Benefits of the VA Home Loan Program

How VA Loans Make Financing a House More Affordable for Veterans

The VA loan program helps our nation's Veterans and military personnel who qualify buy and refinance homes. VA loans are offered by private lenders and guaranteed by the federal government. There are a lot of benefits for choosing a VA loan, including...

0% Down Payments

Since VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans can buy a house with no down payment. This helps make homeownership more affordable.

No Mortgage Insurance

Veterans don't have to pay for mortgage insurance when they buy or refinance a house with a VA loan. However, most Veterans will pay a one-time VA funding fee when they use a VA loan. The funding fee helps the VA cover losses on mortgages that might default. The fee is based on your service, your down payment, and whether or not you've had a VA loan before.

Competitive Interest Rates

Since the mortgages are VA insured, lenders can offer interest rates that are competitive with the rates on other loans. Read more about factors that influence the mortgage rate you may be offered.

Low Minimum Credit Score

Lenders can have more flexible credit score requirements for VA loans. Don't let a lower credit score stop you from applying! Freedom Mortgage is proud to offer VA loans to our nation's Veterans and military personnel.

No Loan Limits

Veterans can qualify for a VA loan with no down payment and no maximum home price. Previous VA loan limits, set by the Department of Veterans Affairs, were removed for Veterans who have their full VA home loan entitlement.

Limits on Closing Costs

VA loans allow the buyer and seller to negotiate who will pay closing costs, such as origination fees, discount points, buyer-broker (i.e., real estate professional) fees, and the VA funding fee.

No Prepayment Penalties

A prepayment penalty is a fee some lenders may charge when you pay down or pay off a mortgage sooner than the terms require. There are no prepayment penalties with VA loans.

Refinancing Can Be Easier

Veterans who qualify can refinance using the VA IRRRL program, which is sometimes called a streamline refinance. These loans help Veterans take advantage of lower rates with less paperwork and faster closings. By refinancing, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. Veterans can only use the IRRRL program to refinance an existing VA loan into a new VA loan.

Surviving Spouses Can Qualify

The surviving spouses of Veterans can get approved for VA loans, and they don't have to pay the funding fee when they do. Read more about how surviving spouses can qualify.

Loan Benefits Can Be Reused

Whether you are currently serving or have served in the military 40 years ago, you can use a VA loan to buy or refinance a home. Plus, you can keep using your loan benefit. For example: If you bought a starter home and are ready to move into a larger home, you can reuse your benefit for your new home purchase.

*Freedom Mortgage is a top VA lender in the United States, according to Inside Mortgage Finance, Jan.–Jun., 2024.

Last reviewed and updated October 2024 by Freedom Mortgage.