Veterans Resource Center
VA Loan Answers. More Confident Homeownership.
Understand your benefits, explore your options, and prepare for your next move—with practical guidance from National VA Loans.
New to VA Loans? Start Here.
- Start hereVA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Guide 2026: How to Get YoursA COE confirms your VA home loan service eligibility and entitlement details. It is not a loan approval—credit, income, and property still go through underwriting.
- Start hereFirst-Time Home Buyer Guide for Veterans 2026Use your VA loan benefit the first time you buy: confirm eligibility with a COE, estimate affordability, gather documents, then request Pre-Qualification before you shop seriously.
- Start hereVA Funding Fee CalculatorEstimate the VA funding fee by loan type, use, and down payment context.
Featured
Browse by Goal
- Buy My First HomeStart with the first-time buyer guide for veterans using a VA loan to purchase.
- Build a HomeSee how VA construction financing works before you choose a lot or builder.
- Refinance My HomeCompare VA refinance paths, including streamline and cash-out options.
- Understand My BenefitsRead articles on veteran benefits that connect to housing decisions.
- Plan a Military MoveUse the military relocation guide when a PCS or new duty station is ahead.
Explore Our Latest Articles
Showing 1–9 of 17 articles.
Military History
How the GI Bill Changed Homeownership Forever
How the 1944 GI Bill's home loan guaranty helped WWII Veterans buy homes, and how the national homeownership rate rose from 43.6% in 1940 to 61.9% in 1960.
Jason O'Donnell9 min read
VA Loan Education
Building Your Dream Home with a VA Construction Loan: A Complete Guide
Complete guide to VA construction loans for veterans. Learn eligibility requirements, step-by-step process, builder selection, funding fees, and tips for building your dream home with VA financing. Expert advice from VA loan specialists.
Jeff Newton8 min read
VA Loan Education
VA Construction Loan Checklist: Your Complete Guide to Building a Home or Barndominium
Use this comprehensive VA construction loan checklist to navigate the process of building your dream home or barndominium. From eligibility to move-in, we cover every step.
Jason O'Donnell12 min read
VA Loan Education
Is A VA Cash-Out Refinance A Good Idea?
Discover when a VA cash-out refinance makes sense, understand the costs and requirements, and learn how to make the best decision for your financial future.
Jason O'Donnell8 min read
VA Loan Education
What is the Minimum Credit Score for VA Loan?
Discover the minimum credit score requirements for VA loans, understand FICO scores, and learn strategies to improve your credit for better loan terms.
Jason O'Donnell8 min read
Military Education
America's Largest Military Bases 2026: Complete Guide to Biggest US Military Installations
Complete guide to America's largest military bases in 2026. Discover Fort Bragg, Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, and more. Learn about personnel, size, economic impact, training facilities, and strategic importance of the biggest US military installations.
Jason O'Donnell15 min read
Veteran Benefits
Best Cities for Veterans to Live in 2026: Complete Guide with VA Benefits & Statistics
Discover the top cities for veterans in 2026, complete with VA benefits analysis, veteran population statistics, and expert insights on where military families thrive.
Jason O'Donnell12 min read
Home Buying
Tips for Getting the Best Contractor to Build Your New Home
Discover essential tips for finding, vetting, and hiring the best contractor to build your dream home. Avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth construction process.
Jason O'Donnell6 min read
Military Education
Marines Hoorah Meaning: The Complete Guide to Marine Corps Battle Cry
Discover the meaning, history, and proper usage of the Marine Corps battle cry 'Hoorah' - from its origins to modern-day significance in Marine culture.
Jason O'Donnell8 min read
Tools for Your Next Move
View All Calculators- VA Mortgage CalculatorEstimate monthly VA payment, funding fee (finance or cash), extra principal, and ZIP tax-insurance estimates for purchase or refinance.
- VA Home Affordability CalculatorEstimate buying power using income, debts, and VA payment context.
- VA Construction Loan CalculatorEstimate VA construction project cost, funding fee, draw interest, cash needed, and permanent payment.
Contributors
Writers are listed separately from the mortgage loan manager. Article bylines show the author. “Reviewed by” appears on a guide only when that review is recorded there.
Writer
Jason O'Donnell
National Brand Manager
Jason O'Donnell has been in the mortgage industry since 2010 and writes about VA home loans, veteran benefits, and military history for National VA Loans.
Mortgage loan manager
Jeff Newton
Mortgage Loan Manager
Jeff Newton is a Mortgage Loan Manager at National VA Loans, powered by Stride Bank, N.A. (NMLS #466690). With a brother who served 20 years in the U.S. military, Jeff is dedicated to helping veterans and military families navigate the VA loan process with clarity.
Writer
Josh Buffum
National VA Loans
Josh Buffum writes about VA home loans for National VA Loans.
Questions About Your Situation?
Explore your options with a National VA Loans specialist and get help understanding your next step.
National VA Loans is powered by Stride Bank, N.A. NMLS #466690. Not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Pre-qualification is not a commitment to lend.