President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944—better known as the GI Bill—11 months before World War II ended. Among its most transformative provisions was a brand-new benefit designed to help returning servicemembers achieve homeownership: the VA Home Loan Guaranty.

You would think that after 80 years, the specifics of this program would be common knowledge. But the reality is far different.
According to a recent Navy Federal Credit Union survey, only 47% of veterans know they can buy a home with no down payment. More than half of eligible veterans still believe they’re required to put money down—a misconception that keeps thousands of families renting when they could be building equity.

VA Loans Are Gaining Ground

Despite those misunderstandings, VA loans are quietly surging in popularity.
National Mortgage News reports that VA-backed applications rose from 13.4% to 14.9% of all mortgage applications in late October 2025—one of the highest shares since 2019. That growth comes even as conventional and FHA loan usage remains flat or declines.

The reasons are simple:

  • No down payment required for eligible borrowers.
  • No monthly mortgage insurance, unlike FHA loans.
  • Competitive interest rates backed by the federal guarantee.
  • Flexible credit standards, especially for those with limited credit history.

These advantages make VA financing one of the most borrower-friendly programs in the industry—yet one of the least understood.

Where Misconceptions Hurt the Most

Misunderstanding doesn’t just affect borrowers—it affects real estate agents and sellers too.
Many still assume VA loans are slow, complicated, or come with extra risk. But that’s outdated thinking. In today’s market, VA buyers are winning offers, often competing head-to-head with conventional buyers—especially in areas like South Florida, where affordability challenges are real and every dollar counts. It takes no longer to underwrite and close a VA loan than conventional and FHA loans. Commitments are equally as solid and secure. In fact, given the unique structures of VA loans, sellers and Realtors should prefer them. The VA loves its members and bends over backwards to reward them with Home Ownership.

And You Would Think….

You often think VA loans are for lower-priced homes, but Jumbo loans are available, too. If you served, you served, and they reward everyone equally.

Why It Matters Now

For many veterans, a home purchase is the foundation for family stability and long-term wealth. Yet too many are sitting on the sidelines simply because they don’t know what’s available to them—or they’re being told they “can’t compete” in a tight market.

The truth: VA buyers can compete and win.
With strong pre-approval, experienced guidance, and a knowledgeable real-estate team, VA loans close just as fast—and on better terms—than conventional financing.

If You Served, You Earned This

The VA loan benefit isn’t charity—it’s a right you earned through service.
Whether you’re active-duty, a reservist, or a veteran, understanding and using your VA eligibility can be one of the smartest financial moves you’ll ever make.

If you’d like to explore what your VA home-buying options look like—or if you’re a Realtor who wants to better understand how to structure winning VA offers—reach out today.

Clay Edmonds, MortgageSimplified.net
NMLS #1969637
Helping South Florida veterans and families turn homeownership into reality.

Posted in Uncategorized