VA loans for first-time home buyers
Why the VA loan is one of the strongest first-home options for veterans and service members, and how to get ready to buy.
Written by the FLO Mortgage team · Licensed mortgage broker, NMLS #1835856 · Updated October 2026
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At a glance
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- No VA minimum credit score
- Seller can pay closing costs
- Usable again in the future
Talk with a licensed loan officer
First-time buyers
If you've served, your first home may be easier to buy than you think. The VA home loan was built to help service members and veterans become homeowners, and it has features most first-time buyer programs can't match.
Why first-time buyers choose VA
- No monthly mortgage insurance, which keeps the payment lower than many other loans
- Competitive rates and VA limits on what the lender can charge you
- The seller can pay your closing costs, plus concessions up to 4%
- No VA minimum credit score and no VA maximum debt-to-income ratio
- Appraisal protections, including the right to walk away if the value is low
Getting ready to buy
- Request your Certificate of Eligibility. We can usually pull it in minutes.
- Check your credit. Pay on time, keep card balances low and avoid new debt.
- Know your budget. Try our residual income checker to see what the VA looks for.
- Plan for cash needs. Earnest money, inspections and any costs the seller doesn't cover.
- Get pre-approved before you shop so sellers take your offer seriously.
Mistakes to avoid
- Opening new credit or financing furniture before closing
- Skipping the home inspection because the VA appraisal passed
- Assuming all lenders say the same thing; guidelines vary
- Waiting to ask about the funding fee exemption if you have a disability rating
See the full VA home buying roadmap for every step from COE to keys.
Questions, answered
Is a VA loan good for first-time buyers?
For most eligible buyers, yes. There's no monthly mortgage insurance, the seller can pay closing costs and the VA limits lender fees.
Can I use my VA loan again after my first home?
Yes. The benefit is reusable as long as you have entitlement available.
Do I need perfect credit for a VA loan?
No. The VA doesn't set a minimum score. Lenders have their own requirements, and they vary.
How do I get started?
Request your COE and get pre-approved. A FLO Mortgage loan officer can do both quickly.
Are there first-time buyer programs I can combine with VA?
Some state and local programs work with VA loans. Availability changes, so ask us what applies in your area.
More answers in the VA Answer Center.
More VA loan guides
- VA home loans overview
- VA loan questions, answered
- VA loan tools and calculators
- VA home buying roadmap
- VA loans for active duty
- VA loans for Guard and Reserve
- VA appraisals and property requirements
- VA closing costs and seller concessions
- VA occupancy rules
- VA entitlement and second VA loans
- Assumable VA loans
- VA condos and property types
- VA manual underwriting
- Disabled veteran property tax exemptions
- VA streamline refinance (IRRRL)
- VA cash-out refinance
- VA funding fee exemption
- VA loans for surviving spouses
- VA residual income explained
- VA loans after bankruptcy or foreclosure
VA loans by state: Florida · Georgia · Michigan · North Carolina · Tennessee · Texas
Local VA loan help
Talk to a FLO Mortgage loan officer
Every FLO loan officer helps veterans, service members and military families with VA loans. Have a question these guides don't answer? Ask our team.
This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, property eligibility and program availability. Lender requirements may be stricter than the program guidelines described here. Not all applicants will qualify. Figures reflect 2026 VA guidelines and may change without notice. FLO Mortgage is licensed in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity. FLO Mortgage is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Licensing & Disclosures.
Local, licensed help
Talk a VA loan through with a FLO loan officer
Every FLO Mortgage loan officer can walk you through this program, run the numbers for your situation and compare it with your other options. Have questions? Call our main office at (386) 882-9980.
Ready to see your numbers?
Answer a few quick questions and a local loan officer will follow up with your options.