U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Backed Mortgage
Eligible veterans and service members can purchase or refinance a primary residence with through a VA-backed loan — one of the most powerful home financing benefits available.
0% Down
For Eligible Veterans
No PMI
No Private Mortgage Insurance
VA-Approved Lender
Authorized by the VA
NMLS Registered
Regulated Mortgage Lender
VA Loan Programs
The right program depends on one key question: are you buying a home, or refinancing an existing VA loan?
Used to purchase a primary residence. Allows eligible, fully-entitled borrowers to buy with 0% down and no PMI, often with more flexible qualifying guidelines than conventional financing.
Best for: Veterans and service members purchasing a primary residence — especially those exercising their VA benefit for the first time.
The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan lets existing VA loan holders refinance into a lower rate or more stable payment — generally with less documentation and no new appraisal required.
Best for: Current VA loan holders looking to lower their monthly payment or move from an adjustable to a fixed rate with minimal hassle.
Not sure which one fits? Talk to a loan officer.
Individual terms, loan limits, and eligibility depend on your entitlement, service history, and lender guidelines. This comparison is for general informational purposes only.
Why Work With Us
Eligible, fully-entitled borrowers can purchase a primary residence without a down payment and without paying private mortgage insurance — preserving cash for life after closing.
We specialize in VA-backed financing and understand the nuances of entitlement, COE requests, and funding fee waivers that general lenders may overlook.
VA-backed loans often allow for more flexible credit and debt-to-income requirements than conventional programs — making homeownership accessible for more veterans and service members.
The Process
Step 01
We help you verify your service history and obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — the foundation of every VA loan.
Step 02
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing an existing VA loan via an IRRRL, we pair you with the program that fits your situation.
Step 03
Our team guides you through underwriting, appraisal (where required), and closing — so you reach the finish line informed and prepared.
Eligibility
VA-backed loans are reserved for those who have earned them. Here's who typically qualifies.
Currently serving members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who meet minimum service requirements.
Honorably discharged veterans who served the minimum required period on active duty, as defined by the VA.
Guard and Reserve members who meet VA service requirements, including those who have served on federal active duty orders.
Un-remarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or as a result of a service-connected disability may be eligible for VA loan benefits.
Veterans and service members using their VA benefit for the first time — eligible for full entitlement and often the most favorable loan terms.
Current VA loan holders looking to lower their rate or payment through an IRRRL (streamline refinance) or access equity via a VA Cash-Out Refinance.
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses can purchase or refinance a home with 0% down and no PMI through a VA-backed loan — no guesswork, no wasted benefit.
VA loan eligibility generally extends to active-duty service members, veterans who were honorably discharged after meeting minimum service requirements, certain National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible surviving spouses. The specific service requirements vary depending on when and how you served. Your lender can help you determine eligibility or request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) directly through the VA system.
In most cases, no. Eligible borrowers with full entitlement can purchase a primary residence with 0% down — one of the most significant advantages of the VA-backed loan program. If you have used a portion of your entitlement on a prior VA loan that hasn't been fully restored, a down payment may be required based on the remaining entitlement and the loan amount. Your lender can walk you through how entitlement affects your specific situation.
The VA funding fee is a one-time closing cost that helps sustain the loan program for future generations of borrowers. The amount varies based on your loan type (purchase vs. refinance), whether it's your first time using the VA benefit, and the size of any down payment you make. Importantly, the funding fee is waived entirely for veterans who receive VA disability compensation for a service-connected disability rating, as well as for surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected condition. If you believe you may qualify for a waiver, make sure your lender verifies your disability rating status early in the process.
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the official VA document that confirms you are eligible for a VA-backed loan and shows how much entitlement you have remaining. Lenders require it before processing your loan. In most cases, your lender can pull the COE electronically within minutes through the VA's systems — so you may not need to obtain it on your own. If there are any gaps in service records, your lender will guide you through submitting documentation directly to the VA.
A VA Purchase Loan is used to buy a primary residence — often with 0% down for eligible, fully-entitled borrowers. It requires standard income, credit, and appraisal documentation. An IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan), also called a streamline refinance, is only available to borrowers who already have an existing VA loan on the property. Its purpose is to reduce your interest rate or stabilize your payment, and it typically requires less documentation and no new appraisal. If you're buying a home, you need a VA Purchase Loan. If you already have a VA loan and want a lower rate, an IRRRL is your path.
Yes. VA loan benefits aren't limited to a single use — many veterans use their entitlement multiple times over their lifetime, including for a new purchase after paying off or selling a previous VA-financed home. Full entitlement may be restored in certain situations; a loan officer can walk you through your specific entitlement status.
Mortgage Wholesale is proud to serve the military community with VA-guaranteed home loan financing. VA loan eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; down payment, funding fee, and credit requirements vary by entitlement, service history, and individual lender guidelines. This is not a commitment to lend.
Mortgage Wholesale | NMLS #380097 | Equal Housing Lender | Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Borrower Stories
"I honestly didn't think buying a home was possible this soon after leaving the Army. We closed on our first home with 0% down — no PMI, nothing out of pocket at closing beyond prepaid items. The team walked me through the COE process in one afternoon."
Marvin R.
Army Veteran — VA Purchase Loan
"I'm still active duty — stationed at Camp Lejeune — and the IRRRL process was shockingly simple. No new appraisal, minimal paperwork. We dropped our monthly payment noticeably and I barely had to take time away from my unit to get it done."
Jamie T.
Active-Duty Marine — VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)
"After 22 years with the Air Force, I wasn't sure I understood all my VA benefits. The team confirmed my full entitlement and explained the funding fee waiver I qualified for based on my disability rating. We purchased without a down payment and without the fee. That's real money."
Denise L.
Air Force Veteran — VA Purchase Loan, Funding Fee Waived
Start Here
Whether you're buying your first home or looking to reduce your payment with an IRRRL, a five-minute conversation can clarify your options. Fill out the form and a VA loan specialist will be in touch.