Texas VA Home Loans: Zero Down, Lower Rates & Military Benefits

Serving Those Who Served: Your Path to Homeownership in the Lone Star State

You served our country with honor and dedication. Now, it’s your turn to enjoy the rewards of that service, and for Texas veterans and active-duty military, that includes the incredible opportunity of homeownership right here in the Lone Star State.

What Is a VA Home Loan in Texas?

A VA home loan is a mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) designed to help active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard, Reserves, and eligible surviving spouses buy, build, or refinance a home with $0 down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

A VA loan is one of the best mortgage options for military borrowers, offering unbeatable benefits. If you’re eligible, it’s a powerful way to buy a home in Texas!

What is a Texas GI Bill?

The Texas GI Bill, officially known as the Hazlewood Act, is a state benefit providing qualified Texas veterans, their spouses, and dependent children with exemption from tuition and certain fees at public colleges and universities within Texas. Eligible veterans can receive up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption, provided they served at least 181 days of active duty (excluding training), received an honorable discharge, and entered military service from Texas or were Texas residents upon enlistment. Additionally, unused education benefits under the Hazlewood Act can often be transferred to eligible dependents or spouses, enabling family members to access higher education opportunities without the financial burden of tuition costs. The Texas GI Bill helps veterans and their families achieve educational goals, easing the transition from military to civilian life and honoring their service through tangible educational support.

Texas VA Loan Calculator

Estimate your monthly payments with our VA Loan Texas calculator.

VA Loan Options in Texas

VA home loans in Texas aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your goals, there are several VA loan programs available:

  • VA Purchase Loan: You’ll need to get a loan through a private lender. VA guarantees part of the loan against loss, allowing the lender to give you better loan terms.
  • VA IRRRL (Streamline Refinance): If you already have a VA loan, the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) allows you to lower your interest rate with minimal paperwork. Many Texas veterans have saved hundreds monthly through this streamlined process that often requires no appraisal or income verification.
  • VA Construction Loan: Build your dream home from the ground up with a VA construction loan. These specialized loans finance both the land purchase and construction process, then convert to a permanent VA mortgage upon completion.
  • VA Jumbo Loan: When your dream home exceeds your county’s loan limit, VA jumbo loans bridge the gap. With minimal down payment requirements for amounts over the county limit, these specialized loans make luxury and larger homes accessible.

Our VA loan experts will guide you to the best loan program based on your goals, eligibility, and long-term financial strategy.

Why Choose a Texas VA Home Loan

VA loans are uniquely advantageous for qualified Texas veterans and service members. With no down payment required, no PMI payments, and attractive interest rates, your path to homeownership becomes simpler and more affordable. VA loans offer flexibility, security, and peace of mind, whether you’re purchasing your first home or refinancing your current property.

Beyond the headline benefits, the VA loan offers advantages that make homeownership more attainable and affordable for our Texas military community:

  • Zero Down Payment: Unlike traditional mortgages that require substantial upfront costs, Texas VA loans allow you to purchase a home with no money down. This means you can preserve your savings for furnishing your new home, handling moving expenses, or keeping as an emergency fund.
  • No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): When you use conventional financing with less than 20% down, you’re typically required to pay PMI, an additional monthly expense that protects the lender, not you. With a VA loan, this requirement is eliminated, potentially saving you thousands over the life of your loan.
  • Competitive Interest Rates: Texas VA mortgage rates consistently rank among the most favorable in the lending market. These lower rates translate directly to reduced monthly payments and significant long-term savings.
  • Flexible Credit Requirements: While traditional lenders may require pristine credit, VA loan eligibility in Texas accommodates a broader range of credit profiles, making homeownership accessible to more veterans.
  • Funding Fee Advantages: The VA loan funding fee in Texas replaces traditional mortgage insurance and can be rolled into your loan amount. Better yet, disabled veterans may qualify for a complete funding fee exemption, another way your service continues to benefit you.
  • Reusable Entitlement: Use your VA loan benefit multiple times throughout your lifetime. Your entitlement is not limited to a single use. 
  • Assumable Loans: If you decide to sell in the future, another VA-eligible buyer could potentially assume your loan, which can be an attractive selling point.

These benefits of VA loans in Texas are designed to put you in a stronger financial position, both at closing and over the life of your loan.

Texas VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

Your eligibility for a VA home loan in Texas depends on your service history. You may qualify if you meet any of these requirements:

  • You’re a veteran, active-duty service member, Reservist, or National Guard member,
  • Served 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime,
  • Served 181 days of active service during peacetime,
  • Completed 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves,
  • Are the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability,
  • You meet the basic income and credit standards,
  • You plan to use the home as your primary residence,
  • You have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

The first step in your homebuying journey is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which verifies your entitlement to VA loan benefits. While the process might seem daunting, our team specializes in helping Texas veterans navigate this crucial first step.

VA Funding Fee: Understanding the Costs

While VA loans eliminate many typical mortgage costs, they do include a funding fee—a one-time payment that helps keep the program running for future generations of veterans. For first-time VA loan users making no down payment, this fee is typically 2.3% of the loan amount.

However, many Texas veterans qualify for funding fee exemptions, including:

  • Veterans receiving VA disability compensation
  • Purple Heart recipients
  • Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities

Even for those who pay the full funding fee, the long-term savings from eliminated PMI and lower interest rates typically outweigh this upfront cost, which can be financed into your loan amount.

Apply For A VA Texas Loan

Find out what you qualify for in 10 minutes or less!

Common Questions About VA Loans in Texas

  • Q: What credit score do I need for a VA loan in Texas?

A: While the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, most Texas lenders look for scores of 580-620. However, the VA’s flexible guidelines consider your entire financial picture, not just your score.

  • Q: How long does the Texas VA loan process take?

A: From application to closing, expect 30-45 days—comparable to conventional loans. Working with experienced VA lenders can help avoid delays.

  • Q: Can I use my Texas VA loan benefit more than once?

A: Absolutely! You can reuse your VA loan benefit after selling your previous home and paying off the VA loan. In some cases, you may even have remaining entitlement to purchase another home while still owning a property with a VA loan.

  • Q: What are the VA loan income requirements in Texas?

A: Rather than strict income thresholds, VA loans focus on your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and residual income, ensuring you have enough money left after paying debts each month. This approach provides more flexibility than conventional loans.

Pre-Qualify

Get Pre-Qualified Now

Ready to take the next step toward homeownership with VA Loans Texas? Get prequalified in just a few minutes and find out how much you can invest in your future.

Discover your qualification amount in 10 minutes or less with our easy, online pre-qualification process.

Get an instant estimate of how much you can qualify for, streamlining your home-buying journey.

Partner with our experienced, local loan experts who are dedicated to providing personalized and knowledgeable support.

Count on us to guide you smoothly through the process, ensuring your loan closes on time, every time. *Conditions must be met. 

Start Here

Step 1 of 2

(By Clicking Get Started, I authorize to be contacted about home loan offers by telephone calls and pre-recorded/text messages to the number I provided, using an autodialer, even if my telephone number is currently listed on any state, federal, or corporate 'Do Not Call' lists. I understand that my consent here is not a condition of purchase of any goods or services.)

How It Works

Texas VA Loan Process

The VA Loan process in Texas offers flexibility for veterans and active-duty service members, allowing them to purchase a home or condo, build a new home, make home improvements, refinance an existing VA loan, or use a cash-out refinance to access equity for other needs.

Step 1

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Verify your entitlement to a VA loan.

Step 2

Prequalify with a VA Lender in Texas

Understand your borrowing power and loan options.

Step 3

Submit Required Documents

Provide required documents to the VA lender.

Step 4

Find Your Dream Home

Work with a trusted realtor to locate a VA-approved property.

Step 5

Appraisal and Approval

Ensure the property meets VA standards and finalize the loan.

Step 6

Closing

Sign the necessary paperwork and move into your new home.

Start Your VA Loan Journey in Texas Today

Your service has earned you access to one of the most powerful mortgage programs available. With a VA loan in Texas, you can buy or refinance with confidence, save thousands in upfront costs, and move into your dream home with the support of a team that understands your needs.

Whether you’re ready to buy today or just beginning to explore your options, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Call us at (877) 280-4833 or fill out our short application form for a personalized consultation with a Texas VA loan specialist. There’s no obligation, just expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.