In short
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, service members and qualifying surviving spouses. For those who qualify, it can allow a primary home purchase with zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Most VA loans include a one-time funding fee, and the minimum credit score with the lenders I use is 580.
Reviewed by Ron Pippin, NMLS #218333 · Last updated October 21, 2026
Can I buy a home with a VA loan and no down payment?
If you're eligible, yes, you may be able to. A VA loan can let eligible veterans, service members and qualifying surviving spouses buy a primary residence with zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. The lenders I work with look for a minimum credit score of 580. You'll still have closing costs to plan for, and most VA loans carry a one-time funding fee unless you're exempt. I'll look at your Certificate of Eligibility, compare multiple VA lenders and show you exactly what you'd need to bring and what your full monthly payment would be.
Key takeaways
The VA home loan can let eligible buyers purchase a primary home with zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. I'm Ron Pippin with Strategic Mortgage. As an independent broker, I compare VA lenders for you, explain your entitlement and funding fee in plain English, and show you the full payment before you commit. If one lender says no, I have somewhere else to look.
VA Loans in Ogden, UT: Use the Benefit You Earned
If you served, the VA home loan may be one of the most valuable benefits you have. For eligible buyers, it can mean buying a primary home with zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. That combination is hard to find anywhere else.
But a benefit only helps if you understand how to use it. I'm Ron Pippin with Strategic Mortgage. I've been doing mortgages for nearly 30 years, and my job is to translate the numbers into plain English so you can make a decision you feel good about.
What a VA Loan Can Do for You
Here's what makes the VA loan stand out for eligible borrowers:
- Zero down payment. If you qualify, you may be able to buy without putting money down.
- No monthly mortgage insurance. That's a real difference in your monthly payment compared with many low-down-payment options.
- Credit that doesn't have to be perfect. The lenders I work with on VA loans look for a minimum credit score of 580.
Zero down doesn't mean zero cash. You'll still have closing costs to plan for, and most VA loans include a funding fee. I'll walk you through both before you write an offer, so there are no closing-day surprises.
Entitlement, Funding Fees and Closing Costs in Plain English
These are the three things people ask me about most.
Entitlement is the part of your benefit that backs the loan. Whether you've used your benefit before, still have a VA loan out there, or are using it for the first time, it affects how we structure things. Not a big deal. We look at your Certificate of Eligibility together and figure out what you have available.
The funding fee is a one-time charge on most VA loans. How much it is depends on your situation, and some borrowers are exempt. It can often be financed into the loan instead of paid in cash. I'll tell you the difference in what each choice does to your loan amount and your payment.
Closing costs still exist on a VA loan. We'll look at what they are, what can be covered by other sources if your purchase allows it, and what you actually need to bring.
Why I Compare VA Lenders for You
Here's something most people don't know. Different lenders can look at the same veteran and come back with different answers. One lender may add its own requirements on top of the VA's guidelines. Another may not.
I'm an independent broker, so I'm not stuck with one bank's version of a VA loan. I have multiple options. I compare offers from multiple lenders and look at costs, guidelines and how each one treats your income. If one lender says no, there's somewhere else to look.
Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.
The Payment Has to Work for Your Life
An approval isn't the same as a budget. Before you commit, I'll show you the full estimated payment, including principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance and any HOA dues. Then I'll ask you a simple question: what payment will work for you?
You need room to live after the house payment. If the numbers only work when everything goes perfectly, I'll tell you that. If a VA loan isn't the right fit for your situation, I'll tell you that too, and explain why.
How We Get Started
- A conversation. Tell me about your service, your plans and what's worrying you. You don't have to be ready to apply.
- Your eligibility. We look at your Certificate of Eligibility and your entitlement.
- Your numbers. Let's run some numbers together, including the funding fee, closing costs and the full monthly payment.
- Lender comparison. I shop your scenario across multiple VA lenders.
- Closing on time. You'll know where your loan stands and what comes next. And you'll have my number to call or text the whole way.
Thinking about buying a home in Ogden with your VA benefit? Let's see what we can do.
Everything on this page is general information and illustrative only. It is not an offer or commitment to lend, and it does not reflect current interest rates or guaranteed terms. Programs, eligibility and guidelines change, and approval depends on your full application. Call or text me for details on your own situation.
Quick facts
- Who it's for
- Eligible veterans, service members and qualifying surviving spouses
- Minimum credit score
- 580
- Down payment
- Zero down for eligible buyers
- Monthly mortgage insurance
- None
- Funding fee
- One-time fee on most loans; some borrowers exempt
- Occupancy
- Primary residence
Is this loan right for you?
Who it's for
- Eligible veterans and active service members buying a primary residence
- Qualifying surviving spouses
- Buyers who want to keep their savings instead of spending it on a down payment
- Borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher
- Anyone who's been told no by one VA lender and wants a second look
Who it may not fit
- Buyers without VA eligibility
- Investment properties or homes you won't live in as your primary residence
- Borrowers whose full payment would leave no room in their budget, even with zero down
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zero down payment for eligible buyers
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Minimum credit score of 580 with the lenders I use
- Funding fee can often be financed, and some borrowers are exempt
- I compare multiple VA lenders, so one lender's answer isn't the only one
Trade-offs to weigh
- Most VA loans include a one-time funding fee
- You still need to plan for closing costs
- Limited to primary residences
- Financing the funding fee increases your loan amount
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for a VA loan?
Eligible veterans, active service members and qualifying surviving spouses. Eligibility depends on your service history, and it's confirmed with a Certificate of Eligibility. If you're not sure where you stand, call or text me and we'll check it together.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The lenders I work with look for a minimum credit score of 580. Your score is only one piece, though. I'll also look at your income, debts and the full payment to make sure it works for your life.
Do I really need zero money for a VA loan?
Zero down payment is possible if you qualify, but you'll still have closing costs, and most VA loans have a funding fee. The funding fee can often be financed into the loan. I'll show you what you'd actually need to bring to closing before you make an offer.
What is the VA funding fee?
It's a one-time charge on most VA loans. The amount depends on your situation, and some borrowers are exempt. I'll tell you the difference between paying it upfront and financing it, and what each does to your payment.
Another lender turned me down for a VA loan. Can you help?
Maybe. Different lenders can apply their own requirements on top of the VA's guidelines, so one lender's no isn't always the final answer. As an independent broker, I can look for another lender whose guidelines fit your situation. If it doesn't make sense to move forward, I'll tell you honestly.
What will my interest rate be?
Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.
Related loan programs
Before you rule yourself out, let's run some numbers together. Strategic Mortgage compares multiple lenders and checks down payment assistance before you start shopping.
FHA financing offers more flexible credit and qualifying requirements, starting with a 520 or better credit score. Strategic Mortgage compares it with your other options.
You don't have to buy a farm. I check the property's eligibility and review the household-income rules carefully, so you aren't counted out by mistake.
Last updated October 21, 2026 · Reviewed by Ron Pippin, NMLS #218333. This page is educational and not a commitment to lend; program details change — ask for current figures.