--- title: 7 Things Every Veteran Should Know About VA Home Loans description: Discover essential insights about VA home loans for veterans and active-duty service members. Learn the facts to maximize your benefits and simplify the home-buying process. image: https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Salute%20to%20Veterans%20YouTube.png --- [![Logo](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=1500&height=500&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/) Open main menu Close main menu - [Buyers](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/buyers) - [Sellers](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/sellers) - [Current Listings](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/current-listings) - [Contact Us](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/contact-us) [Mortgage](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/tag/mortgage) [Buyer Tips](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/tag/buyer-tips) [Homeowner Tips](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/tag/homeowner-tips) # 7 Things Every Veteran Should Know About VA Home Loans ![Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4d8aeb5e1542057ee25a8b3a3a947d18) [Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/author/ken-angst-realtor-haute-properties-nv) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/7-things-every-veteran-should-know-about-va-home-loans) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/7-things-every-veteran-should-know-about-va-home-loans) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/7-things-every-veteran-should-know-about-va-home-loans) ![VA Loans Top Questions Answered with image of femail miltiary person](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Salute%20to%20Veterans%20YouTube.png) For many veterans and active-duty service members, a **VA home loan** is one of the most valuable benefits they've earned. Yet despite its advantages, misconceptions about VA financing often prevent eligible buyers from taking full advantage of the program. If you've heard that VA loans are difficult to use, require a large down payment, or are less attractive to sellers, it's time to separate fact from fiction. In our latest video, mortgage expert **Elena Boland of Wholesale Mortgage Services** shares seven important facts every veteran should know before purchasing a home with a VA loan. **▶️ Watch the full video here: **   ## Why VA Loans Are So Valuable VA loans are designed to make homeownership more accessible for eligible veterans, active-duty military members, and certain surviving spouses. While every borrower's situation is unique, VA loans often offer significant advantages compared to many conventional financing options. Understanding how the program works can help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your earned benefits. ## 1. Don't Let Common Myths Hold You Back One of the biggest obstacles veterans face isn't qualifying for a VA loan; it's misinformation. Some buyers believe VA loans take longer to close, are harder for sellers to accept, or involve unnecessary complications. In reality, experienced lenders and real estate professionals work with VA financing every day, and many transactions close just as smoothly as other loan types. Knowing the facts can help you shop with confidence. ## 2. Understand Your VA Loan Entitlement Many veterans don't realize they may still have VA loan eligibility even if they've already used the benefit. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to restore your entitlement after selling a home or even have remaining entitlement available for another purchase. Before assuming you've exhausted your benefit, speak with a knowledgeable VA lender who can review your specific eligibility. ## 3. Know How the VA Funding Fee Works The VA funding fee helps keep the loan program available for future veterans and reduces the need for private mortgage insurance. The amount varies based on factors such as: - Whether it's your first time using a VA loan - Your down payment (if any) - The type of loan you're obtaining Some veterans, including those with qualifying service-connected disabilities, may be exempt from paying the funding fee altogether. ## 4. Seller Concessions Can Help Reduce Your Costs Many buyers are surprised to learn that sellers may be able to contribute toward certain closing costs and concessions, depending on the transaction. In today's market, seller concessions can sometimes make purchasing a home more affordable by helping offset upfront expenses. Understanding what's allowed and negotiating strategically can save you money at closing. ## 5. Choose a Lender Who Understands VA Loans Not every lender has the same level of experience with VA financing. Working with a lender who regularly handles VA loans can help ensure: - Accurate guidance throughout the process - Efficient underwriting - Clear communication - Fewer surprises before closing An experienced lending team can often identify solutions before they become problems. ## 6. Learn About the VA Appraisal and Tidewater Process The VA appraisal is designed to protect both the buyer and the lender by ensuring the home's value supports the purchase price. If questions arise during the appraisal process, the VA's [**Tidewater Initiative**](https://www.veteransunited.com/realestate/how-to-challenge-a-low-va-appraisal-value-the-reconsideration-of-value/) may provide an opportunity to submit additional market data before the final value is determined. Understanding how this process works can help reduce stress if appraisal concerns come up during your transaction. ## 7. Get Answers Before You Start Shopping Every veteran's situation is different. Questions about eligibility, occupancy requirements, entitlement restoration, funding fees, refinancing, or purchasing another home are all common. Getting answers early can make the buying process much smoother. Meeting with a knowledgeable lender before you begin your home search helps you understand your options and move forward with confidence. ## Watch the Full VA Loan Discussion In my latest video, **Elena Boland** answers these questions in greater detail and clears up many misconceptions about VA home loans. Whether you're purchasing your first home, relocating, or planning to use your VA benefit again, this conversation will help you better understand your options. > **🎥 Watch the full video here: ** [7 VA Loan Facts Every Veteran Should Know](https://youtu.be/54piGUtQIWc?si=7_17BMZV8QVu3Iqg)   ## Have Questions About Buying with a VA Loan? If you're considering purchasing a home in Reno, Sparks, or anywhere in Northern Nevada using your VA benefits, we'd be happy to help. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or are ready to begin your home search, we're here to guide you through every step of the process. **Ken Angst, Realtor** Angst Real Estate Team | Haute Properties NV LLC [**📲 **Call or text:****](mailto:Ken@LivingInSouthReno.com)**[775-525-0309](tel:+17755250309) 📧 **Email:** [Ken@livinginsouthreno.com](mailto:Ken@livinginsouthreno.com)** Nevada License S.168655 **Co-Host:** Elena Boland, Senior Loan Officer Wholesale Mortgage Services | NMLS #373615 [**📲 **Call or text:****](mailto:Ken@LivingInSouthReno.com)**[775-825-1600](tel:+17758251600)** [https://wmsreno.com](https://wmsreno.com/) ### About Ken Angst & the Living in South Reno Team [Ken Angst and his team](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/the-angst-real-estate-team) help clients throughout Northern Nevada navigate major life transitions through real estate. They specialize in: - **Downsizing** into more manageable homes - **Upsizing** for growing families - **Selling** with maximum value and exposure - **Buying** with expert negotiation and market insight - **Investing** in Northern Nevada real estate opportunities With deep local knowledge and a proven track record, the team is committed to helping you make confident real estate decisions. Subscribe to the Angst Real Estate Team's [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@KenAngst/videos) for the latest information on the dynamic and diverse Reno/Sparks Real Estate Market. **[Contact Ken today!](mailto:ken@livinginsouthreno.com)** #VALoan #VAHomeLoan #VeteranHomebuyer #MilitaryHomeBuyer #HomeBuyingTips #HautePropertiesNV #LivingInSouthReno #AngstRealEstateTeam #SellMyHome ### Leave a Comment ## Related Articles [![Dining room featuring table with chairs, rug, side tables and serving areas. ](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/StagingTips.jpg)](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/home-staging-tips-to-increase-your-propertys-value) [Seller Tips](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/tag/seller-tips) ### [Home Staging Tips To Increase Your Property's Value](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/home-staging-tips-to-increase-your-propertys-value) Of course, homeowners want future buyers to see how well they have taken care of the property, and buyers want to know the property is move-in ready. Therefore, the... ![Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4d8aeb5e1542057ee25a8b3a3a947d18) [Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/author/ken-angst-realtor-haute-properties-nv) [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/home-staging-tips-to-increase-your-propertys-value) [![](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Installing%20laminate%20flooring%20in%20new%20home%20indoor.jpeg)](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/what-are-essential-vs.-cosmetic-updates) ### [What are Essential vs. Cosmetic updates?](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/what-are-essential-vs.-cosmetic-updates) If you are considering selling your home, there are likely some updates that you can make to help entice buyers. Many factors determine the value of your home - from... ![Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4d8aeb5e1542057ee25a8b3a3a947d18) [Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/author/ken-angst-realtor-haute-properties-nv) [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/what-are-essential-vs.-cosmetic-updates) ### The Angst Real Estate Team ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter ![haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x.png?width=248&height=150&name=haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x.png "haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x") Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655 Haute Properties NV 5470 Kietzke Lane, Suite 300 Reno, NV 89511 Email: [angstrealestateteam@gmail.com](mailto:angstrealestateteam@gmail.com) Cell: [(775) 525-0309](tel:+17755250309) **MLS® Disclaimer.** The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service®. 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