VA Loans

How much assistance

No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) (Government-Guaranteed Mortgage)

Eligibility

• First-time buyer required: No
• Geographic restrictions: Available nationwide; primary residence only
• Homebuyer education required: No

Notes

VA guarantees the loan; private lenders originate. 0% down payment. No PMI required. No VA minimum credit score; most lenders require 620+. VA Funding Fee: 2.15% first use / 3.3% subsequent use (0% down); 1.5% with 5%+ down; 1.25% with 10%+ down. Exempt for service-connected disability (10%+ rating). Starting in 2026, the VA funding fee is tax-deductible for eligible borrowers. Eligible: active-duty (90+ days wartime, 181+ peacetime), veterans, National Guard/Reserve (6+ years or 90+ days active), surviving spouses. Requires Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Entitlement is restorable after payoff. No prepayment penalty. DTI generally 41%. Updated March 2026.

Cities Where This Program Is Available

• Charleston, SC
• Charlotte, NC
• Raleigh, NC
• Spartanburg, SC
• Wilmington, NC
• Greensboro, NC
• Greenville, SC
• Durham, NC