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VA Loans — Bergen & Graham
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VA Home Loans

You served.
Now let your benefits
serve you.

VA loans are one of the most powerful home financing tools available — and most veterans never fully understand what they have access to. We are here to change that.

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The Basics

What exactly is a VA loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit earned through military service. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it allows eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses to purchase or refinance a home with significant financial advantages that simply do not exist with any other loan type.

Unlike conventional loans, the VA loan program was specifically designed to make homeownership more accessible for those who have served — removing the biggest barriers that prevent most buyers from qualifying or affording a home.

The benefit does not expire. It can be used more than once. And in most cases, it will save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

$0 Down Payment Required
$0 Private Mortgage Insurance
0.5–1% Lower Rate vs Conventional
24M+ Veterans Have Used This Benefit
The Benefits

Six reasons VA loans are in a class of their own.

01

No Down Payment Required

Eligible borrowers can finance 100% of the home's purchase price. You do not need to save tens of thousands of dollars before you can buy — you can start building equity from day one.

02

No Private Mortgage Insurance

Conventional loans require PMI when you put down less than 20% — often $100 to $400 per month. VA loans have no PMI requirement at all, regardless of how much you put down.

03

Competitive Interest Rates

Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, lenders can offer rates that are typically 0.5% to 1% lower than conventional loan rates. Over a 30-year loan, that difference is significant.

04

Flexible Credit Requirements

VA loans generally have more forgiving credit requirements than conventional loans. Past financial hardship related to service does not automatically disqualify you from homeownership.

05

Limits on Closing Costs

The VA limits the fees lenders can charge veterans. Certain closing costs are not allowed to be passed on to VA buyers, reducing the amount you need to bring to the table at closing.

06

A Lifetime Benefit

Your VA loan benefit does not disappear after your first use. You can use it again after paying off a previous VA loan, or in some cases simultaneously — it is yours to keep and use throughout your life.

Eligibility

Do I qualify for a VA loan?

Eligibility is based on your length of service, branch of service, and the circumstances of your discharge. The majority of veterans who served honorably will qualify — but the rules can vary depending on when and how you served.

A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, is the document that confirms your eligibility to lenders. Obtaining one is straightforward, and our team can help you get it done quickly as part of the loan process.

Eligibility requirements can be complex and depend on your individual service history. If you are unsure whether you qualify, reach out — we will help you figure it out at no cost and no obligation.

Active Duty Service Members

Currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force.

90 consecutive days of active service

Veterans

Former members of any branch of the U.S. military who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

90 days (wartime) or 181 days (peacetime) of active duty

National Guard Members

Members or veterans of the National Guard who have been called to federal active duty or have completed six years of service.

6 years of service or 90 days of active-duty orders

Reservists

Members or veterans of the Selected Reserve who meet service requirements or were called to active duty.

6 years of service or 90 days of active-duty orders

Surviving Spouses

Unmarried surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.

Spouse must not have remarried (with some exceptions)
The Process

How a VA loan works, step by step.

1

Confirm Eligibility & Obtain Your COE

We verify your service history and obtain your Certificate of Eligibility — often within minutes through the VA's online portal.

2

Get Pre-Approved

We review your finances and issue a pre-approval letter so you know exactly what you can afford and sellers know you are serious.

3

Find Your Home & Make an Offer

With pre-approval in hand, work with a real estate agent to find your home. We support your offer and keep things moving.

4

VA Appraisal & Underwriting

A VA-assigned appraiser confirms the home meets minimum property requirements. Simultaneously, underwriting verifies all loan details.

5

Close & Get Your Keys

Sign your closing documents, pay any remaining costs, and the home is yours. Congratulations — you earned this.

Side by Side

VA Loan vs Conventional Loan

VA Loan Conventional Loan FHA Loan
Down Payment $0 — 0% required 3% to 20%+ 3.5% minimum
Private Mortgage Insurance No PMI — ever Required under 20% down MIP required (often for life)
Interest Rates Typically 0.5–1% lower Market rate Slightly above market
Credit Score Minimum Flexible — typically 580+ 620+ typically required 580+ (3.5% down)
Closing Cost Limits VA limits lender fees No limits — varies by lender Some limits apply
Funding / Insurance Fee 1.25% to 3.3% (can be rolled in) No funding fee 1.75% upfront MIP + annual MIP
Reusable Benefit Use it multiple times Not applicable Not applicable
Common Misconceptions

VA loan myths — debunked.

The Myth

"VA loans take forever to close and sellers hate them."

The Truth

VA loans close in roughly the same time as conventional loans — typically 30 to 45 days. With an experienced VA lender, the process is smooth. Seller hesitation is usually rooted in outdated information.

The Myth

"You can only use your VA loan benefit once."

The Truth

Your VA loan entitlement is not a one-time benefit. Once you pay off a VA loan, your full entitlement is restored. In some situations, you can even have two active VA loans at the same time.

The Myth

"VA loans are only for first-time home buyers."

The Truth

There is no first-time buyer requirement. Whether you are purchasing your second home, downsizing after retirement, or buying an investment property in some cases — the VA benefit is available to you.

Get Started

Find out what you qualify for.

Tell us a little about your situation and Leslie or Dwayne will personally reach out to walk you through your VA loan options. No pressure, no obligation — just honest, expert guidance from a team with sixty years of experience between them.

We respect your privacy. Your information will never be shared or sold.

Thank you for reaching out.

We will be in touch within one business day to walk you through your VA loan options. We look forward to speaking with you.

Still have questions?

Let's talk through your situation.

Every veteran's situation is different. If you have questions that this page did not answer, reach out directly and we will take the time to give you a real answer.

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