What do you need to know about VA Mortgages

Didier Malagies • April 8, 2024


VA mortgages, also known as VA loans, are home loans offered to veterans, active-duty service members, and, in some cases, eligible surviving spouses. Here's what you need to know about VA mortgages:


Eligibility: VA loans are available to active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and some surviving spouses. Eligibility requirements may vary based on the length and nature of service.


No Down Payment: One of the most significant benefits of VA loans is that they typically do not require a down payment, allowing eligible borrowers to purchase a home with 100% financing.


Funding Fee: While VA loans do not require mortgage insurance, they do require a funding fee. This fee can be rolled into the loan amount and varies depending on factors such as the down payment amount and whether the borrower has used the VA loan benefit before.


No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike conventional loans, VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance, which can save borrowers money on their monthly mortgage payments.


Competitive Interest Rates: VA loans often offer competitive interest rates compared to conventional loans, making them an attractive option for eligible borrowers.


Flexible Credit Requirements: VA loans typically have more flexible credit requirements compared to conventional loans, making them accessible to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.


Loan Limits: VA loans do have loan limits, which vary by county and are set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Borrowers can still use a VA loan for a home purchase that exceeds the county loan limit, but they may need to make a down payment for the portion of the purchase price that exceeds the limit.


Assumption: VA loans are assumable, which means that if a borrower sells their home, the buyer can take over the VA loan if they are also eligible for VA loan benefits. This can be an attractive feature when selling a home.


Refinancing Options: VA loans offer various refinancing options, including the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also known as the VA streamline refinance, which allows borrowers to refinance their existing VA loan to obtain a lower interest rate with minimal paperwork and no appraisal in most cases.


Property Requirements: VA loans have specific property requirements, including minimum property standards to ensure the home is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound.


Preapproval Process: Borrowers interested in obtaining a VA loan should begin by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Lenders may also require additional documentation for loan approval.


Overall, VA loans can be an excellent option for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to achieve homeownership with favorable terms and benefits.

Didier Malagies nmls212566

DDA Mortgage nmls324329


tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog




didier malagies nmls#212566

dda mortgage nmls#324329





Ask a Mortgage Question

Use the form below and we will give your our expert answers!

203H Ask A Question


Start Your Loan with DDA today
Your local Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Broker Largo
See our Reviews


Looking for more details? Listen to our extended podcast! 

Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.

By Didier Malagies November 5, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
By Didier Malagies November 3, 2025
Here are the main types of events that typically cause the 10-year yield to drop: Economic slowdown or recession signs Weak GDP, rising unemployment, or falling consumer spending make investors expect lower future interest rates. Example: A bad jobs report or slowing manufacturing data often pushes yields lower. Federal Reserve rate cuts (or expectations of cuts) If the Fed signals or actually cuts rates, long-term yields like the 10-year typically decline. Markets anticipate lower inflation and slower growth ahead. Financial market stress or geopolitical tension During crises (wars, banking issues, political instability), investors seek safety in Treasuries — pushing prices up and yields down. Lower inflation or deflation data When inflation slows more than expected, the “real” return on Treasuries looks more attractive, bringing yields down. Dovish Fed comments or data suggesting easing ahead Even before actual rate cuts, if the Fed hints it might ease policy, yields often fall in anticipation. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies October 27, 2025
🏦 1. Fed Rate vs. Market Rates When the Federal Reserve cuts rates, it lowers the federal funds rate — the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. That directly affects: Credit cards Auto loans Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) These tend to move quickly with Fed changes. 🏠 2. Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates are not directly set by the Fed — they’re more closely tied to the 10-year Treasury yield, which moves based on investor expectations for: Future inflation Economic growth Fed policy in the future So, when the Fed signals a rate cut or actually cuts, Treasury yields often fall in anticipation, which can lead to lower mortgage rates — if investors believe inflation is under control and the economy is cooling. However: If markets think the Fed cut too early or inflation might return, yields can actually rise, keeping mortgage rates higher. So, mortgage rates don’t always fall right after a Fed cut. 📉 In short: Fed cuts → short-term rates (credit cards, HELOCs) usually fall fast. Mortgage rates → might fall if inflation expectations drop and bond yields decline — but not guaranteed. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 
Show More