VA Loans Explained

by Chris Rouse

VA Loans: The Hidden Benefit Most Veterans Don’t Know About

Discover how VA loans help veterans buy a home with no down payment and no PMI. Learn the key benefits, how they compare to FHA and conventional loans, and how to get started.

Every year on Veterans Day, we thank our service members for their courage and commitment. But one of the most meaningful ways to honor that service is by helping veterans access a benefit many don’t realize they have, the ability to buy a home with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance through a VA Loan.

Here’s the surprising truth: seven out of ten eligible veterans don’t know they can buy a home with zero down. That’s a life-changing opportunity left on the table and one worth understanding.

What Is a VA Loan?

The VA Loan Program, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was created to make homeownership more attainable for service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. The VA doesn’t lend the money directly, private lenders do, but the VA guarantees a portion of the loan. This guarantee reduces risk for lenders and allows them to offer better terms, lower interest rates, and no down payment requirements to qualified borrowers.

Top Benefits of a VA Loan

No Down Payment Required
Buy a home without saving tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Conventional and FHA loans both require mortgage insurance. VA loans don’t, that’s real monthly savings.
Lower Interest Rates
VA loans often carry some of the lowest rates in the market, reducing total cost over time.
Easier Credit Qualifications
The VA considers your full financial profile, not just a credit score, helping more veterans qualify.
Reusable Benefit
You can use your VA loan benefit again after selling or refinancing your home.
No Prepayment Penalties
Pay off early if you wish with no extra fees.

VA vs. FHA vs. Conventional: What’s the Difference?

Feature	VA Loan	FHA Loan	Conventional Loan
Down Payment	0%	3.5% minimum	3%–20% typical
Mortgage Insurance	None	Required (Upfront + Monthly)	Required if <20% down
Credit Flexibility	High	Moderate	Varies by lender
Interest Rates	Typically lower	Moderate	Market-driven
Eligible Borrowers	Veterans, Service Members, Spouses	Anyone	Anyone

The VA Loan often comes out ahead in overall affordability. Even with a one-time funding fee (which can be financed), most veterans save thousands over the life of the loan and those with service-connected disabilities may have that fee waived entirely.

How to Get Started

Confirm Eligibility
Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA or your lender.
Get Pre-Approved
A pre-approval helps you understand your budget and makes your offer stronger.
Find Your Home
VA loans can be used for single-family homes, condos, and some multi-unit properties, as long as you’ll live there.
Appraisal and Approval
The VA appraisal ensures the home is both safe and appropriately valued.
Close with Confidence
Move in with little to no money down and no PMI – one of the few ways to do so in today’s market.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, you’ve earned this benefit. And with home prices and interest rates shifting, a VA Loan can make homeownership more attainable than ever.

Too many veterans assume buying a home requires a massive down payment. The truth is, you may already qualify to buy with nothing down and secure one of the best mortgage programs available.

Ready to explore your VA Loan options?
📞 Call/Text me directly at (804) 212-4071.
📺 More details on my YouTube Channel
Let’s make your service count and turn your benefits into your next home.

About the Author: Chris Rouse is a REALTOR® with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp serving the Richmond, VA area. As a veteran advocate and real estate professional, Chris helps clients buy and sell homes efficiently while maximizing value through expert guidance and market insight.

Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes and subject to change based on lender and VA guidelines. Always confirm current terms and eligibility with your mortgage professional.

6 Easy Curb Appeal Tricks to Sell Your Richmond Home Faster This Summer

by Chris Rouse

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Richmond this summer, there’s one area that can deliver a major return without breaking the bank: curb appeal.

Buyers form opinions in the first 10 seconds of seeing your home. If your front yard looks neglected or outdated, they may never make it inside. Fortunately, improving your curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

Here are six practical curb appeal tips Richmond VA homeowners can use to sell their home faster—and for more money.

1. Give Your Front Door a Facelift

Your front door sets the tone for the entire house. A fresh coat of paint in a bold but classic color—navy blue, deep red, or even matte black—makes a powerful statement in listing photos and in person. Don’t forget to polish or replace the door hardware to complete the look.

Pro tip: A doorbell that works and a doormat that isn’t fraying show that your home is well cared for.

2. Refresh the Landscaping

Trim overgrown bushes, edge the lawn, pull weeds, and lay down fresh mulch. These small tasks have a huge visual impact and signal that the property is move-in ready. Focus on symmetry and simplicity—too much clutter can turn buyers off.

3. Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Richmond’s humid summers mean buildup on siding, walkways, and driveways happens fast. A quick pressure wash can make your home look years newer. It’s an easy, affordable weekend project—or one you can outsource for under $300.

4. Add Pops of Seasonal Color

Simple planters near the entryway or flower beds with bright blooms can make your home feel welcoming. Go for low-maintenance options like begonias, petunias, or impatiens that thrive in Virginia’s summer climate.

5. Update House Numbers and Exterior Lighting

Outdated or barely visible address numbers? Replace them with modern, legible ones. Consider installing solar-powered pathway lights or a stylish fixture at the front door. Good lighting is not just decorative—it makes your home safer and more inviting at night.

6. Make the Entryway Shine

Clean your windows, sweep the porch, and make sure the porch light works. Add a new welcome mat and maybe a seasonal wreath or door hanger. The goal is a clean, warm entry that feels like “home” from the first step.

Click Here Download 40 Ways to Boost Curb Appeal Checklist for FREE

Ready to Sell Smart This Summer?

Small upgrades can lead to major gains in buyer interest and final sale price. If you’d like a personalized listing prep checklist—or want to know what buyers in your neighborhood are really looking for—reach out anytime. I offer no-pressure consultations and local expertise to help you sell confidently.

📞 (804) 212-4071
📧 chrisrouse@bhgbasecamp.com