Veterans Only

VA Loans

Zero Down. Maximum Benefits. You Earned It.

Reviewed by Tathiana Moreno, NMLS #1684574 · Last updated September 2026

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Minimum Credit Score
580 (Dream Team guideline)
Minimum Down Payment
0%
Ideal For
Veterans, active-duty military, surviving spouses

What is a VA loan?

VA loans are one of the most powerful mortgage benefits available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. With no down payment required and no private mortgage insurance, VA loans often provide the best terms of any loan program.

Unlike FHA and conventional loans, VA loans are a benefit earned through military service, not a product anyone can apply for. The Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a portion of the loan, which is why lenders can offer zero down payment and skip private mortgage insurance entirely. This guarantee doesn't come from the VA lending you money directly; instead, it protects Dream Team Mortgage's lending partners against loss, which is what makes such favorable terms possible.

Who It's For

VA loans are exclusively available to eligible veterans, active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, Reservists, and surviving spouses of service members. Because the VA guarantee removes so much lender risk, many veterans qualify for VA financing even in situations where a conventional loan wouldn't be approved, and the benefit doesn't expire, so it's available whenever you're ready to buy, whether that's right after service or decades later.

Key Benefits

  • No down payment required
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Competitive, often lower interest rates
  • Limits on closing costs
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Can be reused multiple times

What You'll Need

  • Valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Active duty, veteran, National Guard/Reserve, or surviving spouse status
  • Property must be primary residence
  • Satisfactory credit history
  • Stable income and employment
  • VA funding fee (may be waived for disabled veterans)

VA Loans in Florida for 2026

Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit in Florida or anywhere else, though your income and credit still determine how much a lender will approve. The VA funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount for first-time use with less than 5% down, dropping to 1.50% with 5% or more down and 1.25% with 10% or more down; veterans using their benefit again pay a higher first-tier rate of 3.30% unless they put down at least 5%. Disabled veterans receiving VA compensation are typically exempt from the funding fee entirely. Florida is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and Southwest Florida communities like Cape Coral and Fort Myers are popular relocation destinations for military retirees. Because there's no mortgage insurance to remove and no minimum service-length requirement beyond standard eligibility rules, many Florida veterans use their VA benefit for every home purchase throughout their lives rather than switching to conventional financing once they've built equity.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Stack this with the Florida Hometown Heroes program

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Your VA loan benefit can be used multiple times as long as you've paid off or sold the previous VA-financed property (with some exceptions).

For veterans with full entitlement, there is no VA loan limit. However, lenders may set their own limits based on your income and credit.

Yes, but the VA limits what lenders can charge. Sellers can also pay all of your closing costs, making this a potentially zero out-of-pocket purchase.

Tathiana can obtain your COE directly through VA systems. Most are issued instantly or within minutes.

The VA funding fee varies based on your service type, down payment, and whether it's a first or subsequent use. Disabled veterans are often exempt.

For first-time use, it's 2.15% of the loan amount with less than 5% down, 1.50% with 5–9.99% down, and 1.25% with 10% or more down. Subsequent use starts higher, at 3.30% with less than 5% down, but drops to the same 1.50% and 1.25% tiers at higher down payments.

Yes. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are generally exempt from the funding fee, which can save thousands of dollars at closing.

No down payment is required in most cases, regardless of the home's price, as long as it falls within what the lender is willing to finance based on your income and credit.

No. VA loans are intended for a primary residence only. If you're looking to finance a second home or rental property, a conventional or bank statement loan may be a better fit.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Tathiana today for a free, no-obligation consultation. She'll review your situation and tell you exactly what you qualify for.

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