Buy a Home with a VA Loan | Freedom Mortgage

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Overview

A VA home loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offered by private lenders like Freedom Mortgage. They make buying a home more affordable for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and surviving spouses who qualify.

It is often easier to get approved for a VA home loan compared to conventional mortgages. VA home loan interest rates are often lower than the rates on conventional mortgages. Many veterans can use VA loans to buy a home without a down payment. VA home loans have other benefits too!

Use our VA affordability calculator to estimate how much of a home you can afford by factoring in the down payment, interest rate, loan term, and more. Freedom Mortgage is the #1 VA lender in the United States according to Inside Mortgage Finance, 2020.

Competitive interest rates

0% down payment for many home buyers

No mortgage insurance

Lower minimum credit scores

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Ask us what VA rate we can offer you!

The VA rate we may be able to offer is personal to you. Your interest rate is affected by your credit score, your income and finances, as well as the current mortgage market environment. Freedom Mortgage may be able to offer you a VA rate that is lower – or higher – than the rate you see advertised by other lenders. Ask us today what VA rate we can offer you.

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Is a VA home loan right for you?

If you qualify, a VA loan is a great choice for buying a home. We also provide FHA and USDA loans as well as conventional mortgages. Our loan comparison can help you understand your options, and choose the loan that’s right for you. Also read our article on VA loans vs conventional loans.

VA Loans

Only qualified veterans, active duty military personnel, and surviving spouse are eligible
Can buy primary homes only
Down payments often not required
Minimum credit score often 600
Mortgage insurance not required

Conventional Loans

All qualified homebuyers are eligible
Can buy primary homes, vacation homes, and more
Down payments required
Minimum credit score often 620
Mortgage insurance required with down payment less than 20%

Learn more

FHA Loans

All qualified homebuyers are eligible
Can buy primary homes only
Down payments required
Minimum credit score often 600
Mortgage insurance required

Learn more

USDA Loans

Only qualified rural & some suburban homebuyers are eligible
Can buy primary homes only
Down payments often not required
Minimum credit score often 640
Mortgage insurance required

Learn more

Looking for more detail?

Our full loan comparison table can help you decide.

Go now

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VA home loan fees and requirements

VA home loans are a great option for veterans. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that shows lenders you are eligible for a VA loan. You will need to complete a VA loan application, meet your lender’s credit and financial requirements, and pay closing costs too. Here’s what else you need to know about VA home loans.

Minimum credit score

Private lenders typically require a minimum score between 580 and 620 for their VA loans.Learn more

Down payments

Many veterans can make a 0% down payment when they buy a home with a VA loan. Making a down payment can reduce the cost of your funding fee however. It also reduces the amount of money you need to borrow to buy a house.

Loans limits

Starting in 2020, there are no VA loan limits for qualified veterans with their full entitlement. Lenders may still limit the amount of money they will let your borrow based on your credit, income, and finances however.Learn more

Funding fee

VA loans don’t have mortgage insurance but they do have a one-time VA funding fee. For first-time homebuyers, this funding fee costs between 1.4% and 2.3% of the loan amount. You can pay this fee at closing or finance it into your mortgage principal. Some disabled veterans and surviving spouses are exempt from paying the funding fee.Learn more

Closing costs

VA loan closing costs can average between 2% and 5% of the home’s purchase price according to US News and World Report. These costs can include lender fees, discount points, property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums as well as the funding fee.Learn more

Loan disclosures and closing

Once you submit your application, you will need to review and sign Loan Disclosures. You’ll also need to attend the closing of your new mortgage.Learn more

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The Freedom Mortgage Difference

Freedom Mortgage has grown to be the 6th largest mortgage lender in the US. With 30 years of experience helping customers achieve and maintain the dream of homeownership, we are proud today to be the nation’s #1 VA and FHA lender.

Beyond originating loans, we also service mortgages for 1.25+ million customers. Our outstanding service includes our Eagle Eye Pledge, to alert customers to opportunities for lower rates and monthly payments. We are dedicated to meeting our customer’s needs for the life of their loan.