Loans & Housing Desk
VA home loan guides
Breakdowns of VA loan eligibility, lender shopping, funding fees, and closing costs — written for veterans and military families buying their first (or fifth) home.
Articles
Minimum Credit Score Needed for a VA Loan in 2026
There's no VA-mandated minimum credit score, but lenders set their own floors. Here's what score you actually need for a VA loan, and how to improve your odds if you're below it.
Understanding VA Loan Closing Costs and How to Reduce Them
VA loans skip the down payment, but closing costs are still real. Here's what's included, roughly how much to expect, and practical ways to reduce what you pay at the table.
Can You Use a VA Loan More Than Once?
Used your VA loan benefit before? Here's how VA loan entitlement actually works, how it gets restored, and how to use the benefit again for a new home.
VA Loan vs. FHA Loan: Which Is Better for Veterans?
Eligible for both a VA loan and an FHA loan? Here's a side-by-side comparison of down payment, mortgage insurance, rates, and eligibility to help you decide.
Best VA Loan Lenders Compared: Rates, Fees & Customer Service
Not every lender treats VA loans the same. Here's how to actually compare VA loan lenders on rate, fees, and service — and the questions worth asking before you commit.
VA Loan Requirements Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Know
Buying your first home with a VA loan? Here are the exact eligibility, credit, income, and property requirements you need to know before you start shopping.