(239) 571-6943 Mike.Steele@edgehomefinance.com
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Proud to Serve Those Who Served

VA Home Loans
in Southwest Florida

You've earned this benefit. Let Mike help you use it — with $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates through 100+ lenders.

$0 Down Payment

With full VA entitlement, purchase any priced home with zero down payment. No loan limit for fully eligible veterans in 2026.

No PMI / No MIP

Unlike FHA or conventional loans with less than 20% down, VA loans never require private mortgage insurance — saving you hundreds per month.

Lower Interest Rates

VA loans typically offer rates 0.25–0.50% below conventional loans. With Mike shopping 100+ lenders, you'll get a highly competitive rate.

Lifetime Benefit

Your VA loan entitlement can be used again and again. Sell a home and buy another with a new VA loan — or keep your existing VA loan and buy a second.

2026 VA Loan Limits

Great news for veterans with full entitlement: there is no loan limit. You can purchase a home at any price with $0 down, subject only to the lender's underwriting requirements and your ability to qualify.

For veterans with partial entitlement (e.g., you still have a VA loan on another property), the 2026 conforming limits apply:

Standard Counties
$832,750
Most of Lee & Collier County
High-Cost Areas
$1,249,125
Select high-cost counties nationwide

Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?

VA loan eligibility is based on your service history. Generally, you may qualify if you meet one of the following:

  • 90+ consecutive days of active-duty service during wartime
  • 181+ consecutive days of active-duty service during peacetime
  • 6+ years of service in the National Guard or Reserves
  • National Guard with 90 days including 30 consecutive under Title 32
  • Surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
  • Current active-duty service members after 90 days

Your first step is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — Mike can often pull this for you in minutes through the VA's automated system.

The VA Funding Fee

The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that helps sustain the VA loan program. For 2026, first-use purchase loans with $0 down carry a 2.15% funding fee (3.3% for subsequent use). You can pay it upfront or roll it into your loan balance.

Fee waivers apply if you have a VA disability rating of 10% or higher, are a Purple Heart recipient serving on active duty, or are a surviving spouse receiving DIC benefits.

How VA Qualifying Differs

VA loans use a residual income calculation — not just your debt-to-income ratio. This measures how much disposable income your family has after all major expenses. The result? Many veterans can qualify for more home than they could with a conventional loan, because the VA wants to ensure you can comfortably afford your mortgage.

VA Loan Advantages at a Glance

No prepayment penalties

Pay off your loan early without any fees.

Assumable loans

Future buyers may assume your VA loan and rate — a powerful selling point.

Lenient credit guidelines

No VA-mandated minimum score. Most lenders accept 580–620+.

VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)

Lower your rate with minimal paperwork and often no appraisal.

Why SWFL Veterans Choose Mike

Mike understands the VA appraisal process, the Termite Inspection (Wood Destroying Organism report) requirements unique to Florida, and how to navigate flood zones that can complicate VA purchases in our area. With access to 100+ lenders, Mike can find VA-approved lenders offering the most competitive rates and terms for your situation.

Ready to Use Your VA Benefit?

Let Mike pull your COE and get you pre-approved — most clients hear back within 24–48 hours.

Apply Online Now Call (239) 571-6943