Yes — eligible veterans can buy with $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance. Zero down is real; “zero cash to close” is not. Here is what that distinction means for your offer.
Eligible veterans can finance 100% of the purchase price — your cash still covers costs around the loan.
With full entitlement and a qualifying purchase, you can finance 100% of the home’s price. No 3% or 3.5% down payment is required when the file and property qualify.
Title, lender fees, prepaid taxes/insurance, and escrow setup usually require cash — unless seller credits, lender credits, or gifts cover them.
The one-time VA funding fee is commonly rolled into the loan so you do not write a separate check for it — unless you are exempt.
Unlike FHA MIP or conventional PMI, VA loans do not charge monthly mortgage insurance. That is one of the biggest payment advantages.
Partial entitlement or a prior VA loan may change how much you can finance at $0 down. We check your COE and remaining guaranty before you shop.
Zero down handles the purchase price. These moves often decide how much you bring on closing day.
No down payment does not mean light paperwork.
When cash is tight, compare the full picture — not just the down payment line.
| Feature | VA | FHA | USDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. down | $0 | 3.5% | $0 |
| Monthly MI | None | MIP | Annual guarantee fee |
| One-time fee | Funding fee (often financed) | UFMIP | Upfront guarantee fee |
| Eligibility | Service / COE | Credit + occupancy | Location + income limits |
Related guides to help you compare options and move toward pre-approval.
How the one-time fee works, typical percentages, and financing options.
Disability ratings, Purple Heart, and surviving-spouse waivers.
How the VA guaranty, funding fee, and $0-down path work.
Program details, funding fee calculator, and entitlement tools.
2MG Daily
Recent articles from our blog on VA loans, funding fees, entitlement, and veteran homebuying.
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Yes. Eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses with sufficient entitlement can finance 100% of the purchase price — $0 down — on a qualifying primary residence.
Not usually. You still need to cover closing costs, prepaid items (taxes, insurance), and earnest money unless seller credits, lender credits, gifts, or a funding-fee exemption offset those amounts.
Yes. The one-time funding fee is commonly financed into the loan so you do not pay it in cash at closing — unless you are exempt, in which case the fee is $0.
VA can finance the full purchase price with no down payment and no monthly MI. FHA typically requires 3.5% down plus MIP. VA does require service eligibility and a COE; FHA does not.
Ryan & Steve will check your entitlement, funding fee (or exemption), and true cash to close — then get you pre-approved so you can shop with confidence.