VA Loan Programs

Our VA Loan Programs

Get the most out of your hard-earned benefit. We help Tennessee veterans navigate every VA home loan option available to them.

The Basics

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans are financed by private lenders like us β€” backed by the government guarantee that makes them uniquely powerful.

VA home loans offer competitive interest rates and can be used to purchase a single-family home, condominium, multi-unit property, or new construction β€” all with $0 down payment for eligible Tennessee veterans.

Key Takeaways

  • VA loans offer eligible veterans 0% down, no PMI, and competitive interest rates compared to conventional and FHA loans
  • VA loans are often easier to qualify for, with flexible credit guidelines and limits on certain closing costs and fees
  • The VA loan is a lifetime benefit that can be reused and includes options for purchase, refinance, and renovation
Why VA Loans Win

VA Loan Benefits

The VA has guaranteed more than 28.5 million loans since 1944. Here's why Tennessee veterans choose the VA loan over every other option.

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$0 Down Payment

The signature benefit of VA loans. Qualified veterans can purchase without making a down payment, no matter the home price. Most other loan types require at least 3% down.

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Lower Interest Rates

VA loans consistently carry lower average interest rates than conventional and FHA loans β€” saving Tennessee veterans thousands over the life of their loan.

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Flexible Credit Guidelines

The VA loan program was built to expand access to homeownership. More flexible and forgiving credit underwriting guidelines are a hallmark of the program.

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Closing Cost Limits

The VA limits what lenders can charge in closing costs, and allows sellers to cover all loan-related closing costs β€” reducing your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.

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No Private Mortgage Insurance

Unlike conventional loans, VA loans require zero PMI β€” even with no down payment. This alone saves most veterans hundreds of dollars every single month.

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Lifetime Benefit

Your VA loan entitlement never expires. It can be restored and reused multiple times β€” whether it's your first home or your fifth.

How VA Loans Compare

VA vs. Conventional vs. FHA

For most Tennessee veterans, the VA loan is the clear winner. Here's how it stacks up side by side.

Feature VA Loan βœ“ Conventional FHA
Down Payment $0 3–20% 3.5%
Mortgage Insurance None Required under 20% down Required (upfront + annual)
Interest Rates Lowest on market Requires top credit Middle of the road
Credit Flexibility Most flexible Stricter guidelines Flexible
Closing Costs Lowest on market Higher than VA Highest
Reusable Yes β€” lifetime benefit N/A N/A
Your Options

Types of VA Loans

The VA loan benefit offers qualified Tennessee veterans multiple powerful home financing options.

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VA Purchase Loan

Purchase a new or existing home with $0 down. Works for single-family homes, condos, multi-unit properties, manufactured homes, and new construction in Tennessee.

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VA IRRRL (Streamline Refinance)

Already have a VA loan? The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan lets you lower your rate with minimal paperwork, no appraisal required in most cases, and no out-of-pocket costs.

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VA Cash-Out Refinance

Access your home's equity by refinancing your current mortgage. Available to veterans with or without existing VA loans. Refinance up to 90% of your home's value.

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VA Renovation Loan

Purchase or refinance a home while financing approved repairs or updates β€” all in a single VA loan. Perfect for veterans who want to customize a property or bring it up to VA standards.

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VA Energy Efficient Mortgage

Finance up to $6,000 in energy efficiency improvements β€” like solar systems, heat pumps, or thermal windows β€” as part of your home purchase or refinance.

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Not Sure Which Is Right?

Every Tennessee veteran's situation is different. Call us at 615-852-5812 or fill out our quick form and we'll find the best option for you β€” no obligation.

Common Questions

VA Loan FAQs

Answers to the questions we hear most from Tennessee veterans.

What is the VA Guaranty? +
The VA doesn't make home loans directly. Instead, it provides a financial guaranty for private lenders like us to make these specialized loans. The guaranty protects lenders against loss if a buyer defaults β€” which is why VA loans offer such favorable terms.
What is the VA Funding Fee? +
The VA Funding Fee is a one-time government fee applied to VA purchase and refinance loans. For first-time use with no down payment it's 2.15%, and 3.3% for subsequent uses. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are often exempt entirely. The fee can be rolled into the loan.
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once? +
Yes β€” it's a lifetime benefit. You can reuse it over and over. You typically regain your full entitlement after selling a home and repaying the VA loan. It's also possible to have more than one VA loan at a time in certain situations.
Are VA loans risky? +
No β€” VA loans have actually been the safest loan on the market for most of the last 18 years according to foreclosure data. The VA's unique underwriting requirement known as residual income gives a more complete picture of a veteran's financial health and ability to handle payments.
What are VA loan limits? +
Veterans with full entitlement can borrow as much as they can afford with no down payment β€” there's no cap. Loan limits only apply if you have diminished entitlement, such as an active VA loan or a prior default. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Does a VA loan work for new construction in Tennessee? +
Yes β€” VA loans can be used to purchase newly constructed homes in Tennessee. The process has some specific requirements, so contact us and we'll walk you through exactly how it works for your situation.

Ready to Use Your VA Loan Benefit?

Call us at 615-852-5812 or fill out our quick form. No obligation, no pressure β€” just honest answers from people who know VA loans.

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