Do VA Loans Require a Down Payment? Zero-Down Benefits Explained | reAlpha Mortgage

For most buyers, the idea of buying a home without a down payment sounds too good to be true. But for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses, it’s a real and powerful benefit of the VA loan program.

If you’ve asked, “Do VA loans require a down payment?” the answer is usually no. In fact, VA loans are among the last remaining true zero-down mortgage options in the U.S. housing market. But like all great programs, there are important details, exceptions, and compliance nuances to understand.

• Most VA loans do not require a down payment, offering one of the few true $0-down paths to homeownership.
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required, saving hundreds monthly compared to FHA or conventional.
• Down payments may be needed in rare cases: exceeding county loan limits or low appraisals.
• Eligibility is based on military service history, not just credit—but lender overlays may still apply.

This article breaks down how VA loans work without a down payment, when you might still need one, and how to maximize your benefits—including how to purchase a home commission-free through reAlpha.

VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which guarantees a portion of the loan to private lenders. That guarantee gives lenders the confidence to offer loans with no down payment and no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).

Here’s why that matters:

• No down payment means you can buy sooner, without waiting to save 5%, 10%, or 20%.
• No PMI means lower monthly payments compared to FHA or conventional.
• Easier approval for borrowers with past credit hiccups, bankruptcy, or limited assets.

"You served your country. This benefit helps you own a home without sacrificing years of savings."

While most VA loans are zero-down, there are a few exceptions:

1. You exceed your VA entitlement: If you're buying above your county loan limit and have reduced entitlement, a down payment may be needed.
2. The home appraises for less than the purchase price: VA will only guarantee the appraised value. You may need to cover the difference.
3. Lender requirements: Some lenders may require down payments in higher-risk situations, even though the VA itself doesn't.

Pro Tip: Always ask your lender to walk you through their overlay policies. 

Eligibility is based on military service. You may qualify if you:

• Served 90 consecutive days during wartime
• Served 181 days during peacetime
• Have more than 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves
• Are the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury.

Note: Most lenders will still have credit score and income requirements. reAlpha Mortgage (NMLS #1743790) specializes in helping VA buyers—including first-timers—secure approvals with trusted, VA-friendly lending partners

The buying process can be stressful enough—why pay more than you need to?

That’s where reAlpha comes in. As a commission-free real estate platform, reAlpha helps VA buyers keep more money in their pockets by removing traditional agent commissions from the equation.

Benefits of buying with reAlpha:

• No buyer agent commission fees
• Transparency-first platform
• Tech-enabled matching to VA-compliant listings and lenders

Combine that with VA's no-down-payment advantage, and you're on the most cost-effective path to homeownership.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Check if you qualify

With a VA loan, you already save thousands by skipping the down payment. But with reAlpha Mortgage, you can save even more — by getting up to 75% of your buyer agent’s commission back at closing.

Here's how it adds up:

• 25% rebate just for buying with a reAlpha partner agent
• 50% rebate when you finance with reAlpha Mortgage
• 75% rebate when you bundle with our preferred Title partner

That’s real cash back for closing costs, inspections, upgrades, or even new furniture.

You've already earned these benefits through your service. Now make the most of them.

👉 See how much you can save at reAlpha Mortgage

‍Yes. VA loans are one of the only mortgage types that allow 100% financing with no down payment required for most eligible buyers.

‍You may need to cover the difference out-of-pocket. VA loans only cover the appraised amount.

‍Yes. VA loans don’t eliminate closing costs, but sellers can pay up to 4% to help with these expenses.

‍No. reAlpha is a smart homebuying platform—not a lender. It connects you with vetted partners, including reAlpha Mortgage, a VA-approved lender offering up to 75% commission rebates for qualified buyers.

‍Nope. VA loans never require private mortgage insurance, even with no down payment.

‍Yes, unless you’re exempt (e.g., receiving VA disability compensation). The one-time VA funding fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3%, and can often be rolled into the loan.

• reAlpha is not a mortgage broker or lender. It is a homebuying platform that connects you with trusted lending and title partners.
• reAlpha Mortgage is a licensed lender (NMLS #1743790).
• This blog is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or lending advice.
• VA loan eligibility, terms, and rebate offers may vary. Always verify rates and terms with a licensed mortgage provider.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Check if you qualify