The VA loan provides an incredible opportunity for veterans, active-duty service members and select military spouses: The ability to buy a home with no money down. No Down payment Competitive Interest rates Flexible qualification guidelines Easy refinance Low closing costs it’s easy to understand why many military service members and their spouses have used this program to become new homeowners or refinance their existing mortgage: Millions of American military families have been able to build wealth and security for themselves and their families. But, after you get approved, the question then becomes: How do you find VA loan homes for sale? In this guide, we will show you what to look for, where to look and how to interact with those who are well-versed in dealing with the VA.
Understanding VA Loan Home Requirements
Not all homes will qualify for the VA loan when buying a home. Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for properties guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. This protects the lender, and the veteran, from investing in a house that turns out to have expensive and costly issues.
The home must be:
- Residential and move-in ready (no major renovations required)
- Properly zoned for residential use
- Free from health hazards, such as lead paint or mold
- Structurally sound with working electrical, heating, and plumbing systems
If building your own home sounds more appealing than buying an existing one, you may be able to consider a VA Construction Loan, which is a special loan program that allows veterans to finance the cost of land, construction, and the final mortgage all in one loan package.
What Types of Homes Qualify?
The following home types are available with a VA loan.
- Single-family homes
- Condominiums (if VA-approved)
- Manufactured or modular homes (on permanent foundations)
- New construction homes
- Multi-family homes (up to 4 units, as long as you live in one)
Work with experienced VA approved builders if you’re purchasing new construction or building from the ground up in order to make sure the home is eligible. These developers are well-acquainted with what is required for a VA loan and will be able to expedite the approval process for you.
Where to Find VA Loan Homes for Sale
There’s no specific “VA homes-only” listing website, but here are a few tips to help you find VA-eligible homes:
- Apply Filters on Real Estate Websites: Major real estate sites such as Zillow, Realtor. com, Redfin enable you to filter homes by price, type and features. And while they don’t specifically convey VA eligibility, you can use options like “move-in ready” or “single family homes” to bring up only VA-approved options.
- Work with a VA-Experienced Realtor: A real estate agent knowledgeable about VA loans can show you homes that can easily get through the VA appraisal. They can also walk you through the buying process and assist with seller-paid closing costs.
- Speak to Your Lender: A lot of lenders who do VA loans work with real estate agent networks or may even have preliminary access to off-market properties or new developments suited for VA buyers.
If you want to build your home instead of buying one, One Time Close Construction Loan could be the right fit for you. This one-of-a-kind loan combines the construction loan with the permanent mortgage which cuts down on time and closing costs.
Things to Consider Before Making an Offer
Consider these other items if you’re shopping for a VA-eligible property:
- VA Appraisal vs. Inspection: While the VA mandates an appraisal, this does not mean an inspection is conducted. It is smart to bring in a certified inspector to make sure the property is structurally sound.
- Closing Costs – No, but closing costs are low since the Department of Veteran Affairs limits what veterans can pay. Sellers can pay 1-3 percent of your closing costs, while 6 percent is the limit on what you can get paid in others.
- Loan Limits: There are technically no loan limits for full entitlement veterans, but your income and credit will dictate how much you can borrow. If you’re outside of VA loan limits, check out jumbo mortgage options such as Conventional Loans.
VA Loan Homes vs. Conventional Homes
When comparing VA Loans vs Conventional options, VA loans typically come out ahead for veterans:
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional Loan |
| Down Payment | 0% | Typically 3%–20% |
| Mortgage Insurance | None | Required if <20% down |
| Credit Score | More flexible | Stricter requirements |
| Funding Fee | Yes | No funding fee |
However, conventional loans can offer more flexibility for second homes, investment properties, or unique construction projects not supported by VA guidelines.
Don’t Overlook VA Assumable Loan Opportunities
When interest rates are running high, VA loans are even more important not only to you at the time of the original purchase, but also to future buyers. One of the seldom considered benefits is the VA Assumable Loan program. If you have purchased a home through a VA loan and you want to sell that home in the future, your buyer (even if he’s not a service member) may be able to assume your loan and take advantage of your low interest rate with lender and VA approval. That can be a huge a selling point in the future.
Final Thoughts: Be Patient and Prepared
Seattle Washington VA Jumbo Home Loans Buying a home with your hard-earned VA benefits is not only a smart financial move, it’s an exciting one but VA home loans come with challenges mainly due to the purchase minimums associated with this loan program. Take time to:
- Get pre-approved early
- Partner with a lender and agent who understand VA loans
- Identify neighborhoods and home types that meet both your needs and VA standards
Whether purchasing a foreclosure to live in as an owner-occupant, buying a move-in-ready new construction or trying to make money by selling distressed properties, the VA home loan has more opportunities than many may realize. For those looking to build your new home, we encourage you to discuss your options with a VA approved builder and also consider the close of a VA Construction loan to help get you on the path towards homeownership with ease.