The VA Loan: The Most Powerful Mortgage Benefit Most Veterans Aren’t Using
Every year, thousands of veterans in Wisconsin pay more for their mortgage than they need to - simply because they don't know how the VA home loan works or assume they don't qualify.
Let's clear that up.
Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, reservist, or surviving spouse, the VA loan may be the most powerful - and flexible - tool available to help you buy a home.
What Makes a VA Mortgage So Unique?
VA loans aren't just another program. They’re a guaranteed benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs, designed to help service members and their families build wealth through homeownership.
Here's why it stands out:
- $0 Down Payment - Buy a home with no money down
- No PMI - You'll never pay private mortgage insurance, even with 0% down
- Lower Interest Rates - VA loans typically have lower rates than conventional loans
- Flexible Guidelines - More forgiving when it comes to credit score and debt ratios
- Reusable - You can use the benefit again, even if you've used it before
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?
It's not just for first-time buyers or people still in uniform. You may qualify if:
- You served 90+ days active duty during wartime
- You served 181+ days during peacetime
- You have 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves
- You're the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected cause
Still unsure? I can verify your Certificate of Eligibility in minutes.
What Can You Buy With a VA Loan?
The VA loan is more versatile than most people realize:
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes, triplexes, and 4-unit homes (if you live in one unit)
- New construction
- Condos (if VA-approved)
You can also refinance into a VA loan or use a VA IRRRL (streamline refi) to lower your current VA rate - often with no appraisal and no income check.
3 Myths That Stop Veterans From Using VA Loans
- "I used it once - I can't use it again."
False. It's reusable. You can even have two VA loans at once in some cases. - "Sellers don't accept VA offers."
False. With a strong local lender who can advocate for you, a VA offer can be just as competitive as conventional. - "I don't want to pay a VA funding fee."
*True - but disabled veterans and surviving spouses often don't have to pay the fee. And for others, the benefit still far outweighs the cost.
Why This Loan Exists - and Why It Still Matters
The VA loan was created after WWII to help returning service members reintegrate, build stability, and grow wealth through real estate. That mission still matters - especially now, as inflation and housing costs rise.
But the benefit only works if you use it.
If You've Served, You've Earned This
Let's make sure you don't leave this benefit on the table. I work with veterans and military families across Southeast Wisconsin every week - helping them move, invest, and save.
Schedule a quick eligibility check and custom plan:
https://calendly.com/adam-zeman/30min
Call/Text: 414-975-2654
Website: www.mkemortgage.com
Get mortgage tips, listings & VA info here
Helpful Resources:
VA Home Loan Guide - VA.gov
VA Loan Limits and Entitlement Info - Military.com