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 10–17 of 17 articles.
Home Buying
10 Things to Do Immediately After Buying a VA Home
Your VA loan helped you secure the home of your dreams. Now discover the 10 essential steps to take immediately after closing to protect your investment and start building wealth.
Jason O'Donnell8 min read
VA Loans
Common VA Loan Myths Debunked
Many veterans hesitate to use their VA loan benefits due to misconceptions. Let's separate fact from fiction about VA loans.
Jason O'Donnell8 min read
VA Loan Education
VA Loans for Manufactured Homes: How National VA Loans Helps Veterans Become Homeowners
Many veterans dream of owning a home but may not realize that a VA loan can be used to purchase a manufactured home—as long as that home is permanently affixed to land and classified as real estate under state law.
Jason O'Donnell8 min read
Credit & Finance
How to Improve Your Credit Score for a VA Loan
Practical strategies for veterans to boost their credit score and secure better VA loan terms.
Josh Buffum12 min read
Veteran Benefits
VA Loans for Disabled Veterans: Special Benefits Explained
Learn about the additional VA loan benefits available to veterans with service-connected disabilities in 2026.
Jeff Newton8 min read
Military History
The Evolution of Veterans Affairs: From Colonial Militia to Modern VA
The story of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is deeply intertwined with the history of America itself. From the earliest colonial settlements to today's comprehensive federal department, the evolution of veteran support reflects our nation's growing commitment to those who have served in uniform.
Jason O'Donnell12 min read
Military Resources
Navy Military Ranks: Complete Guide to Enlisted and Officer Ranks
Comprehensive guide to U.S. Navy military ranks from Seaman Recruit to Admiral. Learn about insignia, responsibilities, and career progression in the Navy.
Josh Buffum12 min read
Military Resources
How To Read DD Form 214: A Complete Guide for Veterans
Learn how to read and understand your DD Form 214, the essential military discharge document needed for VA loans and veteran benefits.
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.