Arizona VA Loans

0% down. No PMI. No surprises. Built for military families.

Todd Uzzell, Mortgage Lender

Todd Uzzell

NMLS #1525192 | Loan Officer

I work with military families every day in Arizona. Fast VA approvals, respectful service, no hidden costs. You've served—let me help you buy.

What is a VA Loan?

0% Down

No down payment required. Full purchase price financed. Only program available to eligible veterans.

No PMI

No mortgage insurance. VA benefit value = no PMI needed. Saves 0.5–1% per year over conventional loans.

Competitive Rates

VA rates often beat conventional. Lower risk to lenders (VA guarantees) = lower rates for you.

VA Loan Eligibility

Active Duty Military

90+ days of active duty service (at least 1 day after Sept 7, 1980). COE (Certificate of Eligibility) required to apply.

Reserves & National Guard

6+ years of service. Generally requires honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Proof of military service. Apply online at VA.gov, or we can request it for you. Takes 1–2 weeks typically.

Credit Score

Minimum 620 FICO. VA is flexible with credit history—prior issues OK with explanation.

Residual Income & DTI

VA uses residual income (income left after expenses) instead of strict DTI. More flexible than conventional. Up to 50% DTI possible.

Arizona VA Loan Scenarios

Scenario 1: Phoenix Entry-Level Home

Home Price: $350,000

Down Payment: $0 (VA 0% down)

Loan Amount: $350,000

Interest Rate: 6.35%

Loan Term: 30 years

Monthly Payment Breakdown:

$2,145/month

*Includes principal + interest + property taxes/insurance, NO PMI*

Scenario 2: Scottsdale Mid-Range Home

Home Price: $550,000

Down Payment: $0 (VA 0% down)

Loan Amount: $550,000

Interest Rate: 6.40%

Loan Term: 30 years

Monthly Payment Breakdown:

$3,525/month

*Includes principal + interest + property taxes/insurance, NO PMI*

VA Loan Advantages

No Down Payment

100% financing. Close with no money down. Only program with this benefit for eligible borrowers.

No PMI

Saves 0.5–1% annually. Over 30 years, that's tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket.

Lower Rates

VA rates typically 0.25–0.75% lower than conventional. VA guarantee = lower lender risk.

Flexible Credit

Prior late payments, foreclosures, collections OK with documentation. VA focuses on residual income, not just credit score.

Reusable Benefit

Full entitlement after payoff. Buy again and again at 0% down. Lifetime benefit for eligible veterans.

No Prepayment Penalty

Pay extra principal anytime with no penalty. Free to build equity faster.

3 VA Loan Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Getting COE Early

Certificate of Eligibility takes 1–2 weeks. Get it before you start house hunting. We can help request it, but starting early prevents delays at closing.

Mistake 2: Assuming VA Covers All Closing Costs

VA limits what sellers can charge, but veterans typically cover some costs (appraisal, title insurance, taxes). Budget 2–5% for closing costs even with VA.

Mistake 3: Using Full Entitlement on Wrong Property

VA is reusable—use it strategically. If buying investment property or higher-price home, consider holding some entitlement for future primary residence.

VA Loan FAQ

How do I get my Certificate of Eligibility? +

Apply online at VA.gov (eBenefits), or request by mail. Takes 1–2 weeks. We can also request it through your lender portal. Bring your DD214 (discharge papers) to speed it up.

Can I use VA to buy an investment property? +

Yes. You must occupy the home for at least 1 year before converting to investment property. VA loans are for primary residence, but after 1 year, you can rent it out and the VA benefit remains.

What's a VA funding fee and do I have to pay it? +

VA funding fee is typically 1.4–3.6% of loan amount, rolled into loan. Exemptions for disabled veterans or those receiving VA disability. Talk to us—you may qualify for a waiver.

Can I use my VA benefit multiple times? +

Yes. Unlimited use after paying off a prior VA loan or on a new property. Reusable for life. Strategic planning helps—we can show you how to maximize your benefit.

Do VA loans require an inspection or appraisal? +

Appraisal required. VA appraisers protect veterans—home must be safe, sound, sanitary. Inspection is your choice (always recommended). No VA requirement for home inspection.

Related Military Programs

FHA Loans

3.5% down alternative if you don't have VA eligibility or prefer FHA terms.

VA Cash-Out Refi

Tap home equity with a VA refinance. Still 0% down, no PMI, cash to your pocket.

First-Time Buyer Programs

If not military-eligible, explore first-time buyer DPA and grant programs.

Ready for Your VA Loan?

Thank you for your service. Let's get you into your Arizona home at 0% down.