First-Time Homebuyer Guide: The Best Loans Available to Veterans

by Sandy Malbrue 04/08/2025

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs offers financing options for first-time homebuyers who've served in the military. Knowing the different kinds of VA loans available will help you determine the best option for your home buying plans. It can also help you prepare for the application process and find your eligibility. Here are the basic types of VA loans to know:

Renovation Loans

Are you thinking of a fixer upper for your first home? If so, you may want to consider a VA renovation loan. This type of loan will help cover the remodeling and repair costs of your new-to-you home. Also, you can often finance up to 100% of the home's total value, which is more than most home improvement-based loans will allow.

Construction Loans

Construction loans are perfect for those wanting to build their first home rather than buy an existing one. The VA offers construction loans to assist with the construction costs. You can get a loan combining the upfront costs with the ongoing mortgage payments, or split it into two separate loans depending on your preference.

Energy-Efficient Loans

Planning green upgrades for your first home is a smart choice when you consider a VA energy-efficiency loan. With this type of loan, you can finance the purchase and installation of major green upgrades. Not only will these upgrades help the environment, they'll help you save money on utilities long after the loan is paid in full.

Supplemental Loans

VA supplemental loans can help first-time homebuyers who face maintenance costs in their first home. You can finance these expenses either by adding a supplemental amount to your existing loan, or by taking out a separate loan.

All of these options can greatly benefit you as both a veteran and first-time homebuyer. Consult with a lender or financial professional to determine which best suits your needs.

About the Author
Author

Sandy Malbrue

Hi, I'm Sandy Malbrue and I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search for representation or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my 21 years real estate experience to work for you. Be it to gain wide exposure for your home with my marketing plan, negotiate offers or manage the transaction once you've accepted an offer, in a way that will get you the best price and cause the least amount of disruption to you life as possible.  

If you are a buyer, allow me put those skills to work for you to help with the pre-approval process, work with you to locate and arrange for you to view homes of interest to you , and negotiate your offer. Once you have an accepted offer, I will help you arrange inspections, I will manage the transaction for you, from helping to arrange for inspections to keeping you up to date on contingency removals and walking you through the process to a new set of keys.

Let's do this!