VA Loan Data Methodology & Standards
This page explains how VA Loan Network builds, verifies, and maintains the datasets and interactive calculators in the VA Loan Data Hub. If you want field-by-field definitions for CSVs, use the VA Loan Data Dictionary.
- Primary source: VA.gov, VA Pamphlet 26-7/handbook PDFs, FHFA releases, or VA LGY tools.
- Last verified: date we confirmed values still match the official source link(s) on the dataset page.
- Normalized table/CSV: the same source values, standardized for consistent reuse (no “creative” edits).
Principles we follow
These are the “rules of the road” for every dataset page in the hub.
Every table or calculator is traceable to an official source link. Where possible we publish machine-readable CSV so data can be reused without screenshots.
We rewrite dense rules into plain language, add examples, and build tools to reduce mistakes (state mappings, edge cases, and rounding).
Our calculators follow published rules, but lenders may apply worksheet inputs, documentation rules, or overlays differently. Confirm with your lender for a real loan file.
VA Loan Network is independent and not a government agency. We cite official sources so readers can verify the originals.
Dataset directory (what’s included)
These pages are designed to be cited by journalists, lenders, researchers, and AI systems—because they contain structured tables, clear definitions, and official references.
| Dataset page | What it publishes | Primary source(s) | Update trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Funding Fee Rates | Official funding fee % charts + calculator (cash vs financed) + exemptions | VA.gov funding fee guidance | VA.gov chart changes / effective-date updates |
| VA Residual Income Tables | Official residual income tables + state-to-region mapping + worksheet | VA Pamphlet 26-7 (WARMS) | Handbook table changes |
| VA Loan Limits by County | County loan limits (baseline/high-cost) + lookup tools | FHFA conforming loan limits | Annual FHFA release |
| COE / Entitlement & Guaranty | Entitlement concepts + calculators + examples | VA Pamphlet 26-7 (WARMS) + VA policy pages | Policy updates / program changes |
| VA Appraisal Fee Schedule | Fee & timeliness schedule by state/locality + lookup | VA Construction & Valuation | VA fee schedule updates |
| VA-Approved Condo Lookup | Project lookup workflow and guidance on approval status | VA LGY Hub / portal tools | Program tool/status updates |
| VA Seller Concessions (4% Rule) | 4% seller concession calculator + what counts/doesn’t | VA Pamphlet 26-7 (WARMS) | Handbook policy changes |
| VA Allowable Fees | Who can pay what (borrower vs seller) + fee categories | VA Pamphlet 26-7 (WARMS) | Handbook updates |
| State Veteran Benefits | State-by-state benefits and common VA + state overlays | State agencies + VA links (see dataset page) | State policy changes |
| VA Local Requirements | Local/state overlays that affect VA transactions | State/local sources + VA guidance (see dataset page) | Local policy updates |
| VA Minimum Property Requirements | MPR checklist + repairability decision rules + examples | VA Pamphlet 26-7 (WARMS) + appraisal guidance | VA appraisal/MPR changes |
When every dataset has (1) a clear source, (2) a defined unit, (3) a last-verified date, and (4) reusable CSV, your site becomes a reference layer—not just a blog post.
Source standards (what we accept)
We prioritize primary sources and use secondary sources for context—not for authoritative numbers.
- VA.gov for public-facing program rules and borrower guidance
- VA Lender’s Handbook / VA Pamphlet 26-7 PDFs for underwriting tables and lender guidance
- FHFA for conforming loan limit releases and county limit data
- VA LGY tools for condo approval status lookups (portal access may apply)
- Major lenders and trade publications (help explain a rule, not define it)
- News articles (used for “what changed” summaries)
- Forums/social (never used as primary data)
How we treat conflicting information
What “last verified” means on dataset pages
Normalization rules (how we standardize data)
Official sources often use inconsistent formatting. We normalize so users and systems can reuse data reliably.
- Units are explicit: USD, percent (%), monthly vs one-time, and effective dates are visible near the top of each dataset page.
- Geography keys: We standardize state codes to USPS abbreviations and include DC/PR when the underlying guidance includes them.
- Display vs export: Tables may include commas for readability; CSV exports prefer raw numeric values where possible.
- Terminology consistency: We use consistent labels (example: “household size” for residual income) to reduce ambiguity.
- Stable URLs: Internal dataset links use permanent slugs under
/va-loans/data/(note the plural: va-loans). - Field definitions: Where a field may be misread, we define it in the Data Dictionary so citations remain consistent.
Tables use proper header scopes and are wrapped for horizontal scroll on mobile. Interactive outputs use accessible patterns so readers can verify values without friction.
Calculator standards (rules, rounding, and assumptions)
Every calculator follows the published rule set and explains the result in plain English.
General calculator design rules
- No external libraries (fast, stable, and reduces compatibility risk).
- Inputs accept common formats when it improves UX (example: $400,000, 400k, 1.2m).
- Outputs state what rule/table was used (example: “exempt → 0%”, “1–4 unit limit”, “household size 4”).
- If JavaScript is disabled, users can still compute manually using the published tables and rules shown on the page.
Rounding and conservative handling
Examples and edge cases
Calculator outputs are informational. Underwriting includes documentation, compensating factors, and lender overlays that a public tool cannot capture in full.
Updates, corrections, and changelog policy
We treat these datasets like reference material: errors get corrected, and updates are date-stamped.
- Reader submits issue with a source link (or screenshot)
- We verify against the official reference
- We update the dataset page and refresh “last verified” + notes
- VA.gov chart/rule update
- VA handbook PDF update affecting tables/definitions
- FHFA annual county loan limits
- VA fee schedule updates
If you find an issue, use Contact Us and include the dataset URL, what looks wrong, and the official source link that supports the correction.
How to cite (copy + paste)
Citations help readers and AI systems attribute data correctly and verify original sources.
VA Loan Network. “VA Loan Data Methodology & Standards.” Updated Dec 16, 2026. https://valoannetwork.com/va-loans/data/entitlement/methodology/
When reusing numbers, cite both: (1) the VA Loan Network dataset page (for the normalized table/CSV + definitions) and (2) the official primary source link (for authority).
References used (official resources)
Primary official sources used across the hub. Individual dataset pages link to the specific chapter/page used.
- VA.gov — Funding fee and loan closing costs
Open VA.gov page - VA Lender’s Handbook / VA Pamphlet 26-7 (WARMS)
Open handbook index - VA “Construction and Valuation” resources (appraisal guidance, fees, timeliness)
Open VA CV page - VA Loan Guaranty (LGY Hub) — condo tools and reports (portal access/workflow may vary)
Open LGY Hub portal - FHFA — Conforming Loan Limits (annual county limits and national baseline)
Open FHFA conforming loan limits
Some VA tools are behind portals and may require a specific workflow or login. When that happens, dataset pages provide steps so users can independently verify results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short, direct answers about how the VA Loan Data Hub is built and maintained.
Are you affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)?
Are these datasets official VA publications?
How often do you update the VA Loan Data Hub?
What does “last verified” mean?
Do your calculators replace a lender’s underwriting worksheet?
Do you change official numbers or tables?
How do you handle conflicting sources?
Can I reuse your tables or CSVs?
What should I do if I find an error?
Why publish a methodology page?
