Benefits of a VA Loan for Military Home Buyers

Louisiana REALTORS® • May 12, 2023

A VA mortgage, referred to as a VA loan, is a house loan that is supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of the United States. If you wish to buy or refinance a property, it is available to qualified veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of receiving a VA mortgage.

 

No Down Payment Required

You don't need to make a down payment with a VA mortgage, which is one of its largest benefits. This entails that you can get 100% financing for a home purchase, which is a huge advantage for people who don't have a lot of money set aside for a down payment.

 

Lower Interest Rates

Interest rates for VA mortgages are often lower than those on normal mortgages. This can help you save a sizeable sum of money over the course of the loan, which will lower your monthly mortgage payments.

 

No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Required

The majority of traditional mortgages need PMI when the down payment is less than 20%. Your monthly mortgage payment may increase significantly if you have PMI, making it more difficult for you to finance your home. Even if you don't put any money down, you are not required to pay PMI with a VA loan.

 

Easier to Qualify

Conventional mortgages are more difficult to qualify for than VA mortgages. This is due to the VA's more flexible debt-to-income and credit score standards. This implies that you might still be able to qualify for a VA mortgage even if you have a lower credit score or a greater debt-to-income ratio.

 

Closing Cost Limits

The VA has restrictions on the amount of closing costs that lenders may charge, which might save you a sizable sum of money when you are buying a home. Additionally, the VA permits sellers to cover closing costs for the buyer up to 4% of the loan amount.

 

Flexible Requirements

Compared to regular mortgages, VA mortgage standards are more lenient. For instance, the VA has liberal underwriting standards, which may make it simpler to be approved for a VA mortgage. Additionally, the VA permits flexible occupancy requirements, so you might be able to use a VA mortgage to buy a second home or an investment property.

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By Louisiana REALTORS®  • October 17, 2025
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
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