Veteran or Active Duty Military? Here’s Everything You Should Know About Your VA Loan

For many active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, homeownership is a defining milestone, and the VA home loan can make that dream a reality. Created to honor military service, VA loans offer flexible terms, competitive rates, and exclusive benefits that distinguish them from conventional mortgage options.

We recently spoke with Matthew Thayer (NMLS #2185096), Servicing Coordinator & Loan Officer at Gershman Mortgage and active-duty member of the Army National Guard, to discuss the significance of the VA home loan, clear up common misconceptions, and offer guidance for those navigating the process.

How Do VA Loan Benefits Active-Duty Service Members?

“The no-money-down option is a game changer,” Thayer explains. “It’s especially helpful for younger service members who don’t have a lot of savings.”

Unlike FHA or conventional loans, VA loans come with no monthly mortgage insurance, which lowers monthly payments and increases affordability. Additionally, VA loans often feature lower interest rates, though they can vary by lender. Together, these benefits can make a significant difference in achieving affordable, sustainable homeownership.

Common Misconceptions About VA Loans

One of the biggest myths Thayer encounters is that the VA loan is a one-time benefit.

“That’s simply not true,” he says. “It’s a lifetime benefit for all eligible service members and veterans who qualify.”

However, eligibility can be impacted by dishonorable discharges, foreclosures, or short sales. Another misconception is that all service members automatically qualify for the program. Eligibility depends on both length of service and character of discharge.

Length of Service: Active-duty service members generally qualify after 90 consecutive days of service (excluding basic and advanced training). Inactive-duty service members, such as those in the National Guard or Reserves, can qualify by either:

• Serving 90 consecutive days on active-duty orders (Title 10 status), or
• Completing their full six-year service obligation while meeting all annual drilling requirements.

Character of Service: Active service members must be serving honorably, verified through a Statement of Service from their command. Those who have separated from service must have an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions to meet VA requirements.

The Loan Process for Active-Duty Service Members

According to Thayer, being on active duty can actually make the loan process smoother.
“Stable income, consistent job history, and easy verification of employment all help make pre-approvals quick and efficient,” he notes.

However, military life can add complexity, especially when purchasing a home during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). “I’ve helped clients buy homes thousands of miles away in different time zones,” Thayer says. “Some never even see the property in person before closing.”

Additionally, final PCS orders are often required for loan approval, and delays in receiving them can add stress to the timeline.

Advice for Service Members Considering a VA Loan

Thayer’s top recommendation? Plan ahead.

Clarify your timeline and purpose. If you know you’ll be relocating or retiring soon, it might make more sense to rent or use base housing.

Understand occupancy requirements. The VA loan can only be used for a primary residence, but after one year of occupancy, you can convert the property into a rental if desired.

Be strategic. If you’re stationed in one state but want to buy an investment property elsewhere, you’ll need a different loan product.

“Having a clear goal for homeownership helps you make the most of your VA benefits,” Thayer explains.

Navigating Resources and Education

Thayer points out that many service members don’t receive proper education about their VA loan benefits.

“I learned more about VA loans in my first six months as a loan officer than I did in six years of military service,” he says.

While some information is available online, structured education within the military is limited. This is where experienced loan officers play a key role in guiding borrowers, clarifying eligibility, and ensuring service members understand their options from day one.

How the VA Loan Supports PCS Moves

Frequent relocations are part of military life, and the VA loan’s no-money-down feature can ease financial pressure during a move. “During a PCS, service members often already own a home and have cash tied up in moving expenses,” Thayer says. “Having the option to buy without a down payment can make a huge difference.”

A Hidden Benefit: The VA Appraisal Process

Some view the VA-mandated appraisal as a hurdle, but Thayer sees it differently.

“It protects buyers,” he explains. “It ensures the property is safe, structurally sound, and priced fairly.”

In today’s competitive market (where many buyers waive inspections or appraisals) the VA’s appraisal requirements add an extra layer of security for service members, making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your VA Home Loan

The VA home loan is more than a mortgage option, it’s a hard-earned benefit that empowers service members, veterans, and their families to build stability and wealth through homeownership. With the right knowledge, preparation, and lender guidance, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your financial toolkit.

Ready to Begin Your Homeownership Journey?

Discover firsthand what makes Gershman Mortgage an award-winning workplace and trusted partner in your journey to homeownership. Connect with us today, and let’s explore how we can support your dreams of building a brighter future.

---

About Gershman Mortgage

At Gershman Mortgage, communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do. Built on the core values of honesty, integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and customer-first service, we’re committed to providing an exceptional homebuying experience. Our goal is simple: to exceed expectations and build lifelong relationships.

Communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do at Gershman Mortgage. Our founding principles are based on the core values of honesty, integrity, the entrepreneurial spirit, and putting our customers first. We are passionate and committed to customer service and strive to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our customers. We are a customer-centric company devoted to creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships.

NMLS #138063 16253 Swingley Ridge Road Suite 200 Chesterfield, MO 63017 (800) 457-2357 Equal Housing Lender. Serving borrowers in: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin

Written by Kaylee Larson for Gershman Mortgage