Buying a Home in Minnesota With Your VA Loan Benefit
Use the home loan benefit you earned, with a clear plan for your VA purchase in Minnesota.
You earned this benefit. Let's put it to work.
The VA home loan is one of the strongest home buying benefits available, and many veterans and service members never use it because no one explained how it works.
I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help veterans, service members, and military families buy homes across Minnesota.
How does a VA loan work in Minnesota? A VA loan is a mortgage from a private lender, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible buyers can often purchase with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You start by getting your Certificate of Eligibility and a pre-approval from a lender who knows VA loans.
What a VA loan can do for you
- No down payment for many eligible buyers. You can keep your savings for moving and emergencies.
- No monthly mortgage insurance. That lowers your payment compared with many other low down payment loans.
- A benefit you can use more than once. It is not only for your first home.
Most VA loans include a one-time funding fee, which can usually be added to the loan, and some veterans are exempt from it. Your lender will tell you what applies to you.
The VA home buying steps
- Confirm your eligibility. Your lender can help you request your Certificate of Eligibility.
- Get pre-approved with a lender who handles VA loans regularly.
- Find your home. It must be a home you will live in, and it needs to meet the VA's property standards.
- Make your offer. We write it so sellers see a strong, well-prepared buyer.
- VA appraisal and inspection. The appraisal confirms value and basic condition. We still recommend your own home inspection.
- Close and get your keys.
You can read our full buying plan on our how we help buyers page and more detail on our buying a home page.
Moving on orders
A military move rarely happens on your schedule. If you are relocating to Minnesota, we can tour homes by video, attend inspections for you, and build the purchase around your report date. Our relocating to Minnesota page explains how buying from a distance works.
If you are leaving Minnesota and need to sell, our selling your home page covers how we prepare, price, and market a home.
VA buyers across Minnesota
We help VA buyers in communities across Minnesota, including Cottage Grove, Woodbury, Ramsey, and Brooklyn Park. Tell us where you will be working or stationed, and we will suggest areas that fit your commute and your budget.
Thank you for your service. Let's get you home.
Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, we will explain each step and answer every question. No pressure and no obligation.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770. What questions do you have?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a down payment with a VA loan?
Many eligible buyers can purchase with no down payment. Your lender confirms what you qualify for based on your eligibility, income, and the price of the home.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The VA does not set one minimum score, but lenders have their own requirements. If your credit needs work, a lender can give you a clear plan to get ready.
What is the VA funding fee?
It is a one-time fee on most VA loans that can usually be added to the loan amount. Some veterans, including many with a service-connected disability, are exempt.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes. The benefit can be used again, and in some cases you can have more than one VA loan at a time. A lender can explain your remaining entitlement.
Does a VA appraisal replace a home inspection?
No. The VA appraisal confirms the home's value and basic condition for the lender. A home inspection is a separate, more detailed review that protects you.
VA / Military by neighborhood
5.0 Stars From 101 Google Reviews
In their own words, from clients across Minnesota.
★★★★★
“If you're looking for a realtor who never gets tired of driving anywhere and at anytime to show you housing options, then call Lesley. I had a lot of questions as it was my first time buying a home. She always took her time to explain everything. She responded even at midnight and was never angry even when I called her at odd hours. She was so patient and I am glad she helped me bought my first home. I will recommend her over and over.”
★★★★★
“Working with our realtor, Lesley, was a great experience from start to finish. She was very knowledgeable, helpful, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. She answered our questions and truly looked out for our best interests when negotiating and reviewing details. Buying a home can be stressful, but they made the process smooth and much easier for us. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
★★★★★
“Lesley is an amazing and experienced realtor. I have worked with different realtors in the past and I'll confidently say Lesley is top notch! You can count on her truly fighting and representing you through the whole process. She makes the process almost seem effortless due to her knowledge and expertise. Hire Lesley and you won't regret!”
Keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?