VA loans: what veterans should know before buying a home
September 18, 2026
VA loans have been around for decades, yet many veterans still don't realize how much buying power the program actually provides. With no down payment requirement and no monthly private mortgage insurance, the math works out differently than a conventional loan in ways that can save buyers tens of thousands over the life of the loan. In today's housing market, where affordability remains a real challenge, that gap matters more than ever.
The core benefit of a VA loan is straightforward: eligible borrowers can finance up to 100% of the purchase price without putting any money down. Conventional loans typically require somewhere between 5% and 20% down, which means a VA buyer can preserve savings for closing costs, moving expenses, or home improvements. There's also no private mortgage insurance requirement, which on a conventional loan can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly payment. The VA does charge a funding fee, but it can be rolled into the loan balance, so it doesn't require out-of-pocket cash at closing for most borrowers.