VA Loan Eligibility

VA Loan Eligibility: How to Qualify & Maximize Your Benefits with Zero Down

February 01, 20253 min read

Are You Eligible for a VA Loan? Everything You Need to Know

As a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, you may have access to one of the most powerful home loan programs available—the VA loan. This program, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offers incredible benefits like no down payment and competitive interest rates. But the biggest question many have is: Am I eligible for a VA loan?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the VA loan eligibility requirements, explain how to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and provide insights into maximizing your VA loan benefits.

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Understanding VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

VA loans are designed to help those who have served our country become homeowners. However, not everyone automatically qualifies. Your eligibility is primarily based on your service history, duty status, and discharge type.

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Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Active-Duty Service Members: You must have served at least 90 consecutive days. However, if you were discharged due to a service-connected disability before 90 days, you may still qualify.

  • Veterans: Your required service time depends on when you served. Typically, you need to have completed 181 days of active duty during peacetime or 90 days during wartime.

  • National Guard or Reservists: You must have served at least six years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard. However, those activated under Title 10 orders for at least 90 days of active service may qualify sooner.

  • Surviving Spouses: You may qualify if you are an un-remarried spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or due to a service-related disability.

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How to Obtain Your VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Your COE is a crucial document that proves you meet the service requirements for a VA loan. Here’s how you can obtain it:

  • Through Me: As a VA Home Loan Expert, I can request your COE on your behalf. Contact me at 701-934-0636 or [email protected] to get started.

  • Online: You can apply through the VA’s eBenefits portal.

  • By Mail: You can submit VA Form 26-1880 to the VA’s eligibility center.

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Additional VA Loan Eligibility Considerations

Discharge Status Matters

Your type of military discharge can impact eligibility. Honorable and general discharges typically qualify, but those with other-than-honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharges may need to seek an upgrade through the VA.

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Restoring VA Loan Entitlement

If you’ve used a VA loan before, you may still be eligible for another one.

  • Depending on entitlement used, you may qualify for another VA primary residence loan with zero down while keeping your current VA Home Loan

You can restore your entitlement by:

  • Selling the previous home and paying off the VA loan.

  • Refinancing the loan into a non-VA mortgage.

  • Restoring entitlement: If you have fully repaid a prior VA loan, and are in good standing you can have your entitlement restored to use over and over.

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Why Choose a VA Loan?

  • No Down Payment Required

  • No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

  • Competitive Interest Rates

  • Flexible Credit Requirements

  • Closing Costs are Limited

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With benefits like these, VA loans remain one of the best financing options for eligible borrowers.

Thank You for Your Service!!

Get Started with Your VA Loan Today

The next step is getting pre-approved and starting the home-buying process. At MSFG Home Loans, I specialize in VA Loans and can guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call me today at 701-934-0636

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Visit: https://tracyrobertshomeloans.com

📍 Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msfgnd

Let’s turn your homeownership dreams into reality with the benefits you’ve earned through service!

Tracy Roberts is a dedicated mortgage broker with MSFG Home Loans, licensed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Colorado. With a passion for helping homeowners save money and achieve their financial goals, Tracy combines years of expertise with a client-focused approach. Whether guiding first-time homebuyers or seasoned homeowners, she specializes in creating personalized strategies to maximize savings and build long-term wealth. When she’s not assisting clients, Tracy enjoys exploring the great outdoors, kayaking the Missouri River, and spending quality time with her family and grandchildren. Visit her online at tracyrobertshomeloans.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Tracy Roberts

Tracy Roberts is a dedicated mortgage broker with MSFG Home Loans, licensed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Colorado. With a passion for helping homeowners save money and achieve their financial goals, Tracy combines years of expertise with a client-focused approach. Whether guiding first-time homebuyers or seasoned homeowners, she specializes in creating personalized strategies to maximize savings and build long-term wealth. When she’s not assisting clients, Tracy enjoys exploring the great outdoors, kayaking the Missouri River, and spending quality time with her family and grandchildren. Visit her online at tracyrobertshomeloans.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.

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