VA Loan Articles & Guides
Expert guides on VA loans, credit, and homebuying for Veterans and Military families.
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Veterans Day 2026 Deals, Discounts and Free Meals (Nov 11)
Veterans Day 2026 Deals, Discounts and Free Meals (Nov 11) Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11. National and regional chains honor Veterans and active-duty Military with…
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Run the numbers before you shop — know your budget and what you'll pay at closing.
Latest from VALN
VA Cash-Out Refinance Fees: Funding Fee, Closing Costs & Cash You Receive
The funding fee on a VA cash-out refinance is 2.15% for first-time use and 3.3% for subsequent use,…
Who Pays Closing Costs on a VA Loan? Buyer, Seller & Lender Rules
The buyer pays most VA loan closing costs, but federal rules sharply limit what Veterans can be charged.…
VA Cash-Out Refinance Rates in 2026: Compare Rates, Fees and Cash Received
VA cash-out refinance rates run higher than purchase rates, and the gap widens as LTV increases. On top…
Disabled Veteran VA Loan Closing Costs: 2026 Savings
Veterans with a 10% or higher disability rating are exempt from the VA funding fee, removing what amounts…
VA IRRRL Closing Costs & Fees: 2026 Breakdown
A VA IRRRL limits closing costs by design, with the funding fee set at 0.5% and lender origination…
VA Loan Employment Requirements: 2-Year Work History
VA loan lenders require 2 years of stable and reliable income that will continue during the foreseeable future.…
Refinance Conventional to VA Loan: Rules & Costs (2026)
Veterans with a conventional mortgage can switch to a VA loan through a VA cash-out refinance, even without…
When to Refinance a VA Loan in 2026: Costs & Savings
Refinancing a VA loan makes sense when the rate drop covers your closing costs within a reasonable break-even…
VA IRRRL vs. Cash-Out Refinance: Which One Is Better for You?
The IRRRL and VA cash-out refinance solve different problems, and the funding fee gap makes choosing the wrong…
VA Loan Earnest Money: How Much You Need and When It’s Refundable
VA loans do not require earnest money, but sellers still expect a deposit even on a no-down-payment purchase.…
VA Loan Prequalification: How to Get Prequalified (2026)
VA loan prequalification takes minutes and gives Veterans a borrowing estimate based on self-reported income, credit, and Military…
How to Make a VA Loan Offer More Competitive (2026)
A VA loan offer wins or loses on how the buyer structures it, not on the loan program…