🏡 Zero Down, No PMI: How VA Loans Make Buying Easier
💸 What Is Down Payment Assistance and How Does It Work?
From eligibility to keys in hand — here’s how VA homebuying actually works.
You’ve served your country. Now it’s time to use one of your greatest earned benefits: the VA home loan.
👉 Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a VA loan lets eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses buy a home with no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and flexible credit guidelines.
Here’s exactly how to buy a home with a VA loan — broken down into simple, clear steps from start to finish.
✅ Step 1: Check Your VA Eligibility
You may qualify if you:
- Served 90+ days active duty during wartime, OR
- Served 181+ days during peacetime, OR
- Served 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves, OR
- Are a surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
📘 You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — but don’t worry, we’ll help you get it quickly through our lender portal.
✅ Step 2: Get Pre-Approved With a VA-Approved Lender
Pre-approval lets you:
- Know exactly how much home you can afford
- Understand your monthly payment range
- Strengthen your offer with sellers
- Avoid delays once you find a home
At PRMI, we’ll:
- Pull your credit report (soft pull available)
- Review income and assets
- Check your entitlement status
- Walk you through every step — no pressure
💡 A full pre-approval carries more weight than a generic pre-qual — especially in competitive markets.
✅ Step 3: Work With a VA-Savvy Real Estate Agent
Choose a Realtor who:
- Understands the VA loan process
- Knows how to structure VA offers
- Is comfortable working with $0 down buyers
We can refer you to trusted VA-experienced agents in your area if needed.
✅ Bonus: VA loans are not harder to close than other loans — when you work with the right team.
✅ Step 4: Make an Offer and Go Under Contract
Once you’ve found the right home, we’ll help you:
- Structure your offer
- Include necessary VA-specific contingencies
- Prepare your Loan Estimate and VA funding fee info
Your VA loan still allows:
- Seller concessions (up to 4%)
- Home inspection and appraisal protections
- Escrowed taxes and insurance
📘 We’ll walk you through every document and decision with clarity and care.
✅ Step 5: Complete the VA Appraisal and Underwriting
This step ensures:
- The home is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound
- The value supports the price
- Your loan meets VA and lender guidelines
Don’t worry — our in-house VA underwriters help smooth the process.
💡 If anything comes up (like repairs), we’ll work with your agent to resolve it quickly and keep you moving toward closing.
✅ Step 6: Close and Get Your Keys
Once approved:
- You’ll sign your final loan documents
- Bring minimal (or no) funds to close
- Get your keys and move in
VA loans close in about 20–30 days on average — often faster with our streamlined process.
🎉 And just like that — you’re officially a homeowner.
🧠 What If You’ve Used a VA Loan Before?
You may still be eligible through:
- Remaining entitlement
- Bonus entitlement
- Restoration of full entitlement after a prior loan is paid off
We’ll walk through all your options in real time.
🏢 Why PRMI?
We help you:
- Get pre-approved fast with VA expertise
- Understand your entitlement, funding fee, and monthly costs
- Navigate every step with support and speed
- Buy confidently — without unnecessary red tape
We’re proud to serve those who’ve served.
👇 Ready to Start the VA Loan Homebuying Process?
Let’s confirm your eligibility, review your budget, and get you pre-approved — no obligation, just a clear path forward.