What must a veteran provide to secure a VA loan?

To secure a VA loan, a veteran must provide a Certificate of Eligibility showing entitlement. This important document confirms to lenders that the veteran meets the service requirements necessary to qualify for a VA loan and demonstrates their eligibility for benefits. The Certificate of Eligibility is key because it establishes the veteran's honorably discharged status and entitlement to VA loan benefits, which can include favorable loan terms such as no down payment and reduced closing costs.

While proof of income, credit history, and a home appraisal are all factors that lenders might consider during the loan approval process, they are not specific requirements for securing the VA loan itself. Instead, they are part of the overall qualification criteria that will be evaluated once the entitlement is established through the Certificate of Eligibility.