What are VA loan eligibility requirements?
Service history meeting VA's published thresholds, an honorable or other-qualifying character of discharge, a VA Certificate of Eligibility, plus the lender's underwriting on credit, income, debt ratio, residual income, and the property.
What this actually means.
Eligibility has two layers. The VA layer: service history (active duty, National Guard, Reserve, or surviving-spouse rules) and character of discharge — confirmed by the COE. The lender layer: credit score, income documentation, debt-to-income, residual income, and that the property is a primary residence meeting VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Both layers must clear before closing. VA guidelines and lender overlays can change.
Where this can move.
Service-history records, character-of-discharge review, and surviving-spouse DIC determinations can change VA eligibility. Lender overlays may add to VA's rules.
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Educational only. VA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with the VA, HUD, or any government agency.