How to Apply for a VA Loan
Applying for a VA loan takes six steps: confirm your eligibility and get your Certificate of Eligibility, check your budget, get pre-approved, shop for a home, go through the VA appraisal and underwriting, and close. The paperwork is similar to other mortgages, with a few VA-specific items such as the COE, the VA appraisal and a termite inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Start by requesting your Certificate of Eligibility. We can usually help you get it in minutes through the VA’s lender portal.
- Get pre-approved before you shop so you know your budget and can make a credible offer.
- Your lender orders the VA appraisal, and a termite inspection is required on purchases and cash-out refinances.
- Plan for closing costs and prepaids even if you are not making a down payment.
What are the steps to apply for a VA loan?
- Confirm eligibility and request your COE. Your service determines eligibility. Read VA loan eligibility, then get your Certificate of Eligibility. If your records are missing, see Do I need a DD214?
- Review your credit and budget. The VA sets no minimum credit score, but lenders do. Check your reports for errors. Our VA credit score guide explains typical ranges, and credit events and waiting periods covers foreclosure, short sale and bankruptcy.
- Get pre-approved. A lender reviews your income, assets, credit and residual income and issues a pre-approval letter for a price range. See VA residual income requirements.
- Find a home and make an offer. The home must be your primary residence and meet VA property standards. See properties eligible for a VA loan.
- Go through the VA appraisal and underwriting. The lender orders a VA appraisal, and a termite inspection is required. Underwriting verifies your documents. See VA appraisal and minimum property requirements.
- Close. You review your Closing Disclosure, which must be received at least 3 business days before closing, sign and get the keys.
What documents do I need to apply?
Your lender will give you an exact list. In general, expect these:
- Proof of service for your COE: a DD-214 for veterans, or a statement of service for active-duty members. Guard and Reserve members provide a statement of service or equivalent records.
- Identification and your Social Security number.
- Income documents: recent pay stubs and W-2s, and tax returns if you are self-employed or have other income.
- Asset statements showing funds for closing costs and reserves.
- Information on debts and housing history.
- The purchase contract once you have an accepted offer.
Self-employed veterans can qualify too. See can a self-employed veteran get a VA loan. Our VA mortgage purchase loan checklist lists the tasks in order.
What happens after I apply?
Within 3 business days of application you receive a Loan Estimate that lays out your rate, payment and costs. Review it carefully and compare it with other options. Your lender then orders the appraisal, verifies your documents and may ask for updated pay stubs or bank statements as closing nears. Avoid new credit, large unexplained deposits or job changes until the loan closes, because any of them can delay underwriting.
How long does a VA loan take?
Many California VA purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, though timelines vary with the appraisal, repairs, the condo review and how quickly you return documents. In a competitive market, a strong pre-approval and prompt documents help.
How much cash should I plan for?
Even without a down payment, you will have costs. Closing costs often run roughly 2% to 4% of the price in California, and sellers may pay normal closing costs and points within VA rules. You also need an earnest money deposit, commonly about 1% to 3% of the price, which is credited to you at closing.
See VA loans for home purchase for when you may still need cash.
What if I want to refinance instead?
If you are refinancing, you have three paths, each with its own application:
- A streamline refinance (IRRRL) of your existing VA loan to lower your rate or payment, or to move from an adjustable to a fixed rate.
- A cash-out refinance of an existing VA loan. Income and debts matter here.
- A refinance of an existing FHA or conventional loan into a VA loan. Income and debts matter here too.
Learn more in VA loan refinancing.
Are there California-specific tips?
California sellers often receive multiple offers. A VA pre-approval letter from an experienced lender helps your offer stand out, especially if your agent explains the VA appraisal and repair rules to the listing side. In older homes, plan for the termite report and any required repairs when you write the offer. Ask whether the condo project is approved before you commit to a condo. Also look up your county if you have reduced entitlement.
At Lendia, we handle the VA paperwork with you
At Lendia, we request your COE, review your documents and explain every step. A Licensed Lendia California Loan Officer will give you a schedule at pre-approval. Rates and terms depend on your situation; approval requires qualification. Contact us or get a rate quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a VA loan take?
It varies with the appraisal and your documents. At Lendia, we give you a schedule at pre-approval.
What do I need to apply?
Typically proof of service for your COE, plus income, asset and ID documents. We give you the exact list.
Do I need a COE before I get pre-approved?
Not always, but it helps. We can often request it during pre-approval.
Who orders the VA appraisal?
Your lender orders it through the VA system. You do not choose the appraiser.
Can I apply with a non-veteran co-borrower?
Yes, but it can change how the guaranty works and whether you need a down payment. Ask us before applying.
Does applying hurt my credit?
A credit inquiry can lower your score slightly, but multiple mortgage inquiries within a short window are generally treated as one.
Talk to a Licensed Lendia California Loan Officer
At Lendia, we review your situation and show you the programs you qualify for.