Who is Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
Veterans with Active Duty Experience:
Veterans who’ve served at least 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime, are eligible. That’s a lot of potential clients who’ve earned this benefit.
National Guard and Reserve Members:
After 6 years of service or 90 days of active duty, members of the National Guard and Reserves are also eligible. These clients often overlook their VA benefits, making them a prime audience for your expertise.
Surviving Spouses:
Did you know that the surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-related disability are also eligible for VA loans? This is a group that’s often forgotten, but they deserve the best, and you can help them secure it.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities:
Veterans receiving VA disability compensation may be eligible to have the VA funding fee waived, making homeownership even more affordable for them. This is a significant selling point you can use to attract clients who might otherwise be hesitant.
To qualify for a VA loan, you must meet specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These include maintaining a good credit history, meeting certain income thresholds, and obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. This certificate confirms your eligibility for the VA loan program, allowing you to access benefits like no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Unlike conventional loans, VA loans use a residual income calculation rather than a strict debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This ensures eligible veterans have enough income left to cover living expenses after paying the mortgage, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, and other debts like car loans or credit cards. The residual income calculation is designed to make VA loans more accessible while ensuring borrowers can comfortably manage their finances.
VA loans offer incredible benefits designed to make homeownership more accessible for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses. Key advantages include no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and more favorable interest rates compared to conventional loans. These benefits can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage and help you achieve your homeownership goals with fewer financial barriers.
To fully understand your eligible VA loan benefits and explore the options available to you, it’s best to consult with a VA-approved lender. They can guide you through the process, help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and ensure you’re maximizing the advantages of your VA loan.
Three Types of VA Loans in Texas
Traditional VA Loan
A VA home loan works like other loans, where you borrow money based on your income and debt, and make monthly payments to the mortgage company. The key difference is that the VA guarantees part of the loan, allowing lenders to offer better terms. This makes it easier for veterans to qualify for a mortgage, often with lower interest rates and unique rules for down payments..
Texas Veterans Home and Land Loans
The Texas Veterans Land Loan is a program that helps veterans purchase land in Texas with low-interest loans. Established in 1983, the VLB Veterans Housing Assistance Program also aids veterans and military members in buying homes with little or no money down. Unique to Texas, the Veterans Land Loan Program offers loans with favorable terms for land purchases, though it requires a minimum 5% down payment.
VA Construction Loan
The VA Construction Loan can help you finance building a new home in Texas, with 2022 limits up to $647,200 for most U.S. counties. The property must be in a VA-approved area, not exceed 10 acres, and pass a VA-approved inspection.
Working with an Experienced
VA Loan Lender
At Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group, we’re proud to support veterans and active-duty service members with a valuable benefit: a free credit report. Understanding your financial health is the first step toward better financial management and homeownership. Request your free credit report today at no cost!
When it’s time to apply for a VA loan, working with an experienced VA lender is essential. Heather Ryan, our trusted VA loan expert, is here to guide you every step of the way. From navigating eligibility requirements to securing your VA loan, we ensure a smooth process. Secure your financial future and take the first step toward homeownership with a trusted partner by your side.
17806 W Ih 10, San Antonio, TX, 78257, USA
I’m Christopher Beal, Founder of Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group, where every mission begins with one goal — to serve with excellence. As a proud U.S. Army Veteran, Military Relocation Professional (MRP), 6× eXp ICON Agent, and 2× San Antonio Business Journal Top 25 Realtor (#13 in 2024, #14 in 2025), I lead a veteran-owned and operated brand built on integrity, precision, and purpose.
Specializing in residential sales, luxury properties, VA and military relocation, first-time homebuyers, and strategic home selling, I proudly serve clients across San Antonio, Helotes, Boerne, Castroville, New Braunfels, and the Texas Hill Country.
With a military background that drives discipline, clear communication, and relentless follow-through, my clients trust me for expert negotiation, data-driven marketing, and personalized strategies that deliver real results.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, my promise is simple: your goals come first. Experience the difference of working with a Top San Antonio Realtor who proudly serves those who’ve served — with excellence, honor, and proven results.