VA Homebuyer Checklist - VA LOANS

Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Prepared by YourSix Real Estate | Kevin Denton

✔ Step 1: Confirm VA Loan Eligibility

- Served 90+ days active duty (wartime) or 181+ days (peacetime)?

- Reserve/National Guard with 6+ years of service?

- Surviving spouse of a veteran?

→ Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at va.gov or ask me to help.

✔ Step 2: Get Pre-Approved with a VA-Specialized Lender

- No down payment needed

- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

- Lower average interest rates

→ I can connect you with trusted VA loan experts.

✔ Step 3: Set Your Budget

- Factor in VA funding fee (often rolled into the loan)

- Consider closing costs and optional upgrades

- Estimate monthly payments based on pre-approval

✔ Step 4: Start the Home Search

- Must meet VA property standards (safe, sound, sanitary)

- Consider proximity to base, VA hospitals, or community

- YourSix Real Estate filters homes that qualify for VA loans

✔ Step 5: Make a Competitive Offer

- I help you negotiate price, closing costs, and VA-required repairs

- We’ll include VA addendum forms and ensure lender compliance

✔ Step 6: VA Appraisal + Inspection

- VA assigns an independent appraiser to verify value & condition

- You can (and should) still get a personal home inspection too

✔ Step 7: Close + Move In

- Final walk-through

- Sign documents

- Get your keys — welcome home

■ Bonus Tip:

- You can use your VA loan benefit more than once and even have 2 loans at the same time (with enough entitlement

Have questions? Reach out directly:

Kevin Denton, Veteran & Arizona Real Estate Agent