HomeBlogVA Loans: The Best-Kept Secret in Mortgage Lending
Back to all articles
Mortgages

VA Loans: The Best-Kept Secret in Mortgage Lending

David R. Bizousky
David R. Bizousky
March 8, 2026
7 min read

VA Loans: Why They're the Best Mortgage Product in America

If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse, the VA loan is hands-down the best mortgage program available. Zero down payment. No private mortgage insurance. The lowest interest rates on the market.

Yet according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, only about 6% of eligible veterans use their VA loan benefit. That means millions of veterans are leaving money on the table.

VA Loan Benefits at a Glance

  • Zero Down Payment: Buy a home with $0 down — no other conventional program offers this
  • No PMI: Save $100-300/month compared to conventional loans with less than 20% down
  • Lowest Interest Rates: VA rates are typically 0.25-0.50% lower than conventional rates
  • No Prepayment Penalty: Pay off your loan early without fees
  • Lenient Credit Requirements: Most VA lenders accept scores as low as 580
  • Limited Closing Costs: VA limits what lenders can charge in closing costs
  • Reusable Benefit: You can use your VA loan benefit multiple times

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?

  • Active-duty service members with 90+ days of service
  • Veterans with 90+ days wartime service or 181+ days peacetime service
  • National Guard and Reserve members with 6+ years of service
  • Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities

The VA Funding Fee Explained

VA loans don't require PMI, but they do have a one-time VA Funding Fee. This fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on your down payment and whether it's your first use.

Good news: The funding fee can be rolled into the loan (no out-of-pocket cost). And some veterans are exempt entirely, including those receiving VA disability compensation.

VA Loan Myths Busted

  • Myth: VA loans take longer to close. Reality: With experienced VA lenders, closing times are competitive with conventional loans.
  • Myth: Sellers don't like VA offers. Reality: VA offers are just as strong — and VA appraisals protect both buyer and seller.
  • Myth: VA loans are only for first-time buyers. Reality: You can use your VA benefit as many times as you want.
  • Myth: VA loans have low loan limits. Reality: With full entitlement, there is NO loan limit as of 2020.

Apply for a VA Loan Today

At Slate Financial, we specialize in VA loans and work with veterans every day. Our AI-powered platform matches you with the best VA lenders and streamlines the entire process. Learn more about VA loans or apply now.

Tags

VA LoansVeteransMilitaryZero Down Payment
David R. Bizousky

David R. Bizousky

Founder & CEO, Slate Financial

David R. Bizousky is a financial services entrepreneur and the founder of Slate Financial, a leading alternative lending platform that has funded over $2.5 billion for 10,000+ businesses across all 50 states.

Get the Funding Your Business Deserves

Join thousands of business owners and real estate investors who trust Slate Financial. Apply in minutes with zero credit impact.

Apply Now — It's Free

Marcus T. from Miami, FL

Just funded $150,000Term Loan

32 minutes ago