What can stop me from getting a VA loan?
Common reasons VA files don't close: low credit score or recent late payments, high DTI without compensating residual income, unverifiable or unstable income, insufficient entitlement (prior VA loan still in use), property failing VA Minimum Property Requirements, low appraisal, condo project not on VA's approved list, occupancy intent issues, and lender overlays that exceed VA's published rules.
What this actually means.
Borrower-side stoppers: credit (recent late payments hurt more than the score itself, recent collections, fresh bankruptcy or foreclosure inside the seasoning window), income (gaps, brand-new self-employment, declining trends), DTI without strong residual income, assets that aren't sourced or seasoned. Property-side stoppers: VA appraisal flags MPR violations the seller won't repair, the appraised value comes in below contract price and the seller won't renegotiate, the property is a condo on a project not approved by VA, or the property type isn't VA-financeable. Program-side stoppers: insufficient entitlement on a partial-entitlement file, ineligible occupancy intent (investment property, second home), funding-fee handling not resolved. Lender-side stoppers: overlays above VA's rules. Subject to VA guidelines and lender overlays.
What this looks like on a real file.
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.