A Home Loan Designed for Those Who Served
Your military service comes with benefits. Halstead Row Mortgage specializes in VA home loans, and we understand the unique advantages you've earned. No down payment. No mortgage insurance. Competitive rates. Let's help you move from barracks to home.
Start Your VA Home Loan Journey
Why service members and veterans choose Halstead Row for their VA loans.
- VA specialists on every team
- Faster processing for military families
- No down payment required
What Your Military Service Earned You
The VA loan is among the most valuable benefits available to service members and veterans. It's designed specifically for those who served because the government recognizes that stable homeownership strengthens military families and communities. Unlike conventional loans, a VA loan requires no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and has favorable interest rates. The VA doesn't actually lend you money. Instead, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan to the lender, which means lenders can offer you terms that would typically require a substantial down payment and mortgage insurance from other borrowers. This guarantee is your benefit, earned through your service. At Halstead Row, we've helped hundreds of service members and veterans use this benefit to buy homes. We know the documentation you need, the timelines that matter to military families, and how to make this process straightforward. Your service should translate directly into homeownership.
Your VA Loan Questions Answered
Navigating VA home loans can feel complex, but the basics are straightforward. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from service members and veterans.
Am I eligible for a VA loan?
Most service members who served on active duty for at least 90 days, or National Guard or Reserves members who served at least 6 years, are eligible. If you were discharged honorably or under conditions other than dishonorable, you have a VA home loan benefit. We can verify your eligibility by reviewing your Certificate of Eligibility, which you can request from the VA. Some surviving spouses of service members are also eligible. The best way to know for certain is to ask us to review your situation.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility and how do I get one?
Your Certificate of Eligibility is the document that proves to lenders that you have a VA home loan benefit. You can request one from the VA through their website, by mail, or through your lender. The VA issues it within days of your request. We can help you understand what information the VA needs and guide you through the request process. Many borrowers have this ready before they even start shopping for a home, which speeds up the entire mortgage process once you find the right property.
What does VA funding fee cover and can I avoid it?
The VA funding fee is a one-time cost that helps the VA sustain the loan program. It's typically rolled into your loan amount, so you don't pay it upfront. The amount depends on your military branch, the type of loan, and whether you're a first-time VA borrower. Borrowers who receive VA disability compensation are typically exempt from the funding fee. We'll calculate your exact fee during the loan process and explain what it covers and why it exists.
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?
No. One of the biggest advantages of a VA loan is that you can finance the full purchase price without a down payment. This means you don't need to save for years to accumulate 10 or 20 percent of the home's price. You can move into homeownership sooner. If you have savings and choose to put money down, you can do that to reduce your loan amount, but it's not required.
Will I have to pay mortgage insurance?
No. VA loans don't require mortgage insurance, which is a substantial advantage over conventional loans. With a conventional loan, if you put down less than 20 percent, you pay private mortgage insurance every month. With your VA benefit, that protection is built in through the VA guarantee, and there's no monthly insurance cost to you.