benefit
You can use your VA loan benefit multiple times throughout your life. Sell your home, restore your entitlement, and use it again. Or use it simultaneously on multiple properties.
Limited Closing Costs
The VA limits what closing costs veterans can pay. Sellers can pay all your closing costs, and the VA funding fee can be rolled into your loan amount.
Flexible Credit Requirements
VA loans are more forgiving of credit issues than conventional loans. Most lenders accept credit scores as low as 580-620, and bankruptcy/foreclosure waiting periods are shorter.
Official VA & Government Resources
Trusted information from official sources
VA Home Loans Portal
Official Department of Veterans Affairs website with information about VA home loan benefits, eligibility, and how to apply for your COE.
Visit VA.govNMLS Consumer Access
Verify the license and regulatory history of any mortgage lender or loan officer. Search by name or NMLS number.
Visit NMLSCFPB Mortgage Resources
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guides to understanding mortgages, comparing loan offers, and knowing your rights as a borrower.
Visit CFPBeBenefits Portal
Access your VA benefits, including downloading your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and viewing your VA loan entitlement.
Visit eBenefitsVA Mobile App
Download the official VA mobile app to access your benefits, health records, and check your claim status on the go.
Get VA AppVA Benefits Hotline
Speak with a VA representative about your benefits, eligibility, or technical issues with your VA account.
Mon-Fri 8am-9pm ET
Downloadable Checklists & Forms
Print these helpful checklists to stay organized during your VA loan process
Pre-Approval Checklist
What documents you'll need to get pre-approved for your VA loan. Gather these items before applying to speed up the process.
- DD-214 or Statement of Service
- 2 years tax returns
- 30 days pay stubs
- 2 months bank statements
- Photo ID
Home Buying Checklist
Step-by-step checklist from house hunting through closing day. Stay organized and don't miss any important deadlines.
- Get pre-approved
- Find a real estate agent
- House hunting tips
- Making an offer
- Closing preparation
VA Appraisal Checklist
What the VA appraiser will look for during the home inspection. Common issues that may need to be addressed before closing.
- Minimum property requirements
- Safety issues
- Common red flags
- What can be waived
- Who pays for repairs
Ready to Use Your VA Benefit?
Have questions about your VA loan? Want to see if you qualify? We're here to help veterans navigate the VA loan process from start to finish.
Or call Joe directly: (651) 552-3681