Here are three strong, practical home buying tips specifically for veterans using a VA loan in 2026:
1. Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Early — Before You Shop
Don’t wait until you find a house. Request your COE right away through the VA website or your lender.
This “Golden Ticket” proves to sellers and lenders that you’re eligible and shows you’re a serious buyer.It helps you move quickly in competitive markets and avoids last-minute delays. Many veterans lose time (or even deals) because they skip this step.
2. Work with a VA-Savvy Real Estate Agent and Lender
Not all agents or lenders understand VA loans well. Choose professionals who are experienced with:
• VA Minimum Property Requirements (the home must be safe, sound, and sanitary)
• VA appraisals
• Negotiating seller concessions (up to 4% of the purchase price toward closing costs, prepaid items, or even reducing the price)
A good team knows how to handle VA-specific rules and can make your offer more competitive against conventional buyers.
3. Budget for Closing Costs and the VA Funding Fee (Even with 0% Down)
VA loans require no down payment and no PMI, which is a huge advantage.
However:
• You’ll still need money for closing costs (typically 2–4% of the purchase price).
• Most veterans pay a VA funding fee (currently 2.15% for first-time use with 0% down on a purchase). This can be financed into the loan or paid at closing.
Pro tip: Negotiate seller concessions to cover closing costs and the funding fee — this is one of the best ways to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Bonus tip: Get pre-approved early and avoid big purchases (new car, furniture, etc.) between pre-approval and closing — it can hurt your approval.
