TAG Lending Group · Loan Programs

VA Home Loans

This no-down-payment loan option was created especially for qualified veterans, service members and their spouses.

  • Minimum FICO® Score 620
  • May not need a down payment
  • No mortgage insurance
  • Backed by the VA
Overview

VA Loans at a Glance

Who is it best for

Who are VA Loans Best for?

VA loans are a more affordable option for qualified veterans, service members, and their spouses.

How does it work

How Do VA Loans Work?

VA loans are backed, or guaranteed, by the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are different loan types with fixed or adjustable interest rates and a range of loan terms.

Qualifications

What are the Qualifications for a VA Loan?

To qualify for a VA loan, you’ll need:

  • To meet the following criteria:
    • Served at least 181 days of active service during peacetime OR 90 consecutive days during wartime.
    • Served 6+ years with the National Guard or Reserves OR 90 days under Title 32 (at least 30 of those 90 days must be consecutive).
  • A Certificate of Eligibility
    • The VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility if you meet their guidelines for type and length of service.
    • If you don’t have one already, we can apply for your Certificate of Eligibility for you.
  • A minimum FICO® Score of 620.
  • A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of no more than 60%. Estimate your DTI by adding your monthly debt payments (such as credit card and car payments) and dividing the total by your monthly income before taxes.
  • Money to cover the funding fee charged by the VA. This may be rolled into your loan. You may not have to pay this fee if one of these criteria applies to you:
    • You have a service-connected disability.
    • You receive VA disability or have in the past.
    • You’re a surviving spouse who qualifies.
    • You are a service member on active duty who has received a Purple Heart.
Why VA

VA Loan Benefits

  • You may not need a down payment.
  • You can qualify with a lower credit score and more debt compared to conventional loans.
  • You won’t need to pay mortgage insurance.
  • You can use your VA loan benefit more than once – if you sell your home or pay off your mortgage, you can get another VA loan.

Refinancing with a VA loan has some great benefits, too:

  • If you currently have a VA loan, you can refinance up to 100% of your home’s value to get cash out.
  • If you currently have a VA loan and don’t need cash out, you may be able to refinance up to 120% of your home’s value.

VA · Earned Benefits

Eligible Properties

VA Property Requirements

  • You or a spouse must move into the home within 60 days. There are exceptions to this, including deployment.
  • It must be your primary residence, not a vacation home or income property
Hand holding house keys, representing VA property requirements

Eligible · Primary Residence Only

FAQ

VA Loan Questions

Do I need a Certificate of Eligibility?

The VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility if you meet their guidelines for type and length of service. If you don’t have one already, we can apply for your Certificate of Eligibility for you.

Who may not have to pay the VA funding fee?

The funding fee charged by the VA may be rolled into your loan. You may not have to pay this fee if one of these criteria applies to you:

  • You have a service-connected disability.
  • You receive VA disability or have in the past.
  • You’re a surviving spouse who qualifies.
  • You are a service member on active duty who has received a Purple Heart.
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once?

You can use your VA loan benefit more than once – if you sell your home or pay off your mortgage, you can get another VA loan.

Can I buy a vacation home or rental with a VA loan?

It must be your primary residence, not a vacation home or income property. You or a spouse must move into the home within 60 days. There are exceptions to this, including deployment.

Start your application now!

Prefer to talk? Call (305) 503-8655 or message us on WhatsApp.

Programs subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. All loans subject to credit approval and underwriting guidelines. TAG Lending Group, LLC · NMLS #2329372. This is not a commitment to lend.

Equal Housing Lender.

VA Loans

Explore VA Loans Programs

Every program below has its own page with highlights, who it fits and how to get started. Not sure which one fits? Talk to a TAG loan officer and we will match the scenario for you.

VA Loan FAQ

More VA home loan questions

Do I need my Certificate of Eligibility before I apply?

No. TAG Lending Group can look up and request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for you directly through the VA system. If you already have your COE, send it over. It can help speed things up, but it isn't required to get started.

Who is eligible for a VA home loan?

Veterans, active-duty service members, and National Guard and Reserve members who meet the VA's service requirements, plus some surviving spouses. Eligibility is confirmed with a Certificate of Eligibility.

Do disabled veterans pay the VA funding fee?

No, in most cases. Veterans who receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, generally a disability rating of 10% or higher, are exempt from the VA funding fee. Some surviving spouses and active-duty Purple Heart recipients are also exempt. Your exemption status is shown on your Certificate of Eligibility.

Do 100% disabled veterans pay property taxes in Florida?

In Florida, a veteran with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability can qualify for a full exemption from property taxes on their homestead (primary residence). You apply with your county property appraiser after you buy. Some non-ad valorem assessments, such as certain fees and special assessments, may still apply. Florida also offers a smaller exemption for veterans with a 10% or higher service-connected disability. We're not tax advisors, so confirm your exemption with your county property appraiser.

Does a VA loan require mortgage insurance?

No. VA loans don't require monthly private mortgage insurance. Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee instead, unless they're exempt.

Can I buy a condo with a VA loan?

Yes, if the condo project is approved by the VA. You can search the VA's condo approval list, and our Approved Condo List can help you screen buildings early.

Can I buy a 2–4 unit property with a VA loan?

Yes, as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence. Rental income from the other units may help you qualify, subject to guidelines.

Can I refinance with a VA loan?

Yes. Options include the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) for existing VA loans and the VA cash-out refinance, subject to eligibility and guidelines.

Do Florida veterans need a down payment for a VA loan in 2026?

Eligible veterans with full entitlement can often buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, subject to VA guidelines and the investor program. Current VA rules, including funding fee exemptions, are on VA.gov.

Does TAG Lending Group help Florida veterans with VA loans in Miami and statewide?

Yes. TAG Lending Group is a licensed mortgage lender in Florida (NMLS #2329372) and helps veterans across the state, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville, with the Certificate of Eligibility, VA appraisal, condo approval and using the benefit more than once.

General information only, not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, property eligibility and program guidelines. Programs and availability may change without notice. TAG Lending Group, LLC · NMLS #2329372 · Equal Housing Opportunity.