VA Loans: 0% Down for Veterans and Service Members
Buy a home with 0% down using your VA benefit. Compare VA options across 100+ lenders and get the strongest offer your file qualifies for.
- No Monthly Mortgage Insurance
- Reusable VA Benefit
- Veterans, Service Members and Surviving Spouses Eligible
30+ years lending · 500+ reviews · Licensed in 26 states
VA LOAN0% down paymentNo monthly mortgage insurance
Austin Capital Mortgage
Your pre-approval checklist is ready
Your pre-approval checklist is ready
30+Years lending, since 1996
500+Reviews
26States licensed
100+Lenders compared
Is a VA Loan Right
for You?
A VA loan can open the door to 0% down for eligible borrowers. If one of these sounds like you, we can help.
Not sure? A loan officer can compare VA with your other options in one call.
Get a Rate QuoteYou're active duty and moving to a new duty station
After 90 consecutive days of active-duty service, you can qualify for your benefit.
We’ll show you what your benefit buys where you’re stationed.
You're a veteran without years of savings for a down payment
With full entitlement, you can buy with 0% down if the lender approves your income and credit.
We’ll show you the full payment before you commit.
You serve in the National Guard or Reserve
Guard and Reserve members typically qualify after 6 years of service, or 90 days of qualifying active duty.
We’ll help you confirm which applies to you.
You're the surviving spouse of a service member
Surviving spouses who receive or are eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) can qualify, as can spouses of service members missing in action or held as prisoners of war.
We’ll help you with the paperwork.
You've used your VA benefit before
You can use the benefit more than once. Entitlement can generally be restored after the VA-financed home is sold and the loan is paid off.
We’ll check your remaining entitlement.
You've had a bankruptcy or credit challenges
VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, and a past bankruptcy doesn’t automatically rule you out.
We’ll review your history and show you when you can apply.
VA Loan Requirements
VA sets the benefit rules and each lender adds its own, so we match your file to a lender that fits.
Your Certificate of Eligibility proves your benefit
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from VA.
We request it for you when we can, or show you how to get it from VA.gov.
0% down with full entitlement
Full entitlement allows 0% down, regardless of price, if the lender approves your income and credit.
Partial entitlement may need a down payment on larger loans.
No VA-set minimum credit score
VA sets no minimum score, and each lender sets its own minimum.
We’ll show you where your score stands before you apply.
A full-picture review of your income and debts
Lenders review your debt-to-income ratio and residual income at pre-approval.
We’ll run your numbers so you know your budget before you shop.
Your primary home, 1 to 4 units
The home must be your primary residence, and you move in shortly after closing. Investment properties and vacation homes aren’t eligible.
Multi-unit properties up to 4 units qualify if you live in one unit.
Finance your funding fee, or pay none if exempt
The one-time funding fee is 2.15% for first-time use with 0% down, and 3.3% for later use. It drops to 1.5% with 5% down and 1.25% with 10% down.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities, certain surviving spouses and certain Purple Heart recipients are exempt. You can roll the fee into your loan.
Requirements vary by lender and loan scenario. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee approval.
VA benefit · Proof of eligibilityCertificate of Eligibility
Credit ScoreNo VA minimum credit score
Get Your Personalized Quote in 2 Minutes
Fill our 2 min form to see live rates from lenders based on your scenario. One application, 100+ lenders.
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What Homeowners Say About Working With ACM
Your VA Loan, From Quote to Closing
From quote to closing in 5 easy steps.
01
01
Get Your Free Rate Quote
Fill our 2 min form and get quotes from 100+ lenders. No credit check, no obligation.
02
02
Get Your COE and Pre-Approval
We request your COE when we can, or show you how to get it from VA.gov. Then submit your documents online and get approved in as little as one day.
03
03
Make Your Offer
Shop with a pre-approval letter so sellers know your financing has been reviewed.
04
04
Appraisal and Underwriting
A VA appraiser confirms the home’s value and our in-house underwriters manually review your file. Your loan officer sends updates every 48 to 72 hours.
05
05
Close and Move In
Sign your closing documents and get your keys.
VA vs. FHA vs. Conventional Loan
All three can work with a small down payment, and VA can work with none. We'll help you pick the one that fits your service, credit and plans.
| Feature | VA Loan | FHA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | 0% with full entitlement | 3.5% | As little as 3% for first-time or income-eligible buyers |
| Mortgage insurance | None. A one-time funding fee applies unless exempt | 1.75% upfront plus an annual premium | Private mortgage insurance with under 20% down |
| Credit score | No VA minimum; lenders set their own | 580+ for 3.5% down | Set by lender and program |
| Who qualifies | Eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses | Any qualified borrower | Any qualified borrower |
| Occupancy | Primary residence | Primary residence | Primary, second home or investment |
| Often a good fit for | Eligible borrowers with little cash for a down payment | Borrowers without VA eligibility and scores of 580 to 680 | Stronger credit and plans to drop mortgage insurance later |
| FHA vs. VA guide | Conventional vs. VA guide | Down payment assistance guide |
Terms vary by lender and loan scenario.
Talk to a Mortgage Expert About Your VA Loan
Get answers on your eligibility, down payment and budget from a licensed loan officer before you apply.
Talk to a Mortgage Expert
Why Get Your VA Loan With ACM
VA sets the benefit rules, and every lender adds its own. Comparing many lenders changes what you can qualify for and what you pay.
01 COE
Help With Your Certificate of Eligibility
We request your COE for you when we can, so you don't have to chase VA paperwork.
02 Rates
We Find Your Best Rate
Compare VA rates from 100+ lenders and get the strongest offer your file qualifies for.
03 Documents
A Clear Document List From Day One
You know exactly what underwriting needs and why, so your file is complete when it's submitted and last-minute requests stay rare.
04 Support
A Loan Officer Who Answers
Calls are answered or returned the same business day, and file updates reach you every 48 to 72 hours.
VA Loans: Your Questions Answered
Get clear answers on VA eligibility, down payments, the funding fee and your options.
What is a VA loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses. It allows 0% down and requires no monthly mortgage insurance.
Private lenders like ACM make the loan, and VA guarantees part of it.
Who qualifies for a VA loan?
Active-duty members typically need 90 continuous days of service. Veterans who served after August 2, 1990 generally need 24 continuous months, or the full period they were called to duty (at least 90 days). Earlier service periods have their own minimums.
Guard and Reserve members typically need 6 years of service or 90 days of non-training active duty, and surviving spouses can qualify in certain cases. A Certificate of Eligibility confirms it.
How much down payment do you need for a VA loan?
With full entitlement, you can buy with 0% down, regardless of price, if the lender approves your income and credit.
Partial entitlement may require a down payment, for example when your loan is above the limit your remaining entitlement covers.
Do VA loans have mortgage insurance?
No. VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance.
Instead, most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, which you can roll into the loan.
What is the VA funding fee?
The fee is 2.15% of the loan for first-time use with 0% down, and 3.3% for later use. It drops to 1.5% at 5% to 9.99% down and 1.25% at 10% or more down.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities, certain surviving spouses and certain Purple Heart recipients pay no funding fee.
What credit score do you need for a VA loan?
VA sets no minimum credit score. Each lender sets its own minimum and can add rules on top of VA’s.
We’ll show you where your score stands and what to improve before you apply.
How does VA look at debt-to-income?
Lenders review your debt-to-income ratio and residual income, which is what you have left each month after major expenses.
We’ll run both so you know your budget before you shop.
Is there a VA loan limit?
With full entitlement, there is generally no VA loan limit. Your loan amount is capped by what the lender approves from your income and credit.
Partial entitlement can limit how much VA will guarantee.
Can I refinance with a VA loan?
Yes. VA covers refinances too, including the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) for existing VA loans, which carries a 0.5% funding fee.
Compare our rate-and-term and cash-out refinance options, or get a free rate quote to see which refinance fits.
Can I use my VA benefit more than once?
Yes. You can use your benefit multiple times if you meet eligibility and entitlement rules.
Entitlement can generally be restored after the VA-financed home is sold and the loan is paid off.
Next step
Get Your Free VA Rate Quote
- Compare VA rates from 100+ lenders
- Takes about 2 minutes
- No obligation
Meet Your VA Loan Officers
Every ACM borrower works with one licensed loan officer from application to closing.
Jett Middleton
Loan Officer
Jett Middleton
NMLS: 2736777Jett focuses on first-time homebuyers and down payment assistance programs, along with DSCR loans for investors.
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Lance Kotal
Loan Originator
Lance Kotal
NMLS: 308707Lance has been a loan officer in Austin since 2001. A UT Austin economics graduate who helped his father build houses, he brings hands-on knowledge of homes to the financing conversation.
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Clint Brinkoeter
Loan Officer
Clint Brinkoeter
NMLS: 2592637Clint has more than a decade of experience in mortgage origination. A Texas State finance graduate, he's known for his market knowledge and close community ties.
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Adrienne Sanchez
Loan Officer
Adrienne Sanchez
NMLS: 1213046Adrienne entered the mortgage industry in 1994, led operations at a mortgage company and joined ACM in 2009. She brings three decades of lending experience to every file.
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Tom Oltmann
Loan Officer
Tom Oltmann
NMLS: 308768Tom has originated loans at ACM since 2008, after more than a decade managing retail stores for AT&T. He works with first-time buyers and investors and keeps clients informed at each step.
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Charlie Cooper
President
Charlie Cooper
NMLS: 326203Charlie leads Austin Capital Mortgage and brings a long-term view of the lending business to every file. A University of Houston finance graduate, he's known for getting to the right answer quickly.
View ProfileGet Your Free VA Rate Quote
Compare VA rates from 100+ lenders in 2 minutes, or talk with a loan officer today.
VA questions? We’ve got answers.
Clear answers on eligibility, down payments, the funding fee and what to expect before closing.
More questions? See our Mortgage FAQs.
Still have a question?
Speak with a local mortgage expert and get answers tailored to your situation.
What are the VA loan requirements?
You need a Certificate of Eligibility, enough income and credit for the lender to approve you, and a home you’ll live in as your primary residence. See the requirements above for each detail.
How do I qualify for a VA loan?
Start with a free rate quote or a call. We check your eligibility, get your COE and review your income and credit.
How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?
Lenders can usually retrieve it automatically. Otherwise, you can request it through VA.gov or by submitting VA Form 26-1880.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
VA sets no minimum credit score. Each lender sets its own, and we’ll show you where you stand.
Can I get a VA loan with no money down?
Yes. With full entitlement you can buy with 0% down. You pay a funding fee unless you’re exempt, and you can roll it into the loan.
Do I have to pay the VA funding fee?
Most borrowers do, and you can roll it into the loan. You don’t pay it if, for example, you receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation as a surviving spouse, or are an active-duty service member with a Purple Heart. We’ll confirm whether you’re exempt.
Can I get a VA loan after Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Often yes. A past bankruptcy doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Waiting periods apply, and we’ll review your discharge date and tell you when you can apply.
Can National Guard and Reserve members get a VA loan?
Yes. Members typically qualify after 6 years of service, or 90 days of non-training active duty under qualifying orders.
Can the seller pay my closing costs on a VA loan?
Yes. Sellers can pay your closing costs, and VA doesn’t cap those credits. Other seller concessions, such as paying your funding fee or debts, are limited to 4% of the home’s reasonable value.
Can I use a VA loan for an investment property?
No. The home must be your primary residence. Multi-unit properties up to 4 units qualify if you live in one unit.
What are today's VA loan rates?
Rates change daily and depend on your credit score, loan amount and lock date. Get a free rate quote to see the rate your file qualifies for, or check today’s live mortgage rates.
Can I get pre-approved for a VA loan online?
Yes. Start with a free rate quote online, upload your documents securely and work with your loan officer by phone or text. Pre-approval includes a credit check and income verification.
Can I combine a VA loan with down payment assistance?
Where programs allow it, yes. Some assistance programs work with VA loans, and availability varies by state. See our down payment assistance guide.
Keep learning about VA loans.
Guides on VA eligibility, the funding fee and comparing your loan options.
