2026 Michigan BAH Rates by Base, Rank, and Dependents

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2026 Michigan BAH Rates

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 Michigan BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

Updated on

Michigan has 10 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $1,503 to $2,559 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,749 to $3,078. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.


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Check Your VA Loan Eligibility

Table 1. Michigan Military Housing Areas at a glance
MHA E-5 w/dep E-6 w/dep E-6 buying power
DETROIT, MI $2,361 $2,583 ~$275,000
MARQUETTE, MI $1,821 $2,010 ~$215,000
SAULT STE MARIE, MI $1,536 $1,920 ~$205,000
TRAVERSE CITY, MI $2,070 $2,802 ~$295,000
GRAND HAVEN, MI $2,181 $2,481 ~$265,000
BATTLE CREEK/KALAMAZOO, MI $1,959 $2,370 ~$250,000
LANSING, MI $1,806 $1,983 ~$210,000
GRAND RAPIDS, MI $2,148 $2,403 ~$255,000
ANN ARBOR, MI $2,559 $3,078 ~$325,000
SAGINAW, MI $1,503 $1,749 ~$185,000

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Step 1 of 6 Your BAH
STEP 01 · YOUR BAH
What's your monthly BAH?

Find it on your LES, listed as "BAH" in entitlements. Or pick your state below to find a base.

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STEP 02 · DEPENDENTS
Do you have dependents?

Spouse, children, or other qualifying dependents. Affects lender qualification.

STEP 03 · CREDIT RANGE
Roughly, where's your credit?

No exact number needed. Many VA lenders go below 580, most banks won't tell you that.

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STEP 04 · TIMELINE
When are you thinking of buying?
YOUR BUYING POWER
Your BAH buys you a home worth this much.
ESTIMATED HOME PRICE
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With $0 down and your VA benefit

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Michigan BAH Snapshot

  • MHA count: 10 Military Housing Areas
  • E-5 w/dep range: $1,503 to $2,559/mo
  • E-6 w/dep range: $1,749 to $3,078/mo
  • Buying power range: ~$160,000 to ~$325,000

How BAH Counts for VA Loans

  • Tax-free income: BAH is excluded from gross income. 26 USC 134(a) Lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio, a 25 percent gross-up. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
  • LES verification: The lender must verify the BAH amount; allowances are documented on the LES. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
  • Rate protection: The monthly BAH amount may not be reduced while the member retains uninterrupted eligibility within an area. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
  • Dependent status: The statute establishes separate rates for members with and without dependents. 37 USC 403(b)(5) With-dependents rates are higher at every grade in every MHA.

Highest BAH in Texas

  • ANN ARBOR, MI: E-6 w/dep $3,078/mo, ~$325,000 buying power
  • TRAVERSE CITY, MI: E-6 w/dep $2,802/mo, ~$295,000 buying power
  • DETROIT, MI: E-6 w/dep $2,583/mo, ~$275,000 buying power
  • GRAND HAVEN, MI: E-6 w/dep $2,481/mo, ~$265,000 buying power

Lowest BAH in Texas

  • SAGINAW, MI: E-6 w/dep $1,749/mo, ~$185,000 buying power
  • SAULT STE MARIE, MI: E-6 w/dep $1,920/mo, ~$205,000 buying power
  • LANSING, MI: E-6 w/dep $1,983/mo, ~$210,000 buying power
  • MARQUETTE, MI: E-6 w/dep $2,010/mo, ~$215,000 buying power

The Bottom Line Up Front

Michigan BAH rates vary by more than $1,329 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $3,078 (ANN ARBOR, MI) and the lowest is $1,749 (SAGINAW, MI). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $140,000 at current VA loan terms.

How to Use Michigan BAH Rates for a VA Loan

  • Verify your BAH on your LES. The lender must verify the BAH amount before counting it as income. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
  • Confirm your MHA. Your BAH is set by the Military Housing Area assigned to your duty station, not your home address. 37 USC 403(b)(2)
  • Ask about the gross-up. Because BAH is tax free, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
  • Compare the buying-power estimates. Use the table above to see how your MHA and rank translate to an approximate home price, then get a personalized preapproval from a VA lender.

What to Do Based on Your Situation

  • PCS-ing to Michigan: Your BAH changes to the gaining station’s MHA rate. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Use the new rate with your orders to start a preapproval before you arrive.
  • Already stationed in Michigan: Your BAH amount may not be reduced while you retain uninterrupted eligibility within the area, even if published rates drop. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
  • Separating from service: BAH stops when active-duty status ends. If you plan to buy before separation, verify the BAH amount on your current LES and close while you are still receiving it. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH

Michigan Housing Costs and BAH Impact

Michigan offers a relatively affordable housing market for Military families. In 2026, rates increased slightly in ZIPs with growing rental demand , especially near Macomb County and university towns like Ann Arbor. Overall, Michigan remains one of the better states for stretching your BAH.

BAH is one piece of the income picture. When you apply for a VA loan, the lender evaluates your debt-to-income ratio and residual income alongside your housing allowance. Because BAH is excluded from gross income, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio. 26 USC 134(a) VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio

For a broader look at homebuying in this state, see the Michigan VA loan guide.

Explore More BAH Insights

Michigan BAH Rates by Military Housing Area

Each block below holds the full pay-grade table, buying power by rank, and, when available, ZIP codes. Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Michigan property tax at 1.20 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.45 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule).

DETROIT, MI (MHA MI142): E-5 w/dep $2,361, E-6 w/dep $2,583, ~$275,000 buying power

DETROIT, MI BAH Rates

Table 2. 2026 BAH rates for DETROIT, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,034 $1,527
E-2 $2,034 $1,527
E-3 $2,034 $1,527
E-4 $2,034 $1,527
E-5 $2,361 $1,770
E-6 $2,583 $1,935
E-7 $2,652 $2,049
E-8 $2,730 $2,412
E-9 $2,904 $2,469
W-1 $2,601 $1,950
W-2 $2,682 $2,409
W-3 $2,781 $2,478
W-4 $2,949 $2,592
W-5 $3,159 $2,667
O-1E $2,664 $2,358
O-2E $2,763 $2,454
O-3E $2,982 $2,574
O-1 $2,397 $1,797
O-2 $2,580 $2,256
O-3 $2,778 $2,499
O-4 $3,228 $2,649
O-5 $3,555 $2,688
O-6 $3,582 $2,757
O-7 $3,609 $2,805

DETROIT, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,361): ~$250,000 home, PITI ~$1,958/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,583): ~$275,000 home, PITI ~$2,154/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,652): ~$280,000 home, PITI ~$2,193/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,778): ~$295,000 home, PITI ~$2,310/mo
MARQUETTE, MI (MHA MI143): E-5 w/dep $1,821, E-6 w/dep $2,010, ~$215,000 buying power

MARQUETTE, MI BAH Rates

Table 3. 2026 BAH rates for MARQUETTE, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,626 $1,221
E-2 $1,626 $1,221
E-3 $1,626 $1,221
E-4 $1,626 $1,221
E-5 $1,821 $1,365
E-6 $2,010 $1,503
E-7 $2,145 $1,632
E-8 $2,295 $1,863
E-9 $2,457 $1,908
W-1 $2,025 $1,566
W-2 $2,205 $1,860
W-3 $2,391 $1,917
W-4 $2,481 $2,034
W-5 $2,598 $2,178
O-1E $2,169 $1,818
O-2E $2,361 $1,899
O-3E $2,502 $1,998
O-1 $1,851 $1,428
O-2 $2,007 $1,758
O-3 $2,385 $1,935
O-4 $2,634 $2,148
O-5 $2,811 $2,232
O-6 $2,832 $2,370
O-7 $2,850 $2,409

MARQUETTE, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,821): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,527/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,010): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,684/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,145): ~$225,000 home, PITI ~$1,762/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,385): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$1,997/mo
SAULT STE MARIE, MI (MHA MI145): E-5 w/dep $1,536, E-6 w/dep $1,920, ~$205,000 buying power

SAULT STE MARIE, MI BAH Rates

Table 4. 2026 BAH rates for SAULT STE MARIE, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,386 $1,041
E-2 $1,386 $1,041
E-3 $1,386 $1,041
E-4 $1,386 $1,041
E-5 $1,536 $1,155
E-6 $1,920 $1,437
E-7 $1,941 $1,458
E-8 $1,950 $1,617
E-9 $2,058 $1,728
W-1 $1,938 $1,455
W-2 $1,947 $1,614
W-3 $1,962 $1,743
W-4 $2,097 $1,917
W-5 $2,268 $1,935
O-1E $1,944 $1,533
O-2E $1,953 $1,701
O-3E $2,124 $1,911
O-1 $1,590 $1,230
O-2 $1,917 $1,491
O-3 $1,959 $1,779
O-4 $2,325 $1,923
O-5 $2,595 $1,947
O-6 $2,613 $1,959
O-7 $2,628 $1,971

SAULT STE MARIE, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,536): ~$165,000 home, PITI ~$1,292/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,920): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,605/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,941): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,605/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,959): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,645/mo
TRAVERSE CITY, MI (MHA MI146): E-5 w/dep $2,070, E-6 w/dep $2,802, ~$295,000 buying power

TRAVERSE CITY, MI BAH Rates

Table 5. 2026 BAH rates for TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,037 $1,716
E-2 $2,037 $1,716
E-3 $2,037 $1,716
E-4 $2,037 $1,716
E-5 $2,070 $1,896
E-6 $2,802 $2,103
E-7 $2,901 $2,175
E-8 $3,003 $2,253
E-9 $3,123 $2,439
W-1 $2,823 $2,118
W-2 $2,943 $2,214
W-3 $3,072 $2,463
W-4 $3,141 $2,820
W-5 $3,231 $2,922
O-1E $2,916 $2,187
O-2E $3,051 $2,388
O-3E $3,156 $2,796
O-1 $2,160 $1,998
O-2 $2,793 $2,178
O-3 $3,069 $2,535
O-4 $3,255 $2,898
O-5 $3,390 $2,955
O-6 $3,417 $3,051
O-7 $3,441 $3,102

TRAVERSE CITY, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,070): ~$220,000 home, PITI ~$1,723/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,802): ~$295,000 home, PITI ~$2,310/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,901): ~$305,000 home, PITI ~$2,389/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,069): ~$325,000 home, PITI ~$2,545/mo
GRAND HAVEN, MI (MHA MI148): E-5 w/dep $2,181, E-6 w/dep $2,481, ~$265,000 buying power

GRAND HAVEN, MI BAH Rates

Table 6. 2026 BAH rates for GRAND HAVEN, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,004 $1,596
E-2 $2,004 $1,596
E-3 $2,004 $1,596
E-4 $2,004 $1,596
E-5 $2,181 $1,740
E-6 $2,481 $1,860
E-7 $2,505 $2,010
E-8 $2,535 $2,247
E-9 $2,610 $2,328
W-1 $2,499 $1,953
W-2 $2,517 $2,244
W-3 $2,556 $2,340
W-4 $2,631 $2,481
W-5 $2,733 $2,511
O-1E $2,508 $2,178
O-2E $2,547 $2,310
O-3E $2,649 $2,472
O-1 $2,223 $1,824
O-2 $2,478 $2,127
O-3 $2,553 $2,370
O-4 $2,760 $2,499
O-5 $2,913 $2,514
O-6 $2,934 $2,532
O-7 $2,955 $2,574

GRAND HAVEN, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,181): ~$230,000 home, PITI ~$1,801/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,481): ~$265,000 home, PITI ~$2,075/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,505): ~$265,000 home, PITI ~$2,075/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,553): ~$270,000 home, PITI ~$2,115/mo
BATTLE CREEK/KALAMAZOO, MI (MHA MI152): E-5 w/dep $1,959, E-6 w/dep $2,370, ~$250,000 buying power

BATTLE CREEK/KALAMAZOO, MI BAH Rates

Table 7. 2026 BAH rates for BATTLE CREEK/KALAMAZOO, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,698 $1,275
E-2 $1,698 $1,275
E-3 $1,698 $1,275
E-4 $1,698 $1,275
E-5 $1,959 $1,470
E-6 $2,370 $1,779
E-7 $2,424 $1,818
E-8 $2,478 $2,046
E-9 $2,589 $2,163
W-1 $2,391 $1,794
W-2 $2,445 $2,043
W-3 $2,517 $2,181
W-4 $2,616 $2,379
W-5 $2,742 $2,436
O-1E $2,430 $1,956
O-2E $2,505 $2,136
O-3E $2,634 $2,364
O-1 $2,013 $1,509
O-2 $2,367 $1,875
O-3 $2,514 $2,220
O-4 $2,781 $2,418
O-5 $2,973 $2,445
O-6 $2,997 $2,493
O-7 $3,015 $2,535

BATTLE CREEK/KALAMAZOO, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,959): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,645/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,370): ~$250,000 home, PITI ~$1,958/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,424): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$1,997/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,514): ~$265,000 home, PITI ~$2,075/mo
LANSING, MI (MHA MI153): E-5 w/dep $1,806, E-6 w/dep $1,983, ~$210,000 buying power

LANSING, MI BAH Rates

Table 8. 2026 BAH rates for LANSING, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,611 $1,224
E-2 $1,611 $1,224
E-3 $1,611 $1,224
E-4 $1,611 $1,224
E-5 $1,806 $1,356
E-6 $1,983 $1,485
E-7 $2,034 $1,617
E-8 $2,091 $1,848
E-9 $2,238 $1,890
W-1 $2,001 $1,551
W-2 $2,058 $1,845
W-3 $2,130 $1,899
W-4 $2,280 $1,986
W-5 $2,466 $2,046
O-1E $2,040 $1,803
O-2E $2,118 $1,881
O-3E $2,310 $1,974
O-1 $1,836 $1,410
O-2 $1,980 $1,743
O-3 $2,127 $1,914
O-4 $2,529 $2,028
O-5 $2,820 $2,115
O-6 $2,841 $2,130
O-7 $2,859 $2,145

LANSING, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,806): ~$190,000 home, PITI ~$1,488/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,983): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,645/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,034): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,684/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,127): ~$225,000 home, PITI ~$1,762/mo
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (MHA MI154): E-5 w/dep $2,148, E-6 w/dep $2,403, ~$255,000 buying power

GRAND RAPIDS, MI BAH Rates

Table 9. 2026 BAH rates for GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,950 $1,464
E-2 $1,950 $1,464
E-3 $1,950 $1,464
E-4 $1,950 $1,464
E-5 $2,148 $1,635
E-6 $2,403 $1,800
E-7 $2,424 $1,956
E-8 $2,433 $2,205
E-9 $2,517 $2,271
W-1 $2,421 $1,893
W-2 $2,430 $2,202
W-3 $2,442 $2,283
W-4 $2,547 $2,397
W-5 $2,688 $2,415
O-1E $2,427 $2,145
O-2E $2,436 $2,256
O-3E $2,571 $2,394
O-1 $2,184 $1,752
O-2 $2,400 $2,085
O-3 $2,439 $2,307
O-4 $2,730 $2,403
O-5 $2,946 $2,418
O-6 $2,970 $2,421
O-7 $2,988 $2,454

GRAND RAPIDS, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,148): ~$230,000 home, PITI ~$1,801/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,403): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$1,997/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,424): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$1,997/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,439): ~$260,000 home, PITI ~$2,036/mo
ANN ARBOR, MI (MHA MI155): E-5 w/dep $2,559, E-6 w/dep $3,078, ~$325,000 buying power

ANN ARBOR, MI BAH Rates

Table 10. 2026 BAH rates for ANN ARBOR, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,292 $1,719
E-2 $2,292 $1,719
E-3 $2,292 $1,719
E-4 $2,292 $1,719
E-5 $2,559 $1,920
E-6 $3,078 $2,310
E-7 $3,180 $2,385
E-8 $3,291 $2,667
E-9 $3,483 $2,820
W-1 $3,099 $2,325
W-2 $3,225 $2,664
W-3 $3,360 $2,838
W-4 $3,528 $3,099
W-5 $3,735 $3,204
O-1E $3,198 $2,556
O-2E $3,339 $2,787
O-3E $3,561 $3,072
O-1 $2,628 $2,019
O-2 $3,075 $2,472
O-3 $3,357 $2,889
O-4 $3,804 $3,180
O-5 $4,128 $3,240
O-6 $4,161 $3,339
O-7 $4,191 $3,396

ANN ARBOR, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,559): ~$270,000 home, PITI ~$2,115/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,078): ~$325,000 home, PITI ~$2,545/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($3,180): ~$335,000 home, PITI ~$2,624/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,357): ~$355,000 home, PITI ~$2,780/mo
SAGINAW, MI (MHA MI156): E-5 w/dep $1,503, E-6 w/dep $1,749, ~$185,000 buying power

SAGINAW, MI BAH Rates

Table 11. 2026 BAH rates for SAGINAW, MI
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,329 $1,080
E-2 $1,329 $1,080
E-3 $1,329 $1,080
E-4 $1,329 $1,080
E-5 $1,503 $1,128
E-6 $1,749 $1,311
E-7 $1,782 $1,338
E-8 $1,818 $1,560
E-9 $1,869 $1,623
W-1 $1,767 $1,326
W-2 $1,797 $1,557
W-3 $1,845 $1,635
W-4 $1,878 $1,749
W-5 $1,929 $1,788
O-1E $1,785 $1,500
O-2E $1,833 $1,608
O-3E $1,887 $1,740
O-1 $1,542 $1,158
O-2 $1,746 $1,449
O-3 $1,842 $1,656
O-4 $1,938 $1,773
O-5 $2,007 $1,791
O-6 $2,022 $1,821
O-7 $2,031 $1,848

SAGINAW, MI Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,503): ~$160,000 home, PITI ~$1,253/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,749): ~$185,000 home, PITI ~$1,449/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,782): ~$190,000 home, PITI ~$1,488/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,842): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,527/mo

VA Loans Near Michigan Military Bases

Michigan BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $1,749/month (SAGINAW, MI) to $3,078/month (ANN ARBOR, MI). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$185,000 to ~$325,000 at current VA loan terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BAH to qualify for a VA loan?

Yes. BAH is included in effective income if properly verified. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Because BAH is tax free, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio, a 25 percent gross-up. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio

Does BAH change when I PCS?

Your BAH rate is based on the MHA of your duty station. The BAH amount changes from one duty station to another. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Rate protection means the monthly amount may not be reduced while the member retains uninterrupted eligibility within an area. 37 USC 403(b)(6)

What is the difference between with-dependents and without-dependents BAH?

The statute establishes separate rates for members with and without dependents. 37 USC 403(b)(5) With-dependents rates are higher at every grade in every MHA.

How many MHAs are in Michigan?

Michigan has 10 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)

Which Michigan MHA has the highest BAH?

ANN ARBOR, MI has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $3,078 per month, translating to roughly $325,000 in buying power.

Which Michigan MHA has the lowest BAH?

SAGINAW, MI has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $1,749 per month, translating to roughly $185,000 in buying power.

How is buying power calculated?

Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Michigan property tax at 1.20 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.45 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule).

Is BAH the same as housing allowance on my LES?

Yes. Military allowances including BAH are documented on the LES. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH The amount matches the published DoD rate for your MHA, grade, and dependency status.

How We Researched This Page

BAH rates are from the 2026 DoD BAH rate tables. Buying power is derived using the documented assumptions: Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Michigan property tax at 1.20 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.45 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule). These figures are estimates for comparison, not loan quotes or approvals.

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