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VA loan FAQs

Good questions deserve
straightforward answers.

Find a starting point here. For an answer that accounts for your circumstances, ask a VA loan expert.

Getting started

What is the Veterans Home Advantage Program?

VHAP is a private program owned by Coastline Mortgage, connecting VA home financing guidance with additional benefits through DCA ONE™, the platform bringing together Douglas Realty, Coastline Mortgage, and Admiral Title. It is not a government program or an endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Do I need to be ready to apply?

No. You can ask a VA loan expert about buying, refinancing, or preparing for a future move without committing to an application. A conversation is a chance to understand your options.

Who will answer my questions?

A Coastline Mortgage loan officer with additional VA lending training. Our team can explain the process and help you identify the next step for your circumstances.

Will asking a question affect my credit?

The inquiry form on this site does not run a credit check. A separate loan application or preapproval may involve a credit review; your loan officer can explain the process before you proceed.

Where is the program available?

We serve Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida, and Colorado. Individual loan officer licensing and transaction-specific program conditions apply.

Eligibility and purchase

Who may be eligible for a VA home loan?

Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, certain National Guard and Reserve members, and qualifying surviving spouses may be able to use the benefit. Service requirements depend on your history. A Certificate of Eligibility helps establish service eligibility; credit, income, occupancy, and lender requirements still apply.

Can I buy a home with no down payment?

Eligible borrowers may be able to buy with no down payment, subject to entitlement, value, and lender requirements. No down payment does not mean no closing costs or guaranteed approval.

Do VA loans have monthly mortgage insurance?

VA-backed loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance. A one-time VA funding fee may apply unless you qualify for an exemption, and other loan costs still apply.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

A COE confirms to a lender that you meet applicable service requirements for the VA home loan benefit. It does not by itself approve a mortgage. A loan officer can help you request it, or you can use VA.gov.

Can I use my VA benefit more than once?

Yes, repeat use may be possible. Available entitlement, restoration rules, existing VA loans, and the new property affect your options. Selling your prior home is not always required. Ask an expert to review your entitlement.

Do I need perfect credit?

Perfect credit is not a requirement. Lenders evaluate credit, income, debts, and other underwriting factors. A loan officer can explain the applicable standards without promising approval.

Can I use a VA loan for an investment property?

VA purchase financing is generally intended for a home you will occupy, subject to applicable occupancy rules and exceptions. Ask an expert about your situation before assuming a property qualifies.

Can you help with a PCS move?

The team can discuss your purchase timeline, occupancy considerations, and financing preparation around a move. Tell your loan officer about your orders and timing during a private conversation.

Payments and costs

What does the payment calculator include?

The purchase tool estimates principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and a funding fee when applicable. Your actual payment and closing costs depend on the property and loan terms. It is not a quote or approval.

What is the VA funding fee?

It is a one-time fee that may apply to VA-backed loans. The amount depends on the loan type, prior use, and, for purchases, the down payment. Certain borrowers are exempt. Use the calculator assumptions as a starting point and confirm your status with a loan officer.

Can I finance all of my purchase closing costs?

For a VA purchase loan, the VA funding fee can generally be financed. Other closing costs are not simply added to the VA purchase loan in the same way. Seller credits or other permitted arrangements may help; your loan officer can review the specific transaction.

Are calculator interest rates current offers?

No. Rates entered in these tools are editable illustrations, not current Coastline offers, APRs, rate locks, or credit decisions. Request a personalized review for your situation.

Refinance

What is a VA IRRRL?

An Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan refinances an existing VA-backed mortgage. It may lower a rate or payment, or help move from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. Eligibility and lender requirements apply.

How does cash-out refinancing differ?

A cash-out refinance is a separate loan option that may refinance a non-VA loan or provide access to equity, subject to eligibility, value, and underwriting. It is not the same as an IRRRL.

Does a lower payment always mean I save money?

No. Extending the term or financing costs can lower the payment while increasing the balance or total interest. Compare costs, remaining term, and how long you expect to keep the loan.

How should I think about refinance break-even?

A simple break-even divides estimated refinance costs by a positive monthly payment reduction. It is a useful starting point but does not capture every tradeoff or replace lender calculations of required recoupment and benefit tests.

Will I need an appraisal to refinance?

Requirements vary by refinance type and lender. An IRRRL may not require a new appraisal, while a cash-out refinance generally involves a property-value review. Confirm the requirements for your specific loan.

Program benefits

What extra benefits does VHAP offer?

The program offers a free appraisal through a closing credit up to $800 when an eligible purchase loan closes, a free one-year home warranty covered through a closing credit on eligible purchases, and a rate promise through participating companies within DCA ONE™. Participating-provider requirements and program conditions apply. Review the Program Benefits and Rate Promise page and ask the team to confirm terms for your transaction.

Do I have to use every DCA company?

Consumers can choose their service providers. The current published program terms say certain additional benefits depend on using all participating affiliated providers. Ask for the specific benefit conditions and applicable affiliated business disclosures before deciding.

Does the home warranty apply to refinancing?

No. The free one-year home warranty applies only to eligible home purchases and is covered through a closing credit. It is not available on refinances.

How does the rate promise work?

Bring us your mortgage quote. We’ll match or beat a verified qualifying lower rate, or pay you $200 if we can’t. To qualify, Coastline Mortgage must have the final opportunity to review and match or beat the competing offer. Matching the rate fulfills the promise. A competing Loan Estimate must be dated within three business days of Coastline’s original quote. Full program conditions apply.

No matching question. Try another term, or ask an expert below.

Educational content reviewed against VA home loan guidance, October 18, 2026.

Beyond the basics

Find the answer for your stage.

Understanding your benefit

A COE concerns service eligibility; mortgage approval also depends on credit, income, occupancy and lender requirements. Start with the eligibility and payment questions above.

Planning your purchase

Move from “Can I use VA?” to “What will this home cost and what must happen before closing?”

Navigating a more complex situation

A clear plan starts with a conversation

Have a question
we haven’t answered?

Tell a Coastline Mortgage VA loan expert what you want to understand. You can explore a payment, plan ahead, or simply ask a question.

  • No obligation to apply
  • No credit check from this inquiry
  • Representatives available 24/7

Questions about your VA loan options? Our representatives are available day or night. Serving Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida, and Colorado.

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