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.
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
Clear all filtersShowing 1–9 of 9 articles in Veteran Benefits.
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
How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE): A Step-by-Step Guide
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the essential first document you'll need to obtain a VA home loan. This official document, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, verifies to lenders that you qualify for the VA home loan benefit. Without it, you cannot proceed with a VA-backed mortgage.
Jason O'Donnell8 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
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
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 Loan Education
Understanding the VA Loan Funding Fee: What It Is and How to Reduce It
The VA funding fee is a one-time payment made to the Department of Veterans Affairs at closing. Think of it as our contribution to keeping the VA loan program running strong for future generations of veterans.
Josh Buffum7 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 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.