MYTH
"You can only use it once."
The truthIt's a lifetime benefit. Sell the home and pay off the loan, and you get it back to use again. Many people even keep their first home as a rental and buy the next one with VA.
VA home loans · Lending in all 50 states
VA home loans, explained simply. Wherever you're stationed.
A VA loan is a home loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It lets Veterans, service members and surviving spouses buy a home with no money down and no monthly mortgage insurance. We'll walk you through it in plain English, in any state.
What people get wrong
Six VA loan myths, busted
These keep a lot of military families from using a benefit they earned. Here's the truth, in plain terms.
MYTH
"You need perfect credit."
The truthThe VA doesn't set a minimum score. Many lenders work with scores in the 580 to 620 range, and a rough patch in your past doesn't automatically rule you out.
MYTH
"Sellers won't take a VA offer."
The truthA VA offer with a solid pre-approval competes with anyone. The VA appraisal just makes sure the home is safe and fairly priced, so you don't overpay.
MYTH
"Everyone pays the VA fee."
The truthIf you get VA disability pay, you pay no fee at all. Everyone else can add the one-time fee to the loan instead of paying it in cash.
MYTH
"It's only for retirees or combat vets."
The truthActive-duty members usually qualify after 90 days. Guard and Reserve members, peacetime Veterans and many surviving spouses qualify too.
MYTH
"VA loans cost more."
The truthUsually the opposite. There's no monthly mortgage insurance, and VA rates are often lower than conventional rates. That can mean a smaller monthly payment.
Side by side
VA vs FHA vs conventional loans
For most eligible buyers, a VA loan costs less each month, mainly because it needs no down payment with full entitlement and has no monthly mortgage insurance.
| Feature | VA loan | FHA loan | Conventional loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | $0 with full entitlement | 3.5% with a 580+ credit score | Usually 3% to 5% |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | None | Yes, a yearly premium, often for the life of the loan with less than 10% down | Yes with less than 20% down, until you reach about 20% equity |
| Upfront fee | VA funding fee of 0.5% to 3.3%; $0 with VA disability pay | 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance | None |
| Minimum credit score | No VA minimum; lenders often look for 580 to 620 | 580 for 3.5% down, 500 with 10% down | Usually about 620 |
| Loan limit | None with full entitlement | County FHA limits | Conforming limits, set every year |
| Seller concessions | Up to 4%, plus normal closing costs | Up to 6% | 3% to 9%, depending on down payment |
| Assumable by a future buyer | Yes, with approval | Yes, with approval | Usually no |
| Who can use it | Eligible Veterans, service members and some surviving spouses | Anyone who qualifies | Anyone who qualifies |
VA figures: VA.gov funding fee and closing costs and the VA Lender's Handbook. FHA and conventional figures are general program guidelines as of October 2026. Your lender confirms what applies to you.
Moving on orders?
Wherever you PCS, we already lend there
We lend in every state, so you don't have to find and vet a new lender each time the military moves you. Same team, same process, from your first home to your last.
- Start before you get thereGet pre-approved while you're still at your current base, so you can make offers as soon as you find the right place.
- Keep your current home if it makes senseWe'll look at whether you can rent out the home you have and still buy at your next duty station.
- One person, start to finishYou'll have one dedicated person on our team and their direct line. No call centers, no getting passed around.
Where are you headed?
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingAll 50 states →
Ballpark your payment
What would my payment be?
Plug in a home price to see a rough monthly payment with a VA loan.
The "VA fee" is a one-time charge that keeps the program running. Most people add it to the loan, so it doesn't come out of pocket. If you get VA disability pay, it's $0.
One-time VA fee$8,600
Total loan$408,600
Monthly payment*$2,516
*30-year fixed, principal and interest only. Property taxes, insurance and HOA dues will add to this. This is an estimate, not a rate quote or loan offer.
More than buying
Four ways to use your VA benefit
Buy a home
A house, condo or townhome. Even a duplex up to a fourplex if you live in one unit.
Lower your rate
Already have a VA loan? Refinance to a lower rate with less paperwork.
Called a "VA streamline" or IRRRLTake cash out
Use your home's value to pay off credit cards, fix up the house or cover big expenses.
Take over a low rate
Some sellers have VA loans from years ago at lower rates. You may be able to take theirs over.
Called a "loan assumption"How it works
Four steps to your keys
Talk it through
A quick call about where you're headed, your timeline and your budget.
Get pre-approved
We confirm you qualify online, then show you what you can comfortably afford.
Find your home
Shop with a pre-approval letter so sellers take your offer seriously.
Get your keys
Sign your final paperwork and move in. Your person on our team keeps you updated the whole way.
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Your loan team
Jason Stevens & Team
For over two decades, Jason has served the military community that served all of our families. Today he leads a small VA loan team at Texana Bank that helps Veterans, service members and surviving spouses buy and refinance homes in all 50 states.
The team is small on purpose. Every client gets one person who knows their file, explains every number in plain English, and tells them straight when waiting is the better move. Many of those clients are on PCS orders with tight timelines, and the team knows how to work around them.
"Serving the military community that served all of our families."Jason Stevens, NMLS #195798
How we work
- One person, start to finishWhen you reach out, you're matched with one person on our team. That person stays your point of contact from your first question to closing day. You're never handed off to a processing center or a "fulfillment department."
- Bank strength. More options. One person.We're backed by Texana Bank, N.A. and a network of trusted lenders, which means more ways to get you to yes. However your loan is made, one person on our team guides you start to finish. No call centers.
- Real people, direct linesNo ticket numbers and no phone trees. You'll know exactly who to call, and they'll know your file.
- NMLS #195798
- Lending in all 50 states
- Texana Bank, N.A. NMLS #407536
Verify Jason's NMLS registration · More about Jason and the team →
Straight answers
Common questions
Is a VA loan better than an FHA loan?
For most eligible buyers, yes. A VA loan needs no down payment with full entitlement and has no monthly mortgage insurance. FHA requires at least 3.5% down and charges a yearly mortgage insurance premium. See the side-by-side table above.
How much money do I need to bring to closing?
With no down payment, you mainly need money for closing costs, which often run 2% to 5% of the price. Sellers can pay many of those costs, so some buyers bring very little.
Can I buy a duplex or fourplex?
Yes. You can buy a home with up to four units as long as you live in one of them. Rent from the other units may help you qualify.
How long does it take to close?
Most VA purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, about the same as other loan types.
Is there a limit on how much I can borrow?
If you've never used your benefit, or you've fully restored it, the VA sets no loan limit. You still need the income to afford the payment.
Can a surviving spouse use a VA loan?
Often, yes. If your spouse died in service or from a service-connected condition and you haven't remarried, or remarried after age 57, you may qualify.
What do I need to get started?
Just a conversation. We can usually confirm your eligibility online. Later you'll send pay stubs or your LES, bank statements and, for Veterans, your DD-214.
Get started
Let's see what you qualify for
Tell us a little about your plans. Jason or someone on his team will follow up within one business day, and that person stays with you the whole way. No cost, no pressure.
Call or text(888) 494-VETS (888-494-8387)
Emailjason.stevens@texanabank.com
ServingAll 50 states
Ready to apply?Start your secure application