VA home loans · For those who served

Put the home loan benefit you earned to work.

VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans, service members and some surviving spouses. There’s no monthly mortgage insurance, and your loan officer can help you request your Certificate of Eligibility.

Your Certificate of Eligibility comes first, and your loan officer can request it for you.

An older man on the front porch of his home

What to know.

The essentials, in plain English.

No monthly mortgage insurance
Most loans with a small down payment add monthly mortgage insurance. VA loans don’t. Most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, and some veterans are exempt.
Less cash up front
VA loans can ask for less down than most other loans, which keeps more of your savings in reserve. Your loan officer walks you through the full terms.
Limits on what you’re charged
The VA limits some of the fees a veteran can be charged, and sellers can pay some of your closing costs.
Someone who knows the VA process
Your loan officer handles the Certificate of Eligibility, the funding fee questions and the VA appraisal with you, so the paperwork isn’t yours alone.

What happens after you press the button.

Your loan officer reaches out
Ryan reads what you send personally and gets in touch to talk it through.
What you’ll talk about
Your service history, your plans for the home and your budget. Your loan officer can start on your Certificate of Eligibility.
What to have handy
Your DD-214 or a statement of service, if it’s nearby. Everything else can wait until you apply.
  1. A brick colonial home at dusk after a light snow

    Who it fits

    Those who served, and some of their surviving spouses.

    • Veterans
    • Active-duty service members
    • National Guard and Reserve members
    • Some surviving spouses
  2. A laptop and papers on a kitchen table in morning light

    What you’ll need

    Your loan officer confirms what your file needs.

    • Your DD-214, or a statement of service if you’re on active duty
    • Recent pay stubs or LES, W-2s and tax returns
    • Bank statements
    • Your VA disability award letter, if you have one

Common questions

Who is eligible for a VA loan?

Veterans, active-duty service members, and National Guard and Reserve members who meet the service requirements, plus some surviving spouses. Your Certificate of Eligibility confirms it.

VA or conventional: which is right for me?

If you’re eligible, a VA loan often costs less up front and has no monthly mortgage insurance. A conventional loan can finance a second home or a rental, which a VA loan doesn’t. Compare both, with the full terms of each.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

The document that shows a lender you’re eligible for a VA loan. Your loan officer can usually request it for you through the VA’s own system.

What is the VA funding fee?

A one-time fee that helps fund the program. It depends on your service, the loan and whether you have used the benefit before, and many borrowers add it to the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability are usually exempt.

Can I use my VA benefit more than once?

Yes. Your entitlement can be restored after a VA loan is paid off, and in some cases you can have more than one VA loan.

Is there a minimum credit score?

The VA doesn’t set one, though lenders have their own guidelines. Your loan officer looks at your whole picture: credit, income and debts together.

Can the seller help with my closing costs?

Yes. VA rules let sellers pay some of your closing costs, within limits, and the VA restricts some of the fees a veteran can be charged.

Will checking my options affect my credit?

Answering a few questions doesn’t check your credit. A credit check comes later, only with your permission, and your loan officer can explain how it may affect your score.

What if I don’t qualify?

Your loan officer explains why, and whether another loan such as FHA or conventional may fit while you work on what’s missing.

What does a VA loan cost?

Closing costs and the one-time funding fee, unless you’re exempt. The VA limits some fees, sellers can pay some costs, and your Loan Estimate lists every cost before you commit.

5.0

Google45 reviews on Google

Northbrook families,
in their own words.

“We are so incredibly grateful we found Ryan! My wife and I were pretty overwhelmed when we first started looking at mortgages. When we were shopping around, we always felt like we were constantly being pushed into boxes or swayed into lending options that just didn't fit us. Meeting Ryan was a total breath of fresh air. From our very first conversation, he didn't treat us like just another file—he took the time to actually listen and understand exactly where we were at in our lives. Because of his incredible knowledge, he helped us get the exact mortgage we needed for our dream home. He educated us, answered every single silly question we had, and turned our anxiety into pure excitement. Ryan is truly incredible at what he does.”

JO

Jonathan Peig2 months ago

“Thank you to Ryan and his team. Our realtor recommended them. We are very happy we decided to work with them. They kept in touch after we decided it wasn't the right time to buy. One year later, we are in our new home. They made the loan process a stress free experience. They put in the time and effort to make sure their clients are able to make informed decisions. I definitely recommend them for your financing needs!”

AM

Amanda Atkinsona year ago

“We were caught in a situation where we needed to close rather quickly and Ryan and his team at Neighborhood Loans really came through. Ryan had great ideas regarding the financing options available. The communication process was markedly better than any of our previous dealings with lenders. The entire team was fabulous to work with-they showed great patience dealing with form submissions, etc. as we are not the most tech savvy couple. Bottom line-one of the finest customer service experiences ever for Lisa and I. We would heartily recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for mortgage assistance. Five Stars!”

LI

Lisa J. Rastello3 years ago

“We are so incredibly grateful we found Ryan! My wife and I were pretty overwhelmed when we first started looking at mortgages. When we were shopping around, we always felt like we were constantly being pushed into boxes or swayed into lending options that just didn't fit us. Meeting Ryan was a total breath of fresh air. From our very first conversation, he didn't treat us like just another file—he took the time to actually listen and understand exactly where we were at in our lives. Because of his incredible knowledge, he helped us get the exact mortgage we needed for our dream home. He educated us, answered every single silly question we had, and turned our anxiety into pure excitement. Ryan is truly incredible at what he does.”

JO

Jonathan Peig2 months ago

“Thank you to Ryan and his team. Our realtor recommended them. We are very happy we decided to work with them. They kept in touch after we decided it wasn't the right time to buy. One year later, we are in our new home. They made the loan process a stress free experience. They put in the time and effort to make sure their clients are able to make informed decisions. I definitely recommend them for your financing needs!”

AM

Amanda Atkinsona year ago

“We were caught in a situation where we needed to close rather quickly and Ryan and his team at Neighborhood Loans really came through. Ryan had great ideas regarding the financing options available. The communication process was markedly better than any of our previous dealings with lenders. The entire team was fabulous to work with-they showed great patience dealing with form submissions, etc. as we are not the most tech savvy couple. Bottom line-one of the finest customer service experiences ever for Lisa and I. We would heartily recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for mortgage assistance. Five Stars!”

LI

Lisa J. Rastello3 years ago

“We are so incredibly grateful we found Ryan! My wife and I were pretty overwhelmed when we first started looking at mortgages. When we were shopping around, we always felt like we were constantly being pushed into boxes or swayed into lending options that just didn't fit us. Meeting Ryan was a total breath of fresh air. From our very first conversation, he didn't treat us like just another file—he took the time to actually listen and understand exactly where we were at in our lives. Because of his incredible knowledge, he helped us get the exact mortgage we needed for our dream home. He educated us, answered every single silly question we had, and turned our anxiety into pure excitement. Ryan is truly incredible at what he does.”

JO

Jonathan Peig2 months ago

“Thank you to Ryan and his team. Our realtor recommended them. We are very happy we decided to work with them. They kept in touch after we decided it wasn't the right time to buy. One year later, we are in our new home. They made the loan process a stress free experience. They put in the time and effort to make sure their clients are able to make informed decisions. I definitely recommend them for your financing needs!”

AM

Amanda Atkinsona year ago

“We were caught in a situation where we needed to close rather quickly and Ryan and his team at Neighborhood Loans really came through. Ryan had great ideas regarding the financing options available. The communication process was markedly better than any of our previous dealings with lenders. The entire team was fabulous to work with-they showed great patience dealing with form submissions, etc. as we are not the most tech savvy couple. Bottom line-one of the finest customer service experiences ever for Lisa and I. We would heartily recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for mortgage assistance. Five Stars!”

LI

Lisa J. Rastello3 years ago

“We are so incredibly grateful we found Ryan! My wife and I were pretty overwhelmed when we first started looking at mortgages. When we were shopping around, we always felt like we were constantly being pushed into boxes or swayed into lending options that just didn't fit us. Meeting Ryan was a total breath of fresh air. From our very first conversation, he didn't treat us like just another file—he took the time to actually listen and understand exactly where we were at in our lives. Because of his incredible knowledge, he helped us get the exact mortgage we needed for our dream home. He educated us, answered every single silly question we had, and turned our anxiety into pure excitement. Ryan is truly incredible at what he does.”

JO

Jonathan Peig2 months ago

“Thank you to Ryan and his team. Our realtor recommended them. We are very happy we decided to work with them. They kept in touch after we decided it wasn't the right time to buy. One year later, we are in our new home. They made the loan process a stress free experience. They put in the time and effort to make sure their clients are able to make informed decisions. I definitely recommend them for your financing needs!”

AM

Amanda Atkinsona year ago

“We were caught in a situation where we needed to close rather quickly and Ryan and his team at Neighborhood Loans really came through. Ryan had great ideas regarding the financing options available. The communication process was markedly better than any of our previous dealings with lenders. The entire team was fabulous to work with-they showed great patience dealing with form submissions, etc. as we are not the most tech savvy couple. Bottom line-one of the finest customer service experiences ever for Lisa and I. We would heartily recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for mortgage assistance. Five Stars!”

LI

Lisa J. Rastello3 years ago

“Ryan from the neighborhood loans team is the kind person you want in your corner when buying a home. From pre-approval to close, he was responsive, consultative, and patient. We felt complete transparency and support from the entire Neighborhood Loans team at every step of our journey. I could not recommend them enough!”

AN

Andrew Harrisa year ago

“Ryan is a class act! I can’t speak highly enough of him and his team. He was so helpful, knowledgeable, responsive, and always so incredibly friendly. I appreciated all of the 1x1 help Ryan and his team extended to me. Ryan was always available, day and night, weekdays and weekends, to help answer any questions I had. He and his team really go the extra mile to show that your business matters to them. They work hard to get you the best rate and help put together options that work for you. Ryan and his team made the home-buying process an enjoyable one and I’m so grateful I was able to work with him. I will continue to recommend Ryan to my family and friends!”

RE

Rebecca4 years ago

“Ryan from the neighborhood loans team is the kind person you want in your corner when buying a home. From pre-approval to close, he was responsive, consultative, and patient. We felt complete transparency and support from the entire Neighborhood Loans team at every step of our journey. I could not recommend them enough!”

AN

Andrew Harrisa year ago

“Ryan is a class act! I can’t speak highly enough of him and his team. He was so helpful, knowledgeable, responsive, and always so incredibly friendly. I appreciated all of the 1x1 help Ryan and his team extended to me. Ryan was always available, day and night, weekdays and weekends, to help answer any questions I had. He and his team really go the extra mile to show that your business matters to them. They work hard to get you the best rate and help put together options that work for you. Ryan and his team made the home-buying process an enjoyable one and I’m so grateful I was able to work with him. I will continue to recommend Ryan to my family and friends!”

RE

Rebecca4 years ago

“Ryan from the neighborhood loans team is the kind person you want in your corner when buying a home. From pre-approval to close, he was responsive, consultative, and patient. We felt complete transparency and support from the entire Neighborhood Loans team at every step of our journey. I could not recommend them enough!”

AN

Andrew Harrisa year ago

“Ryan is a class act! I can’t speak highly enough of him and his team. He was so helpful, knowledgeable, responsive, and always so incredibly friendly. I appreciated all of the 1x1 help Ryan and his team extended to me. Ryan was always available, day and night, weekdays and weekends, to help answer any questions I had. He and his team really go the extra mile to show that your business matters to them. They work hard to get you the best rate and help put together options that work for you. Ryan and his team made the home-buying process an enjoyable one and I’m so grateful I was able to work with him. I will continue to recommend Ryan to my family and friends!”

RE

Rebecca4 years ago

“Ryan from the neighborhood loans team is the kind person you want in your corner when buying a home. From pre-approval to close, he was responsive, consultative, and patient. We felt complete transparency and support from the entire Neighborhood Loans team at every step of our journey. I could not recommend them enough!”

AN

Andrew Harrisa year ago

“Ryan is a class act! I can’t speak highly enough of him and his team. He was so helpful, knowledgeable, responsive, and always so incredibly friendly. I appreciated all of the 1x1 help Ryan and his team extended to me. Ryan was always available, day and night, weekdays and weekends, to help answer any questions I had. He and his team really go the extra mile to show that your business matters to them. They work hard to get you the best rate and help put together options that work for you. Ryan and his team made the home-buying process an enjoyable one and I’m so grateful I was able to work with him. I will continue to recommend Ryan to my family and friends!”

RE

Rebecca4 years ago

Thank you for serving.
Let’s find your home.

Talk through your benefit with Ryan on a call, or start online when you’re ready.

(773) 569-8692