A VA loan lets eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses buy a primary home with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Borrowers with full entitlement have no VA loan limit. Washington's large military communities near JBLM, Naval Base Kitsap, NAS Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett and Fairchild AFB use VA financing heavily.
VA at a glance
- Down payment: 0% with full entitlement. No VA loan limit for full-entitlement borrowers.
- No monthly mortgage insurance.
- Funding fee: A one-time fee that can be financed. It's waived for veterans receiving VA disability compensation and certain other borrowers.
- Seller concessions: Up to 4% of the price, in addition to normal closing costs the seller may pay.
- Occupancy: Primary residence, 1–4 units.
Second VA loans and remaining entitlement
If you still own a home with a VA loan, you may have remaining entitlement for another purchase, such as after a PCS move. In that case the county conforming limit factors into how much you can borrow with no money down. Kristen calculates your remaining entitlement from your Certificate of Eligibility.
Common questions
Is there a VA loan limit in Washington?
Not for borrowers with full entitlement. If part of your entitlement is tied up in another VA loan, the county conforming limit is used to calculate your zero-down maximum.
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?
Veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, eligible surviving spouses, and certain others are exempt. Your Certificate of Eligibility shows your status.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a duplex or fourplex?
Yes, if you live in one of the units as your primary residence.