VA Loan Eligibility Requirements Explained for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is a major milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the biggest hurdles? Figuring out how to afford it. That’s where a VA loan can make all the difference. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are designed to help service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses achieve homeownership with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. But who exactly qualifies?

Let’s break down the VA loan eligibility requirements—especially for first-time buyers looking to take full advantage of their well-earned benefits.

Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?

You may be eligible for a VA loan if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You are an active-duty service member with at least 90 continuous days of service.

• You are a veteran who served at least 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.

• You are a member of the National Guard or Reserves and have served for at least 6 years.

• You are a surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected disability (and you have not remarried).

What You'll Need to Prove Eligibility

To get started with a VA loan, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document confirms to your lender that you meet the necessary service requirements. You can obtain your COE through:

• The VA’s online portal

• Your lender (like Mortgage Pipeline—we’ll help you with it)

• Mailing a completed form (VA Form 26-1880)

Additional Requirements

While VA loan eligibility is primarily based on military service, there are other basic financial and credit requirements to meet:

• Credit Score: While the VA does not set a minimum score, most lenders prefer a score of at least 620.

• Stable Income: You must show reliable income to repay the loan.

• Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Typically, a DTI under 41% is preferred.

• Primary Residence Only: VA loans are for primary residences only—not second homes or investment properties.

First-Time Buyer Advantage

One of the most attractive features of a VA loan is that first-time buyers don’t need to make a down payment. That means you can finance 100% of your home’s value, freeing up your savings for other expenses like moving costs or furniture.

Plus, you’ll skip monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI)—something that conventional buyers with less than 20% down usually have to pay.

What If You Used a VA Loan Before?

Even if you’ve used a VA loan in the past, you may still be eligible again, depending on how the previous loan was handled. You can have your full entitlement restored once your prior VA loan is paid in full and the home is sold.

How Mortgage Pipeline Helps First-Time Buyers

At Mortgage Pipeline, we specialize in helping first-time buyers navigate the VA loan process from start to finish. We’ll help you secure your COE, pre-qualify, understand your buying power, and get you into a home with minimal stress and maximum savings.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer and you’ve served our country, a VA loan may be the smartest financial step you’ll take. With no down payment, lower rates, and no PMI, it’s one of the best benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members.

Want to know if you qualify? Reach out to Mortgage Pipeline today—our team is here to guide you every step of the way.