For Those Who Served

VA Loans —
zero down, no PMI.

Q: Do I pay the VA funding fee?

Most VA borrowers pay a one-time funding fee that ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% depending on down payment and whether it's a first or subsequent use. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more are exempt from the fee entirely.

You earned it. VA home loans offer veterans and active-duty service members 0% down payment^*, no monthly mortgage insurance, and some of the most competitive rates available — a benefit exclusive to those who served.

Get Pre-Approved Call (561) 299-5825

0%^*

Down Payment Required

Monthly Mortgage Insurance

None

VA Minimum Credit Score

14 days^*

Close In As Little As^*

Great if you…

VA is likely your best fit

✓Are an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse
✓Want to buy with zero down payment
✓Want to eliminate monthly mortgage insurance entirely
✓Are purchasing or refinancing a primary residence in Florida
✓Want access to competitive interest rates available to eligible veterans
✓Have used your VA benefit before and have remaining entitlement

Consider alternatives if…

Other programs may serve you better

→You do not have VA eligibility — FHA or Conventional are strong options
→You are purchasing an investment property — VA requires owner-occupancy
→The seller is unwilling to accept VA offers — unusual in Florida but worth discussing
→You want to close on a property that cannot pass a VA appraisal

Program Details

Everything you need to
know about VA loans.

Eligibility & Entitlement

VA benefits are earned through military service. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — we pull this directly from the VA database in most cases without you needing to do anything extra.

90 days active duty during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime
6 years National Guard or Reserve service
Surviving spouses of service members who died in service
COE obtained directly — no paperwork hassle for the borrower

VA Funding Fee

The VA funding fee replaces mortgage insurance. It's a one-time fee that can be financed into the loan. Veterans with a 10%+ service-connected disability rating are completely exempt.

First-time use, 0% down^*: 2.15% of loan amount
Subsequent use: 3.3%
Reduced to 1.25%–1.5% with 5%–10% down payment^*
Exempt: veterans with service-connected disability rating

Property Requirements

VA loans are for primary residences only. The property must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) verified through a VA appraisal by a VA-certified appraiser.

Primary residence only — no vacation or investment properties
Single-family homes, condos (VA-approved), townhomes, 2–4 units
Property must be safe, sound, and sanitary
VA appraiser determines both value and condition compliance

No Loan Limits (Full Entitlement)

Since 2020, VA borrowers with full entitlement face no formal loan limits — they can finance any amount with 0% down. This makes VA uniquely powerful in Florida's coastal and luxury markets.

No maximum loan amount with full entitlement
Lender overlays may apply above certain amounts
Jumbo VA loans available for very high balances
Partial entitlement rules apply if you have an existing VA loan

How It Works

Your VA loan journey
with Smart Mortgage.

Verify Eligibility

We pull your Certificate of Eligibility directly from the VA system — usually within minutes. No digging through discharge papers. We confirm your entitlement and get pre-approval started immediately.

Pre-Approval Often Issued Same Day

Once eligibility is confirmed, we review income, credit, and assets. Most VA borrowers receive a pre-approval letter the same day — giving you a strong competitive position when making offers.

VA Appraisal & Underwriting

We order the VA appraisal from a VA-certified appraiser immediately after contract. Our underwriting team processes your file concurrently to shorten the overall timeline significantly.

Close With Confidence

VA loans at Smart Mortgage can close in as little as 14 days.^* We handle the coordination with the VA, title company, and agent so your experience is smooth from pre-approval to the day you get your keys.

FAQ

Common VA loan
questions answered.

Who qualifies for a VA loan?+

Veterans, active-duty service members with sufficient service, National Guard and Reserve members who have been activated, and eligible surviving spouses all qualify. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — we can pull this directly from the VA system on your behalf.

Is there a VA loan limit in Florida?+

As of 2020, VA loan limits were eliminated for borrowers with full entitlement. If you have full entitlement, you can purchase any amount with 0% down subject to lender and VA guidelines. Partial entitlement situations may still carry limits.

Do I pay the VA funding fee?+

Most VA borrowers pay a one-time funding fee ranging from 1.25% to 3.3% depending on down payment and whether it's a first or subsequent use. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more are exempt from the fee entirely.

Can I use my VA benefit more than once?+

Yes. VA entitlement can be restored after you sell a home and pay off the existing VA loan, or if another veteran assumes your loan. You can also have two VA loans simultaneously if you have remaining entitlement.

VA Loans —
zero down, no PMI.

Everything you need to
know about VA loans.

Your VA loan journey
with Smart Mortgage.

Common VA loan
questions answered.

Real results for
real borrowers.

Use your VA benefit — you earned it.

VA Loans —zero down, no PMI.

Everything you need toknow about VA loans.

Your VA loan journeywith Smart Mortgage.

Common VA loanquestions answered.

Real results forreal borrowers.

Use your VA benefit — you earned it.

Explore other loan options.

VA Loans —
zero down, no PMI.

Everything you need to
know about VA loans.

Your VA loan journey
with Smart Mortgage.

Common VA loan
questions answered.

Real results for
real borrowers.