VA loan
A government-backed loan for eligible veterans and active service members, guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Often 0% down and no mortgage insurance.
Every term like this one lights up in the step you're on.
Free to set up. No credit card.Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
A VA buyer is a veteran or service member with a loan backed by the government, often with nothing down. The appraisal comes with minimum property standards, and the buyer cannot pay certain fees, which sometimes land with the seller.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
A VA buyer offers $300,000 with zero down. The VA appraiser flags a missing handrail and a window with a broken seal.
| What comes up | What follows |
|---|---|
| Property condition items | Fixed before closing, usually by the seller |
| Fees the VA does not let the buyer pay | Paid by the lender or the seller, as the contract says |
| Value under the price | The buyer can walk, or the price is renegotiated |
VA loans are reliable and a little particular about the house.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That VA buyers are hard to close. VA loans close at the same rate as conventional ones; what is different is a short list of property and fee rules.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
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