VA loans are the most powerful mortgage benefit available — $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. We honor your service with a process that's as disciplined and efficient as you are.
VA loans are available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and surviving spouses. There is no down payment required and no monthly mortgage insurance. The VA charges a one-time funding fee (1.25-3.3% depending on down payment and use), waived entirely for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Express helps you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at no charge.
Buy a home with $0 out of pocket for the down payment. VA loans are one of the only true zero-down mortgage options available.
Unlike FHA and conventional loans with less than 20% down, VA loans never charge monthly PMI — saving you hundreds per month.
VA loan rates are typically 0.25-0.5% lower than conventional rates because the VA guarantee reduces risk for lenders.
While the VA doesn't set a minimum credit score, most lenders require 580-620. We work with lenders who take a holistic view of your financial picture.
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is your proof to the VA that you qualify for a VA-backed loan. You don't need it to start the conversation, but you'll need it before closing. Three ways to get one.
The fastest path. With your basic service info, Express can request your COE through the VA portal in most cases — usually back within 24-48 hours. No charge, no paperwork on your end.
Through the VA's eBenefits portal at va.gov/housing-assistance. Free, but can take 2-3 weeks if records require manual review. Best if you want to have it in hand before contacting any lender.
VA Form 26-1880 mailed to the regional loan center serving Michigan. Slowest option (4-6 weeks) but the right fit for service members with older or partial records that don't exist digitally.
Michigan VA Regional Loan Center is the Cleveland RLC at 1240 East Ninth Street, Cleveland OH 44199. We've worked with them on dozens of files.
The VA funding fee is a one-time payment that helps keep the VA loan program self-sustaining. It's the trade-off for not paying monthly mortgage insurance. The exact percentage depends on whether it's your first use, your down payment, and whether you're a regular military member, reservist, or National Guard.
Fully exempt: Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, surviving spouses receiving DIC, and Purple Heart recipients on active duty all pay zero funding fee. We confirm exemption status before quoting.
If you already have a VA loan and want to drop your interest rate, the IRRRL — Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan — is the fastest, lowest-cost path. It's the VA's answer to a streamline refinance.
What makes it different: No appraisal required in most cases. No new income or asset verification. No new Certificate of Eligibility — we just reuse your original. Closing costs can be rolled into the new loan. Funding fee drops to 0.50% (versus 2.15%+ on a standard VA purchase).
The catch: It can only be used to refinance an existing VA loan into another VA loan with a lower rate or to switch from ARM to fixed. You can't take cash out (that's a VA cash-out refi instead) and you can't use it to refinance a non-VA loan.
When it makes sense: Rates have dropped 0.5%+ since you took out your VA loan, you plan to stay in the home for at least 2 more years, and you want minimal paperwork. We can quote an IRRRL in 24 hours and close in 14 days on most files.
Generally, you need 90+ consecutive days of active service during wartime, 181+ days during peacetime, or 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves. Surviving spouses of veterans may also qualify.
The VA funding fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on your down payment and whether it's your first VA loan. Disabled veterans are typically exempt.
Yes! Your VA loan benefit is reusable. You can have multiple VA loans over your lifetime, and in some cases, you can even have two VA loans at the same time.
Yes, as long as the condo complex is on the VA-approved list. We can help you check eligibility and navigate the approval process.
The information on this page reflects current program guidance from the agencies below. For the most authoritative and up-to-date details, refer directly to these primary sources or speak with our team.
Express Home Loans, LLC (NMLS #2485075) is an independent mortgage broker and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of HUD, the VA, the FHA, the CFPB, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, MSHDA, or any government agency. Links are provided for reference only. Program terms and availability are subject to change and to lender and agency approval.