For eligible veterans buying a primary home, VA often wins on zero down and no monthly MI. Ryan & Steve compare both side by side so you pick the loan that saves the most — not just the one you hear about first.
Key differences that affect your down payment, monthly payment, and eligibility.
VA allows 100% financing with available entitlement. Conventional typically requires 3–20% down depending on the program and property type.
VA has no monthly mortgage insurance. Conventional loans under 20% down usually carry monthly PMI until you reach 20% equity.
VA charges a one-time funding fee (waivable for some disabled veterans). Conventional has no equivalent upfront fee but may have PMI.
VA requires owner-occupancy as your primary residence. Conventional can finance second homes and investment properties.
VA entitlement can be restored and reused. VA also applies a unique residual income test that conventional loans do not require.
Most eligible veterans buying a primary home save more with VA.
Conventional is the right tool for some purchases and borrowers.
Run both scenarios before you commit — the cheaper loan is not always obvious.
Step 1
Pull your COE and check available entitlement before comparing rates.
Step 2
We run side-by-side payments including funding fee and PMI.
Step 3
Primary home favors VA; investment or second home needs conventional.
Step 4
Choose the loan with the best long-term payment — not just the lowest rate headline.
Related guides on VA benefits and loan options.
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Not always. VA wins on zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible veterans buying a primary home. Conventional can win for investment properties, second homes, or borrowers with very high credit and large down payments.
VA has no monthly mortgage insurance. Instead there is a one-time funding fee that can be financed into the loan. Conventional loans with less than 20% down typically carry monthly PMI until you reach 20% equity.
No. VA requires owner-occupancy as your primary residence. Investment properties and second homes require conventional or other non-VA financing.
Yes. Entitlement can be restored and reused for future purchases, refinances, or when selling a prior VA-financed home and paying off the loan.
Ryan & Steve run VA and conventional side by side — down payment, MI, funding fee, and total payment — so you pick the loan that saves the most.