VA Loan Process (Step-by-Step with Docs Required)

A VA Loan is backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offers zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses.

Here’s your Mortgage Mermaid treasure map of documents:

1. COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
    
2. DD-214 (For Veterans) or Statement of Service (for active-duty)
    
3. Recent Pay Stubs (past 30 days)
    
4. W-2s or 1099s (past 2 years)
    
5. Tax Returns (past 2 years if self-employed or commissioned)
    
6. Bank Statements (past 2 months)
    
7. Government ID (Driver's license or passport)
    
8. Credit Authorization Form (lender will pull your credit)
    
9. Rental History (if applicable)

• This proves you’re eligible for a VA loan.
• You can apply online via VA.gov or your lender can request it for you.

• This tells you how much home you can afford and strengthens your offer to sellers.

• You can buy 1-4 unit properties as long as you occupy one unit as your primary residence.
• Buying a fourplex = chef’s kiss for long-term wealth.

• Your real estate agent will handle this with your lender’s help.

• The VA appraiser ensures the property meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).
• Underwriting reviews your docs for final approval.

• Once all boxes are checked, you sign and get the keys.