What Military Buyers Should Know About VA Loans

Will Montminy | Posted on August 5, 2025 |

For active-duty service members and veterans, VA loans can be one of the most powerful tools available when buying a home. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans are designed to reduce the financial burden of homeownership and provide long-term stability for those who serve.

But even with their clear benefits, VA loans still come with some misunderstandings and unexpected requirements. If you’re preparing to purchase a home using your VA loan benefit, it’s important to know how the process works—and who can guide you through it.

This article breaks down what military buyers should know about VA loans, including eligibility rules, financial perks, common challenges, and why it’s so important to work with professionals who understand both military life and the local housing market.

Eligibility Basics: Who Qualifies and Why It Matters

Not every home loan is built with military life in mind—but VA loans are. Before exploring all the benefits, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and why working with a VA-knowledgeable Realtor is so important right from the start.

To use a VA loan, buyers must meet specific service and documentation requirements. While this process is manageable, it can slow things down if not handled early or correctly.

Here’s what every military buyer should know about eligibility:

Active-duty service members typically qualify after 90 continuous days of service.
Veterans are eligible based on their service length and discharge status.
Surviving spouses may qualify under certain conditions, such as an un-remarried spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required and must be obtained through the VA or a lender.

Real estate professionals familiar with VA loans will help ensure your COE is submitted early in the process, preventing delays during offer or underwriting stages. It’s also not uncommon for buyers to assume they qualify when they don’t—or to miss out on benefits they do qualify for because they didn’t ask the right questions.

The Financial Advantages of VA Loans

One of the biggest reasons VA loans stand out is their financial flexibility. Unlike conventional loans, VA financing is designed to reduce the upfront and monthly costs of homeownership for military buyers—without compromising long-term benefits. This creates a significant advantage, especially in competitive markets like Stafford or Fredericksburg.

But understanding what military buyers should know about VA loans goes beyond the zero-down promise. It’s about how those savings stack up throughout the entire purchase.

Key financial benefits include:

No down payment required, which makes it easier to enter the market without waiting years to save
No private mortgage insurance (PMI), unlike most conventional loans with less than 20% down
Competitive interest rates, often lower than conventional loan options
Limited closing costs, with certain fees not allowed to be charged to VA borrowers
Flexible credit standards, making it more accessible to a wider range of buyers

Even better, VA loans are reusable—meaning eligible buyers can use the benefit more than once, depending on entitlement. A trusted lender and agent team will help confirm what you qualify for, calculate your total monthly cost, and make sure you’re not leaving any benefit on the table.

VA Appraisals and Property Requirements

While VA loans offer excellent financial benefits, they also come with specific property standards that can catch buyers off guard—especially those purchasing a home for the first time using VA financing. Unlike conventional loans, VA loans require the home to meet Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) set by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

These standards aren’t about cosmetic preferences. They’re focused on safety, structural integrity, and livability, which ensures veterans and service members are purchasing homes that are truly move-in ready.

Here’s what military buyers should know about VA loan property requirements:

The VA appraisal includes two parts: a home valuation and an inspection for MPR compliance
Common issues flagged may include peeling paint, exposed wiring, missing handrails, roof damage, or water intrusion
New construction or renovated homes typically pass with fewer concerns, while older homes may require repairs
You can’t waive repairs required by the VA—it’s mandatory to address them before loan approval
Your Realtor plays a key role by identifying homes likely to meet VA standards and negotiating seller repairs when needed

The appraisal process is often one of the more misunderstood parts of VA home buying, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. A real estate agent who regularly works with military families will guide you toward properties that are VA-friendly from the start—and help protect your contract if an issue comes up during appraisal.

Why Local Expertise Matters in Virginia Markets

VA loans come with their own pace, rules, and property standards—which means that military buyers need more than just general real estate support. In fast-moving markets like Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Prince William, local knowledge isn’t a bonus—it’s a requirement. An agent who knows how VA loans work and how the regional market behaves can help you compete without compromising your benefits.

That dual perspective makes all the difference when writing offers, choosing properties, and staying ahead of the timeline.

Here’s what experienced local agents bring to the table:

They understand VA loan timelines, which can affect seller decisions in competitive offer situations
They know which neighborhoods are VA loan–friendly, avoiding properties that routinely fail appraisals
They can spot red flags early, such as zoning issues, well/septic concerns, or older homes with potential MPR pitfalls
They help structure clean, confident offers, even when you’re putting zero down
They maintain relationships with VA-savvy lenders and inspectors, streamlining every step

Understanding what military buyers should know about VA loans means knowing you’re not navigating it alone. In areas with strong military presence and fast real estate cycles, working with a team who speaks both “real estate” and “PCS” gives you an unmatched advantage.

VA Loans Are a Benefit—But Guidance Makes It Work

VA loans offer one of the strongest paths to homeownership for military families—but unlocking those benefits requires more than just paperwork. The loan process touches nearly every part of your purchase: eligibility, financing, property selection, and how competitive your offer is in the market.

That’s why what military buyers should know about VA loans isn’t just about interest rates or fees—it’s about working with professionals who understand the full picture. From verifying your Certificate of Eligibility to spotting appraisal red flags before they become issues, a knowledgeable agent makes sure the process moves forward with confidence.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Virginia using your VA loan, starting with the right team puts you in control—of your timeline, your options, and your future.