VA Loan Questions, Answered

Eligible borrowers may purchase a primary residence with no down payment. That said, bringing funds to closing is still an option some buyers choose, and your loan is always subject to credit approval, underwriting, and appraisal. We'll show you both paths during your application.

The COE is the VA's confirmation that you meet its service requirements for the home loan benefit. Most lenders — including us — can request it from the VA on your behalf, often quickly. A COE is not a loan approval; your loan still requires credit approval and underwriting.

Often, yes. Entitlement can be restored after you sell and pay off a VA loan, and remaining or second-tier entitlement may allow a second VA-backed purchase — for example, after a PCS move. The rules depend on your specific history, which we'll review with you.

Usually no. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan; the loan itself comes from a private lender — in our case, Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership (NMLS #66247), through licensed originator Derek Huit (NMLS #203980). We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

A VA funding fee may apply — details at application. It is a one-time fee that helps sustain the VA loan program, and it can often be financed into the loan. Certain borrowers, such as some veterans receiving compensation for a service-connected disability, may be exempt.

Some surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability may be eligible. Eligibility rules are set by the VA — contact us and we'll help you confirm your status.

Condos generally need to be in VA-approved projects, and new construction purchases are possible under VA guidelines. We'll verify the property's eligibility early so there are no surprises.

No. Derek Huit, NMLS #203980, is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership (NMLS #66247), a private mortgage lender. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. government or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Yes — many of our PCS buyers start the application and pre-approval process before they arrive, and some shop remotely with a local agent. See our PCS home-buying timeline for the full sequence.

Starting an application involves a credit inquiry. Our online application begins with a soft credit pull, and we'll explain exactly what happens with your credit before any hard inquiry occurs.