Step-by-Step Guide to the VA Home Loan Process

Step-by-Step Guide to the VA Home Loan Process 

Buying a home is one of the most important milestones in life and for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses, the VA loan program makes homeownership more affordable. 

Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA loan eliminates private mortgage insurance, offers zero down payment, and provides competitive interest rates. But while the benefits are clear, many VA buyers feel overwhelmed by the process. 

This guide walks you through the VA home loan process step by step so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish. 

Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligibility 

The first step in the VA loan process is making sure you’re eligible. Eligibility is based on your military service history. 

To prove eligibility, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which shows lenders you qualify for the VA loan benefit. 

Step 2 – Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) 

The COE is your official ticket to the VA loan process. You can request it in three ways: 

Most VA-approved lenders can pull your COE within minutes. This document verifies your entitlement and lets the lender know the VA guarantees your loan. 

Step 3 – Get Pre-Approved with a VA-Approved Lender 

Pre-approval is crucial. It tells you how much you can afford and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. 

During pre-approval, you’ll provide: 

Why this matters: In competitive markets like San Diego County, a VA pre-approval makes your offer much stronger. It also helps you avoid looking at homes outside your price range. 

Step 4 – Start House Hunting 

With pre-approval in hand, you can begin searching for your new home. VA loans can be used to purchase: 

Tips for VA buyers: 

Step 5 – Make an Offer 

Once you’ve found the right home, your realtor will help you write an offer. VA loans don’t require a down payment, but you can still offer earnest money (good faith deposit) to strengthen your offer. 

Your offer will typically include: 

Sellers sometimes misunderstand VA loans and assume they’re “more work” but in reality, VA loans can close just as smoothly as conventional loans when handled by an experienced agent and lender. 

Step 6 – VA Appraisal 

After your offer is accepted, the lender orders a VA appraisal. This serves two purposes: 

If the appraisal comes in low, the Tidewater process may be triggered. This gives your agent a chance to submit comparable sales to justify the contract price. 

Tip: Homes in good condition usually pass VA appraisal easily. Major safety issues (like a failing roof or non-functional heating) must be addressed before closing. 

Step 7 – Underwriting 

During underwriting, the lender verifies all the information you submitted. They’ll check your income, debts, credit history, and the appraisal report. 

Underwriting may feel slow, but it’s the lender’s way of ensuring you can afford the loan. Respond quickly to requests for documents to keep the process moving. 

Typical underwriting time: 2–3 weeks. 

Step 8 – Closing 

Once underwriting is complete, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure showing all loan terms, costs, and payments. You’ll have three days to review it before signing final documents. 

At closing: 

And then the keys are yours! 🎉 

Timeline for the VA Loan Process 

Every buyer’s journey is unique, but here’s a general timeline: 

Total: 45–75 days for most VA buyers. 

Final Thoughts 

The VA loan program is one of the most powerful benefits available to veterans and service members. By understanding the step-by-step process, you can move forward with confidence from eligibility all the way to getting your keys. 

If you’re a VA buyer in San Diego County, I can guide you through every stage of the VA loan process making sure you maximize your benefits while finding the perfect home. 
 

Contact Jose Luis Tepox Jr. at (619) 485 8293 or click here.