VA Mortgage Loan

VA loans are a fantastic home financing option for eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses—backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. At Southeast Mortgage, we’re honored to help those who’ve served to achieve the dream of homeownership with affordable, flexible mortgage solutions

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Apply Now and Receive $2,500 Towards Closing Costs.

You’ve served our country—now let us serve YOU! As a veteran or active-duty military member, you could qualify for a VA loan with $2,500 toward closing costs!

  •  No Down Payment Required
  •  Reduced Interest Rates & No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
  •  Easier Qualification & Flexible Credit Requirements

Buying a home has never been more affordable! Let us help you take advantage of your well-earned VA benefits and get into your next home.

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VA Mortgage Highlights

VA home loans often require no down payment* and help secure your savings and offer more flexibility for active-duty military personnel, veterans and eligible surviving spouses. They also feature:

  • No prepayment penalties
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • 100% financing with full VA entitlement*
  • Fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages
  • VA financing fees can be lumped into the total loan amount
  • A variety of eligible property types, including townhomes and VA-approved condos

*A down payment is required if the borrower does not have full VA entitlement or when the loan amount exceeds the VA county limits. VA loans are subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit guidelines, and property limits

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Flexible Cash Requirements

VA loans provide significant flexibility when it comes to cash requirements, making homeownership more accessible for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain military spouses. Unlike conventional loans, VA loans do not require a substantial cash reserve or large upfront payments, reducing the financial burden on homebuyers.

Generous Reserve Requirements

Unlike many conventional and FHA loans that require cash reserves to demonstrate financial stability, VA loans have little to no cash reserve requirements. This means that borrowers are not obligated to have additional savings set aside after closing, making it easier for them to qualify for a mortgage.

Closing Options

VA loans offer flexible closing options that can make purchasing a home more affordable. Sellers are allowed to cover a portion—or even all—of the buyer’s closing costs, including appraisal fees, title insurance, and VA funding fees. Additionally, sellers can contribute toward certain repairs required by the VA to meet the property’s minimum standards, further reducing out-of-pocket costs for the buyer.

More Affordable Monthly Payments

VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is typically required for conventional loans with less than 20% down. Since PMI can add hundreds of dollars to a borrower’s monthly payment, eliminating this cost makes homeownership more affordable and frees up funds for other expenses.

Flexible Options

VA loans can be used for both home purchases and refinances. Borrowers can buy a new home, refinance an existing VA loan to secure a lower interest rate (VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan or IRRRL), or even cash out equity with a VA Cash-Out Refinance. This flexibility allows veterans to make the most of their home financing options based on their current financial situation and long-term goals.

Pay Off Early

VA loans do not have prepayment penalties, allowing borrowers to pay off their mortgage early without incurring extra fees. Whether a borrower wants to make additional payments, refinance, or completely pay off their loan ahead of schedule, they have the freedom to do so without financial consequences. This can save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

VA Loan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nope! With a VA loan, there’s no private mortgage insurance (PMI), even if you buy your home with zero down payment. Instead, there’s a VA funding fee, which can either be paid upfront at closing or rolled into your loan amount so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

In some cases, the seller might cover the funding fee, or your real estate agent can negotiate for them to pay it as part of the deal.

The amount of the funding fee depends on a few things:

  • Your loan amount
  • Whether you’re a first-time VA loan user or using it again
  • The size of your down payment (if any)

You can roll some closing costs into your total loan amount—most notably, the VA funding fee. However, other typical closing costs (like title fees, appraisal, and lender fees) can’t be rolled in.

That said, your real estate agent and lender can help negotiate with the seller or lender for credits and concessions to lower your out-of-pocket costs at closing.

Before you can get a VA home loan, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This proves to your lender that you qualify based on your service history or that of an eligible spouse.

You can request your COE directly from the VA, or your Southeast Mortgage advisor can quickly look it up for you when you’re ready to apply.

Your COE also tells you whether you have full entitlement (which means you can buy with zero down) or partial entitlement (which may require a down payment).

Yes, you can! You’re allowed to take out another VA loan even if you’ve used one before. However, if your first VA loan isn’t paid off yet, you might have partial entitlement remaining.

To restore your full entitlement and take advantage of all VA loan benefits again, you’d need to pay off your existing VA loan first.

At Southeast Mortgage, the minimum credit score for a VA loan is 580.

  • If your score is between 580-599, additional underwriting approval will be needed (which may require extra paperwork).
  • The higher your credit score, the better your loan terms—things like interest rates and fees tend to be more favorable with a stronger score.

Your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle, though! Be sure to ask your Southeast Mortgage advisor about all the ways you can strengthen your VA loan application.

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This is my 4th time using Southeast Mortgage’s services. Amazing personalized customer service and seamless process. Thank you to the Southeast team, nothing less than excellence.”

Kenji T.Client

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The entire Southeast Mortgage team was absolutely phenomenal. They ensured we walked into closing fully prepared, resulting in a smooth encounter. I would most definitely recommend Southeast Mortgage to all my friends”

Eddy W.Purchased a Home

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The team at Southeast Mortgage has been doing loans for my clients for several years. Their team is very professional and never lets us down. They always deliver outstanding customer service and competitive rates. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for an experience team to get the job done!”

Team BlythewoodRealtor

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Great team of professionals. Excellent service, every step of the loan process runs smoothly and everyone is willing to go the extra mile to assure closings are done in a timely manner. I will continue referring clients, family and friends to Southeast Mortgage.”

Raquel B.Builder