San Diego is one of the most military-connected cities in the United States. With Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and multiple other installations, hundreds of thousands of active-duty service members, veterans, and military family members call the San Diego metro home — or are arriving on PCS orders right now.
The VA home loan was created for exactly this community. And in San Diego's competitive housing market — where the median home price approaches $900,000–$983,000 — the VA loan's zero-down benefit is not just an advantage. For many military families, it is the difference between homeownership and renting indefinitely.
But the VA loan is also one of the most misunderstood mortgage products in the market. Sellers misunderstand it. Listing agents misunderstand it. And too many veteran buyers misunderstand their own benefit — leaving real money on the table and making avoidable mistakes in competitive situations.
This guide gives you the complete, data-driven picture. At Cardenas & Company Real Estate Group, we specialize in helping military families and veterans buy homes in Chula Vista and the South Bay. We are honored to serve the people who have served our country — and we take that responsibility seriously.
What Is a VA Home Loan?
A VA home loan is a mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, created to help eligible service members, veterans, and certain surviving military spouses achieve homeownership with advantages unavailable through conventional or FHA financing.
The program was established in 1944 as part of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act (the GI Bill), and it has since helped more than 28 million veterans buy homes. In 2026, it remains one of the most powerful financial tools available to those who have served — particularly in a high-cost market like San Diego.
The Core Advantages
Zero down payment required. This is the headline benefit — and in San Diego, where a 20% down payment on a $900,000 home requires $180,000 in cash, it is genuinely life-changing. Eligible VA borrowers with full entitlement can purchase a home with no money down on loans of any amount.
No private mortgage insurance (PMI). Conventional buyers who put less than 20% down are required to carry PMI — which typically adds $400–$700/month to the payment on a $900,000 loan. VA loans eliminate PMI entirely. This is a lifetime savings that compounds significantly over the typical homeownership period.
Competitive interest rates. Historically, VA loan rates have run approximately 0.25%–0.50% below conventional rates. On a 30-year $800,000 loan, that difference in rate represents tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
No loan limits with full entitlement. Since 2020, VA borrowers with full entitlement (those without an active VA loan) face no loan limit — meaning you can purchase a home in any price range with zero down, provided you qualify on income and credit.
Limits on closing costs. The VA limits what lenders can charge VA borrowers. Lenders cannot charge more than 1% of the loan amount as an origination fee and cannot pass on certain other closing costs to VA buyers. This creates a favorable closing cost structure relative to conventional financing.
Foreclosure avoidance assistance. VA loan borrowers in financial distress can access the VA's Loan Guaranty Service for assistance — a safety net that conventional and FHA programs do not offer at the same level.
Who Is Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
VA loan eligibility is determined by service requirements verified through your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The general service requirements include:
Active-duty service members: 90 days of continuous active service qualifies in most cases.
Veterans: 90 days of active service during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime; honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge required. National Guard and Reserve members who have been activated under Title 10 orders are also eligible.
National Guard and Reserve members: 6 years of service in the Guard or Reserve, or 90 days of active service under Title 10 federal activation.
Surviving spouses: Surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability may be eligible, subject to specific requirements.
Important: The VA requires an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Other-than-honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge disqualifies most borrowers, though appeal processes exist.
Getting Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE is the document that confirms your eligibility and entitlement amount to lenders. There are three ways to obtain it:
Through your lender: Most VA-experienced lenders can pull your COE electronically through the VA's ACE (Automated Certificate of Eligibility) system. This is the fastest method — often completed within minutes.
Through the VA eBenefits portal: Login at benefits.va.gov/ebenfits and apply online. Processing typically takes 1–3 business days.
By mail: Complete VA Form 26-1880 and mail to the VA Eligibility Center. This is the slowest method (several weeks) and rarely necessary given the online options.
What the COE shows: Your entitlement amount and whether you have "full entitlement" (unlimited purchase with zero down, for borrowers without an active VA loan) or "remaining entitlement" (for borrowers with an active VA loan who want to purchase a second property). Your COE also shows your funding fee exemption status if applicable.
The VA Funding Fee: 2026 Complete Rate Guide
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge paid to the Department of Veterans Affairs to help sustain the program at no ongoing cost to taxpayers. It replaces the PMI that conventional borrowers pay monthly — and unlike monthly PMI, the funding fee is a one-time payment that can be financed into the loan.
Understanding the funding fee in advance is critical for accurate budget planning.
2026 VA Funding Fee Rates for Purchase Loans
| Down Payment |
First Use |
Subsequent Use |
| 0% (no down) |
2.15% |
3.30% |
| 5%–9.99% |
1.50% |
1.50% |
| 10% or more |
1.25% |
1.25% |
Real dollar examples on South Bay purchases:
On a $850,000 home with zero down — a typical South Bay purchase in Chula Vista or Eastlake:
- First-time VA user: $850,000 × 2.15% = $18,275 funding fee
- Subsequent VA user: $850,000 × 3.30% = $28,050 funding fee
These amounts can be financed into the loan (rolling them in raises your loan balance and monthly payment slightly but requires no cash at closing) or paid in cash at closing.
The 5% down strategy: Putting just 5% down drops the funding fee from 2.15% to 1.50% — on a $500,000 loan, that's a $3,250 instant savings on the fee alone, plus lower monthly interest because of the smaller loan balance. For borrowers with some cash reserves, the math of putting 5% down often makes more sense than pure zero-down.
VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan): The streamline refinance carries a flat funding fee of just 0.50% regardless of prior use. This is one of the most cost-effective refinance options available to any mortgage borrower.
VA Cash-Out Refinance: Carries the same rates as a purchase loan — 2.15% for first use, 3.30% for subsequent use.
2026 VA Funding Fee Exemptions — A Critical Detail
A significant number of veterans pay zero funding fee. As of 2026, the following borrowers are entirely exempt:
- Veterans receiving VA compensation for any service-connected disability — regardless of disability rating percentage. Even a 10% rating creates full exemption
- Veterans who would be entitled to receive VA disability compensation but are receiving military retirement pay instead
- Active-duty service members who have received the Purple Heart (a 2019 law change that extended this exemption)
- Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability
The financial impact of exemption: On a $300,000 loan, a 10% disability rating saves $6,450 in funding fees for first-time use and $9,900 for subsequent use. On an $850,000 South Bay purchase, first-use exemption saves $18,275. This is not a minor benefit — confirm your exemption status before closing.
Critical step: Your exemption status must appear on your COE before closing, or the fee will be charged automatically. Do not assume your lender will check. Provide your VA award letter or disability documentation to your lender early in the process.
New for 2026: The VA Funding Fee is now tax-deductible for those who qualify, treated similarly to mortgage interest when itemizing on Schedule A. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
VA Loan Entitlement: Understanding First Use vs. Subsequent Use
One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the VA loan is entitlement — what it means, how it works when you have used the benefit before, and how to restore it.
Full Entitlement
Borrowers with full entitlement (no active VA loan on a primary residence) can:
- Purchase a home of any price with zero down
- Face no loan limit
- Secure 100% financing on a jumbo purchase
This means a veteran with full entitlement can purchase a $1.5M home in Coronado or a $2M home in La Jolla with zero down payment — provided their income and credit support the loan. This is an extraordinary financial capability available to no other borrower category in the US mortgage market.
Remaining Entitlement (Using the Benefit Again While Still Owning)
If you currently have a VA loan on your primary residence and want to purchase another property with a VA loan, you may have remaining entitlement — a portion of the VA guarantee that allows you to use the benefit on a second property without selling the first. This is commonly used by:
- Military families who keep their first home as a rental when PCSing and use the VA benefit again at the new duty station
- Veterans investing in a second property
The math on remaining entitlement requires a specific calculation based on your county's conforming loan limit ($1,104,000 for San Diego County in 2026). A VA-experienced lender can calculate your remaining entitlement precisely.
Restoring Full Entitlement
If you have previously used your VA benefit on a property and have since sold it and paid off the VA loan, you can restore your full entitlement by submitting VA Form 26-1880 with documentation of the paid-off loan. This makes you eligible to use the benefit again at full entitlement — though you will be considered a "subsequent user" for funding fee purposes.
VA Loan Limits in San Diego County: The 2026 Picture
The 2026 conforming loan limit for San Diego County is $1,104,000.
For VA borrowers with full entitlement, this number is informational rather than limiting — there is no VA loan cap. You can purchase a property at any price.
For VA borrowers with remaining entitlement (active VA loan on another property), the loan limit affects the calculation of the guarantee amount and, therefore, the maximum zero-down purchase price. A VA-experienced lender can calculate the specific remaining entitlement available for your situation.
The Jumbo VA Loan Opportunity in San Diego
Because San Diego's median home prices ($929,000–$983,000 countywide) regularly exceed conforming loan limits in many neighborhoods, the VA loan's unlimited purchase capability at full entitlement is particularly valuable here. A veteran with full entitlement and sufficient income can purchase:
- A single-family home in Eastlake for $1.1M — zero down
- A home in Rancho Santa Fe for $2M — zero down (income qualifying)
- A luxury townhome in Coronado for $1.4M — zero down (income qualifying)
This is the VA loan's most underutilized capability in the San Diego market, and it represents extraordinary purchasing power for qualifying veterans.
Best South Bay Neighborhoods for VA Buyers in 2026
The South Bay — Chula Vista, National City, and surrounding communities — has historically been one of the most VA-loan-friendly markets in all of San Diego County. Here is the specific breakdown by neighborhood.
Chula Vista (91910, 91911) — West Side and Central
The established neighborhoods of western and central Chula Vista offer VA buyers the most accessible price points in the South Bay, with median home prices in the $820,000–$915,000 range. Most properties in these neighborhoods carry no HOA fees and no Mello-Roos — a significant financial advantage that reduces the true monthly cost of ownership.
Rancho del Rey is particularly well-positioned for VA buyers: top-ranked schools (Discovery Charter School, top 10% in California), no HOA on most single-family homes, no Mello-Roos on most properties, and a central location with I-805 access and Blue Line Trolley proximity.
Chula Vista — Eastlake (91915, 91914)
Eastlake is one of the most popular destinations for military families in the entire San Diego metro, and for good reason. Eastlake High School ranks in the top 6% of all California public high schools. The community infrastructure — lake, golf course, trails, pools — is the best in the South Bay. Many condo and townhome communities in Eastlake are VA-approved.
For VA buyers in Eastlake, the most important financial consideration is the HOA plus Mello-Roos combination, which can add $500–$800/month to the effective housing cost. The elimination of PMI through the VA loan substantially offsets this — a PMI payment on a conventional $900,000 mortgage at less than 20% down would typically cost $400–$700/month, comparable to or exceeding the HOA/Mello-Roos addition. Running the full comparison for your specific situation is essential.
Otay Ranch (91913)
Otay Ranch has become a primary destination for military families at Naval Base San Diego and the surrounding installations. The community's combination of newer construction, top-ranked schools (Otay Ranch Senior High, top 16% in California), walkable amenities at Otay Ranch Town Center, and proximity to the Otay Mesa border crossing makes it a consistently strong choice.
Many Otay Ranch single-family homes and townhomes are VA-eligible. The attached communities in Millenia offer entry-level price points (high $500s–$600s) where the VA loan makes homeownership particularly accessible for younger military families buying their first home.
Sunbow (91910, 91911)
Sunbow is one of the most consistently VA-friendly communities in the South Bay. Multiple condo and townhome sub-communities are VA-approved. Many properties carry low or no Mello-Roos. And the community's location adjacent to Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, combined with accessible price points and the Hedenkamp Elementary Dual Language Immersion program, makes it a practical and appealing choice for military families.
National City (91950)
National City, located directly north of Chula Vista and east of Naval Base San Diego, provides the most accessible price points in the immediate South Bay — with median home prices in the $600,000–$750,000 range. For VA buyers whose primary need is minimizing cost and commute to the base, National City deserves serious consideration. The neighborhood is undergoing genuine revitalization, and investors who understand the trajectory are positioning early.
VA Loans and Condo Purchases: What Military Buyers Need to Know
This is one of the most practically important sections of this guide — and one that catches many VA buyers by surprise.
The VA-approval requirement for condos: The VA will only guarantee loans on condos that are located in projects on the VA's approved condo list. This means that if you fall in love with a condo in a development that is not VA-approved, you cannot use your VA loan to purchase it — regardless of your eligibility or the individual unit's quality.
Checking VA condo approval: The VA's official condo approval list is searchable at benefits.va.gov/homeloans. You can search by project name, location, or builder. Your agent should be checking this before you schedule a showing in any condo or townhome community.
The VA condo approval process: If a condo project you want to purchase is not on the VA's approved list, the project can apply for approval — but this takes time (typically 30–90 days) and requires the HOA to provide documentation that satisfies VA requirements. In a competitive market, waiting for a VA approval is rarely practical.
Condo approval in the South Bay: Several condo and townhome communities across Chula Vista, National City, and the broader South Bay are VA-approved. Our team maintains current knowledge of which communities are approved — because this information changes and is not always well-documented in standard listing databases. Contact us to get current VA approval status on any specific community you are considering.
The individual unit exception (IAPD): In some cases, the VA will approve an individual unit within a non-VA-approved project through the Individual Unit Determination process. This requires additional documentation and lender cooperation but can unlock properties that would otherwise be unavailable to VA buyers. A VA-experienced agent and lender team is essential for navigating this process.
How to Win With a VA Offer in San Diego's Competitive Market
One of the most persistent and damaging myths about VA loans is that sellers resist them. The reality in 2026 is more nuanced — and a well-executed VA offer is genuinely competitive.
The myth and the truth: Some sellers and listing agents historically preferred conventional offers because VA appraisals were seen as more stringent and VA transactions were perceived as more complicated. These perceptions, while sometimes valid in the past, are increasingly outdated. VA transactions with experienced agents and lenders close at rates comparable to conventional loans — and a zero-down VA offer from a fully pre-approved buyer is a more complete offer than a conventional offer where the down payment is tied up in a home sale contingency.
How to position your VA offer effectively:
Full pre-approval, not pre-qualification. This cannot be said strongly enough. A fully underwritten pre-approval from a VA-experienced lender carries far more credibility with listing agents than a pre-qualification letter. Work with a lender who specifically handles VA transactions in the San Diego market — not a national call-center lender unfamiliar with the local appraisal environment.
An agent who knows how to present VA offers. Listing agents form impressions of VA offers partly based on the buyer's agent's reputation and presentation. An agent who has successfully closed VA transactions in the community, who communicates professionally with the listing side, and who can articulate the strength of your offer clearly — rather than just submitting paperwork — changes outcomes in competitive situations.
Understand VA appraisal and MPR requirements. VA-financed properties must meet Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) — ensuring the home is safe, sound, and sanitary. In practice, MPRs eliminate the most problematic properties but rarely kill deals on well-maintained homes in established Chula Vista communities. Properties in Eastlake, Otay Ranch, and Rancho del Rey — newer or well-maintained established homes — rarely have MPR issues. Older homes in West Chula Vista may require more attention.
Use the Tidewater process to your advantage. If the VA appraiser believes the value may come in below the purchase price, VA guidelines require them to invoke the "Tidewater" process — notifying the lender and giving your agent an opportunity to provide additional comparable sales data before the value is finalized. This process protects VA buyers while giving sellers and their agents a fair opportunity to support the agreed-upon price. A knowledgeable agent uses Tidewater proactively rather than reactively.
Seller concessions: The VA allows sellers to pay up to 4% of the purchase price toward buyer concessions — including the funding fee. In a balanced market, negotiating for the seller to cover the funding fee at closing allows you to keep the zero-down benefit while also keeping your loan at the actual purchase price without the financed fee. This is a powerful strategy that few VA buyers think to use.
Using Your VA Loan Benefit More Than Once
One of the most liberating truths about the VA loan — and one that surprises many veterans — is that the benefit is reusable. You are not limited to a single lifetime VA loan.
Full entitlement restoration: When you sell a VA-financed home and pay off the VA loan, you can restore your full entitlement and use the VA benefit again on a new purchase, with zero down and no loan limit. The funding fee on this subsequent use will be higher (3.30% at zero down vs. 2.15% for first use), but the core benefits remain intact.
Concurrent VA loans: In limited circumstances — primarily military families who need to PCS and cannot sell their current home — VA borrowers can carry two simultaneous VA loans by using remaining entitlement for the second purchase.
VA loan after foreclosure: Veterans who previously lost a VA-financed home to foreclosure may still be eligible for VA financing after a mandatory waiting period, typically 2 years. The details depend on the specific circumstances; a VA-experienced lender can assess eligibility.
VA loans for refinancing: VA borrowers can access two powerful refinance tools: the VA IRRRL (streamline refinance) for lowering their rate with minimal documentation at a 0.50% funding fee, and VA cash-out refinancing for accessing equity or converting a non-VA loan to a VA loan. Both are valuable tools for wealth-building over the long-term ownership period.
The VA Loan as a Wealth-Building Tool in San Diego
The zero-down feature of the VA loan is usually framed as a way to buy without cash. It is also — and more importantly — a wealth-building strategy.
Cash preservation: A conventional buyer purchasing a $900,000 home with 20% down commits $180,000 of liquid capital to the down payment. That is $180,000 that is no longer available for investment, emergency reserves, college savings, or retirement accounts. The VA buyer keeps that capital liquid and working — while building the same equity through appreciation and mortgage paydown.
Opportunity cost: Over 10 years, $180,000 invested in a diversified portfolio at historical average returns of 7% annually grows to approximately $354,000. The VA buyer who kept their cash working builds this parallel wealth stream while the conventional buyer does not. The VA loan's no-down benefit is, in this framing, a financial instrument for building wealth on two tracks simultaneously: home equity and investment portfolio.
Equity through appreciation: San Diego County home values have appreciated approximately 7–8% annually over the past decade on a rolling basis. A VA buyer who purchased in Chula Vista in 2016 with zero down on a $600,000 home has built approximately $450,000–$500,000 in gross equity through appreciation alone — without deploying a single dollar of their own cash as a down payment.
For a military family on a government salary, this is generational wealth-building that would not otherwise be possible in a market where conventional entry costs are $150,000–$200,000+. The VA loan is not just a mortgage product — it is one of the most powerful wealth-creation mechanisms available to any American household.
Common VA Loan Myths — Corrected
Myth: VA loans take longer to close. Truth: With an experienced VA lender and agent team, VA purchases close in timelines comparable to conventional transactions — typically 21–35 days. The perception of slower closings is often the result of inexperienced teams, not the VA process itself.
Myth: Sellers won't accept VA offers. Truth: In 2026, well-prepared VA offers with strong pre-approvals and experienced agents are genuinely competitive. The key is positioning — not the loan type.
Myth: You can only use a VA loan once. Truth: The VA loan benefit can be used multiple times throughout a veteran's life, subject to entitlement restoration procedures.
Myth: VA loans are only for first-time buyers. Truth: There is no first-time buyer requirement for VA loans. Veterans who have owned multiple conventional homes and are purchasing their next home can use the VA benefit.
Myth: VA appraisals always kill deals. Truth: VA appraisals are thorough, not punitive. On well-maintained properties — the vast majority in Chula Vista's master-planned communities — VA appraisals rarely create issues. And when they do, the Tidewater process provides a fair opportunity to resolve value questions before a final determination.
Myth: You need a 620 credit score to qualify. Truth: While most VA lenders set minimum credit score requirements (typically 580–620+), there is no VA-mandated minimum score. Some lenders work with scores below 600 for VA borrowers with strong compensating factors. Talk to a VA-experienced lender about your specific situation.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Home in San Diego with a VA Loan
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility and get your COE. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000, use the eBenefits portal, or work with a VA-experienced lender who can pull your COE electronically. Confirm your funding fee exemption status if you have a service-connected disability.
Step 2: Get fully pre-approved by a VA-experienced lender. Choose a lender who specifically handles VA loans in the San Diego market — not a national lender unfamiliar with local appraisal dynamics, condo approval processes, or South Bay market conditions. The pre-approval should include income verification, credit review, and ideally full underwriting before you start touring.
Step 3: Partner with a VA-experienced, locally based real estate team. Your agent needs to know how to position VA offers competitively, navigate VA appraisal requirements, check condo VA approval status, and communicate effectively with listing agents. In a South Bay market where listings move in days, an agent with local relationships and VA transaction experience is essential.
Step 4: Determine your budget and neighborhood priorities. With your pre-approval in hand, use the full cost-of-ownership framework: loan payment + property taxes + HOA (if applicable) + Mello-Roos (if applicable) + utilities. In many Chula Vista neighborhoods, HOA and Mello-Roos add $500–$800/month to the effective cost. Knowing your true monthly budget before shopping prevents the painful surprises that come from discovering these costs after you are under contract.
Step 5: Identify VA-eligible properties. For single-family homes: all eligible properties. For condos and townhomes: verify VA project approval before scheduling showings. Our team provides this as a standard service.
Step 6: Submit a strong, competitive offer. Your agent presents your offer with your full pre-approval, explains the VA loan's strengths (no PMI, competitive rates, limited closing costs), and communicates your timeline and flexibility. In competitive situations, escalation clauses, flexibility on possession date, and waiver of lower-priority contingencies can strengthen your position.
Step 7: VA appraisal and inspection. The VA appraisal assesses both value and Minimum Property Requirements. Your agent coordinates access and, if Tidewater is invoked, provides comparable sales data promptly. Home inspections are separate from the VA appraisal and strongly recommended.
Step 8: Close and receive your keys. VA transactions close with limited closing costs due to the VA's 1% origination fee cap and restrictions on lender charges. You will pay (or finance) the funding fee, standard third-party costs (title, escrow, recording), and any prorated items (taxes, insurance, HOA dues).
Ready to Use Your VA Loan Benefit?
If you are an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family member considering a home purchase in the San Diego or Chula Vista area, we are here to help you use your benefit strategically — not just successfully.
At Cardenas & Company Real Estate Group, we understand the VA loan process deeply, we know the South Bay communities that serve military families best, and we have the local relationships and experience to make your VA transaction competitive and smooth. We are honored to serve those who have served our country.
📞 Call or text: (619) 494-0501 🌐 Browse South Bay properties: View All Current Listings 💰 What is your current home worth? Get Your Free Valuation 📅 Schedule a free military buyer consultation: Book Time With Our Team
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VA Home Loan FAQ
Who qualifies for a VA home loan in 2026? Active-duty service members with 90 days of continuous service, veterans with qualifying service (90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime), National Guard and Reserve members with 6 years of service or federal activation, and certain surviving spouses. An honorable or general discharge is required for most applicants.
What is the VA funding fee in 2026? For purchase loans with zero down payment: 2.15% for first-time VA loan users, 3.30% for subsequent users. The fee drops to 1.50% with 5% down and 1.25% with 10% down. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, Purple Heart recipients on active duty, and certain surviving spouses receiving DIC are completely exempt from the funding fee.
Is there a VA loan limit in San Diego County? For veterans with full entitlement (no active VA loan), there is no loan limit — you can purchase a home of any price with zero down. For veterans with remaining entitlement, the 2026 conforming loan limit for San Diego County of $1,104,000 affects the guarantee calculation.
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once? Yes. The VA loan benefit can be used multiple times throughout your life. When you sell a VA-financed home and pay off the loan, you can restore your full entitlement and use the benefit again. Funding fee rates are higher for subsequent uses (3.30% vs. 2.15% at zero down), but the core benefits remain.
Are all homes eligible for VA financing? Single-family homes in good condition that meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) are eligible. Condos and townhomes must be in VA-approved projects — check the VA's condo approval list before scheduling showings in any attached community.
Do sellers accept VA offers in San Diego? Well-prepared VA offers from fully pre-approved buyers with experienced agents are competitive in today's San Diego market. The key is preparation and positioning, not loan type. The perception that sellers resist VA offers is outdated when the buyer has done the right preparation work.
What is the VA appraisal process? The VA assigns an independent, licensed appraiser to assess both the market value and the Minimum Property Requirements of the home. The VA appraisal is separate from a home inspection, and buyers should schedule both. On well-maintained properties in established neighborhoods, VA appraisals rarely create issues.
Can I buy a condo with a VA loan in Chula Vista? Yes, if the condo project is on the VA's approved list. Several communities in Chula Vista and the South Bay are VA-approved. Contact our team for current approval status on specific communities you are considering.
What is the VA Tidewater process? If a VA appraiser believes a home's value may come in below the contract price, they invoke Tidewater — notifying the lender and giving the buyer's agent an opportunity to submit additional comparable sales before the value is finalized. This is a buyer protection mechanism that also gives sellers a fair chance to support their price.
How do I start the VA home loan process? Start by confirming your eligibility and obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Then get fully pre-approved by a VA-experienced lender. Then contact our team to begin your property search with the full support of a locally based, VA-experienced real estate team.
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