What are VA loan requirements?
VA loan requirements stack in two layers: VA's program rules (service history, Certificate of Eligibility, primary-residence occupancy, VA appraisal meeting Minimum Property Requirements) and the lender's underwriting (credit, income, debt-to-income, residual income, assets, employment history). Both layers have to clear before the loan closes.
What this actually means.
The VA layer: service history meeting VA's published thresholds, character of discharge confirmed by the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), borrower intends to occupy the home as primary residence, and the property passes a VA appraisal under VA's Minimum Property Requirements. The lender layer: credit score (no VA-set minimum but most lenders want 580–620+), documented income with stable two-year history, debt-to-income that fits within lender overlays, residual income meeting VA's regional/family-size table, sufficient assets to cover cash to close, and any program-specific items like funding-fee handling. Lender overlays sit on top of VA's rules and often tighten them. Subject to VA guidelines.
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.