VA Home Loans for Those
Who've Served Our Country
Zero down payment. No PMI. Competitive rates you've earned through service. The Ken Byrne Team helps veterans and military families across Virginia, DC, Maryland & West Virginia buy, refinance, and save.
NMLS Consumer Access
The Benefits You've Earned
VA loans are one of the most powerful mortgage benefits available — and they exist because you served. Here's what makes them exceptional compared to conventional and FHA financing.
Purchase a home with 0% down payment — even on homes up to $806,500 in the DC metro area. No need to save for years before buying.
Unlike conventional and FHA loans, VA loans never require PMI — saving you $150–$400+ per month on a typical DMV-area home.
VA loans consistently offer rates 0.25%–0.50% lower than conventional mortgages. The VA guaranty reduces lender risk, which means savings for you.
No VA-mandated minimum credit score. Our team regularly helps borrowers with scores in the 580–620 range — well below conventional minimums.
Pay off your VA loan early, make extra payments, or refinance anytime with zero penalties. You maintain full control of your financial timeline.
Your VA loan benefit doesn't expire and can be restored after paying off a previous VA loan. Use it for your first home, your next PCS move, or retirement.
On a typical Northern Virginia home, a VA loan with 0% down and no PMI can save over $350/month compared to a conventional loan with 5% down — that's more than $4,200 per year in your pocket.
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?
VA loan eligibility is based on your military service, duty status, and discharge type. The minimum active-duty service requirements vary depending on when and how you served.
| Service Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Active Duty (Wartime) | 90 consecutive days |
| Active Duty (Peacetime) | 181 consecutive days |
| Post-9/11 Service | 90 days (continuous) or 24 months total |
| National Guard | 90 days active duty or 6 years Guard service |
| Reserves | 90 days active duty or 6 years Reserve service |
| Surviving Spouse | Unremarried spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability |
- Active-duty service members currently serving
- Veterans with honorable or general discharge
- National Guard and Reserve members (with qualifying service)
- Surviving spouses of deceased veterans (unremarried)
- Current or former commissioned officers of NOAA or U.S. Public Health Service
- Cadets at military academies (upon commissioning)
Your COE verifies your VA loan entitlement. You can obtain it through the VA's eBenefits portal, or we can pull it for you instantly during the pre-approval process — most veterans are surprised how simple it is. Don't let paperwork hold you back from getting started.
Start Your Pre-ApprovalVA Loan Types We Offer
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing for a lower rate, or tapping equity, there's a VA loan program designed for your situation. Here's what we specialize in.
Buy a home with 0% down, no PMI, and some of the lowest rates available. Use your VA benefit for a single-family home, condo, townhouse, or multi-unit property (up to 4 units) in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or West Virginia.
- 0% Down
- No PMI
- Up to $806,500
- Multi-Unit OK
Already have a VA loan? The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan lets you lower your rate with minimal paperwork — often no appraisal, no income verification, and no out-of-pocket costs.
- Lower Rate
- No Appraisal
- Fast Close
Access your home's equity — up to 100% of the appraised value — for renovations, debt consolidation, education, or other goals. Available even if your current mortgage isn't a VA loan.
- Up to 100% LTV
- Debt Consolidation
- Non-VA to VA
Need to borrow above the $806,500 conforming limit? VA Jumbo loans let you finance higher-value properties in the DC metro area — often still with no down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement.
- Above $806,500
- Full Entitlement = $0 Down
- High-Cost Areas
Add up to $6,000 in energy-efficient improvements (insulation, solar panels, HVAC upgrades) to your VA loan amount. Reduce utility costs from day one while increasing your home's value.
- Up to $6K Add-On
- Lower Utility Costs
- With Purchase or Refi
Your VA Loan in 7 Steps
From your first conversation to closing day, here's exactly how the VA loan process works with the Ken Byrne Team. Most VA purchases close in 30–45 days.
We review your service history, pull your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and discuss your homebuying goals. This conversation is free, no-obligation, and takes about 15 minutes.
We verify your income, credit, and employment to issue a VA pre-approval letter — the document sellers want to see. We'll also map out your comfortable price range so you shop with confidence.
Work with your agent to find the right home. Need a military-friendly agent in the DMV? The Jamil Brothers Realty Group specializes in helping military families buy in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
The VA requires its own appraisal by a VA-approved appraiser to ensure the home meets Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). We also recommend a full home inspection for additional protection — it's separate from the appraisal.
Our underwriting team verifies all documentation and works through any remaining conditions. We proactively communicate what's needed — no surprises, no last-minute scrambles. This phase often overlaps with the appraisal.
Once all conditions are met, you receive your Closing Disclosure (CD) detailing final loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs. You'll have a mandatory 3-day review period before signing.
Sign your closing documents, receive the keys, and move into your new home. Thank you for your service — you've earned this.
Ready to start? Step 1 takes about 15 minutes.
Begin Your VA Pre-ApprovalVA Loans Near Your Installation
The Washington DC metro area has one of the highest concentrations of military personnel and veterans in the country. We serve families stationed at or retiring from every major installation in the region.
2026 conforming loan limit, estimated property tax rates, and median home prices for the DMV.
| County / Area | Loan Limit (2026) | Property Tax Rate | Median Home Price | Explore Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County, VA | $806,500 | ~1.11% | ~$700,000 | View → |
| Arlington County, VA | $806,500 | ~1.013% | ~$750,000 | View → |
| Loudoun County, VA | $806,500 | ~0.87% | ~$700,000 | View → |
| Prince William County, VA | $806,500 | ~1.037% | ~$550,000 | View → |
| Stafford County, VA | $806,500 | ~1.01% | ~$480,000 | View → |
| Alexandria City, VA | $806,500 | ~1.09% | ~$650,000 | View → |
| Washington, D.C. | $806,500 | ~0.85% | ~$650,000 | View → |
| Montgomery County, MD | $806,500 | ~0.93% | ~$580,000 | View → |
| Prince George's County, MD | $806,500 | ~0.96% | ~$430,000 | View → |
| Jefferson County, WV | $472,030* | ~0.58% | ~$350,000 | View → |
Military families on PCS orders can sell their current home with The Jamil Brothers Realty Group for just 1.5% listing commission — full service, not discount. Save thousands while our team handles your mortgage and real estate under one roof.
How Do VA Loans Work in Virginia, DC & Maryland?
A VA home loan is a mortgage benefit guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and issued by private lenders like ALCOVA Mortgage. The VA doesn't lend money directly — instead, it guarantees a portion of each loan, which reduces risk for lenders and allows them to offer better terms to eligible borrowers: zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and lower interest rates.
In the DC metro area — a designated high-cost market — the 2026 conforming loan limit is $806,500. Veterans with full entitlement have no VA-imposed loan limit, meaning you may qualify for a VA Jumbo loan above $806,500, potentially still with no down payment. This is particularly relevant in Northern Virginia and DC, where median prices in counties like Arlington and Fairfax regularly exceed $700,000.
VA Loans vs. Conventional Loans: Side-by-Side
The differences between VA and conventional financing are substantial. Here's how they compare on the factors that matter most to homebuyers in the DMV.
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 0% | 3–20% |
| Mortgage Insurance | None (ever) | PMI until 20% equity |
| Interest Rates | Typically 0.25–0.50% lower | Market rate |
| Credit Score Minimum | No VA minimum (lender overlay ~580+) | 620–680 typical |
| Debt-to-Income Ratio | Up to 60%+ with residual income | Up to 45–50% |
| Closing Costs | Seller can pay all; limited fees | Seller concessions capped at 3–6% |
| Prepayment Penalty | Never | Varies by lender |
| Funding Fee | 1.25–3.3% (can be financed) | None |
| Loan Limit (Full Entitlement) | No limit | $806,500 (DC metro) |
For most eligible veterans in the DC metro area, a VA loan offers lower monthly payments, lower rates, and zero money down compared to conventional financing. The VA funding fee is typically offset by the absence of PMI within the first 1–2 years. Use our mortgage calculator to compare your specific scenario.
What Is the VA Funding Fee?
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that helps sustain the VA loan program for future veterans. The fee varies based on your down payment amount, service type, and whether you've used a VA loan before. It can be financed into the loan — meaning you don't need to pay it upfront at closing.
| Down Payment | First-Time Use | Subsequent Use | Reserves / Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% – 4.99% | 2.15% | 3.30% | 2.15% / 3.30% |
| 5% – 9.99% | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
What Is VA Residual Income?
Unlike conventional loans that focus almost entirely on your debt-to-income ratio, VA loans add a second layer of qualification called residual income. This measures the amount of money left over each month after all major expenses are paid — mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, utilities, and debts.
Residual income requirements vary by region and family size. For the DC metro area (which falls under the VA's Northeast region), a family of four typically needs approximately $1,025 per month in residual income. This safeguard ensures you're not just approved for a mortgage — you can comfortably afford it.
Residual income is actually a benefit for borrowers. It means the VA loan system is designed to prevent you from overextending — which is why VA loans have historically had lower default rates than conventional and FHA loans. It's a built-in financial safety net.
VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
VA loans require the property to meet Minimum Property Requirements — standards designed to ensure the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. The VA appraisal evaluates these conditions. Common MPR concerns in the DMV market include adequate heating systems, working plumbing, safe electrical wiring, and no major structural deficiencies.
Most properties in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland suburban areas pass VA appraisal without issues. Older properties (common in DC, Alexandria, and Arlington) may occasionally need minor repairs before closing. Our team guides you through these situations and can help negotiate seller repairs when needed.
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your VA loan payment, or start your pre-approval to get a precise answer in minutes.
Try the Mortgage CalculatorCan You Use a VA Loan for Multi-Unit or Investment Property?
Yes — with a key condition. VA loans allow you to purchase properties with up to four units, as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence. This is a powerful wealth-building strategy: you occupy one unit and rent the others, using the rental income to offset your mortgage. In the DMV, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas like Prince William County, Prince George's County, and parts of DC can be strong candidates for this approach.
Additionally, rental income from the other units can be counted toward your qualifying income, which may increase the loan amount you're approved for. Our team at the Ken Byrne Team can run the numbers on a multi-unit VA scenario using our mortgage payment calculator.
Understanding VA Loan Entitlement
VA entitlement is the dollar amount the VA guarantees on your loan. There are two types: basic entitlement ($36,000) and bonus entitlement (a variable amount based on the county loan limit). Together, they determine how much you can borrow with zero down payment.
With full entitlement (meaning you haven't used a VA loan before, or you've restored your entitlement), there is no VA-imposed loan limit — you can borrow any amount the lender will approve. With reduced entitlement (you have an existing VA loan on another property), the county loan limit applies, and you may need a down payment on the portion above your remaining entitlement.
This matters in the DC metro area because many military families buy a home at one duty station, then PCS to the DC area and want to use their VA benefit again. Our team specializes in navigating entitlement restoration and second-tier VA loans — contact us at (571) 242-0301 if you have questions about your specific entitlement situation.
VA Loan Questions, Answered
We've helped thousands of military families with VA loans in the DMV. Here are the questions we hear most often.