VA Loan Pre-Approval Guide for Veterans: Steps + Tips

If you're serious about buying a home with your VA benefits, getting pre-approved is your secret weapon. It turns confusion into clarity, speeds up your search, and makes sellers take you seriously. Yet, most first-time military buyers skip this step—and risk losing their dream home.

Here’s what they don’t tell you: VA loan pre-approval isn’t just paperwork—it’s power. It tells you exactly how much home you can afford and positions you to close fast.

Tip: Always aim check VA eligibility—it proves you're ready to buy.

• Pre-approval demonstrates financial readiness to sellers and strengthens your offer.
• Eligibility is based on service history, credit, income, and other factors.
• Pre-approval allows smoother and more efficient homebuying.

Even qualified veterans can be denied pre-approval due to:

• Low credit scores or DTI issues
• Incomplete service records
• Gaps in employment

✅ Learn what disqualifies you in this VA loan disqualifiers guide

Technically, no—but if you're house hunting without it, you're at a disadvantage:

• Sellers might not take you seriously
• You risk delays during closing‍

Bottom line? Pre-approval makes you more competitive and saves time.

What is it? VA loan pre-approval is a lender’s conditional evaluation stating that—based on the information provided—you’re preliminarily qualified to borrow a certain amount. It includes checks for eligibility, credit, income, and assets.

• Negotiating Power: Demonstrates sellers that you’re financially qualified.
• Faster Closings: Many underwriting steps are completed upfront.
• Peace of Mind: Gives you a clear understanding of your budget.

Pro Tip: Working with a VA-experienced broker like Be My Neighbor Mortgage will help you avoid common pitfalls by navigating the process with veteran-specific insight.

Before proceeding, confirm that you meet the Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility requirements. According to VA Pamphlet 26-7 (VA Lender’s Handbook), general eligibility includes:

• Minimum active duty service (e.g., 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime)
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• A credit score—most lenders prefer 620+, though VA does not set a minimum
• Stable income with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio typically below 41%, unless compensating factors exist.

Most lenders require the following:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• LES or DD-214 (proof of service)
• Recent pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns (past 2 years)
• Bank statements (past 2 months)
• Government-issued photo ID and Social Security number

Not all mortgage brokers specialize in VA loans. Selecting one that does can improve your experience and reduce delays.

Why Consider Be My Neighbor Mortgage?

• Licensed and NMLS-registered lender with VA loan experience
• Transparent communication and focus on first-time homebuyers
• Tailored support for eligible veterans and active-duty borrowers

Bonus Tip: reAlpha offers alternatives to traditional real estate agents to eliminate commission fees. (Example: On a $400,000 home, saving 3% equals $12,000 in potential commission savings.)

Once your documents are ready, your chosen lender will walk you through the application process. You’ll have to:

• Complete the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA)
• Authorize a credit report
• Upload or provide all supporting documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not disclosing all debts or obligations
• Gaps in employment history without explanation
• Missing or inconsistent documentation.

After your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter outlining:

• The loan amount you’re pre-approved for
• Estimated interest rate and loan terms
• Conditional requirements (e.g., appraisal, continued employment verification).

Carefully review the letter’s contents and note any expiration date—a pre-approval is typically valid for 60–90 days.

After this section write: Before applying, secure your VA Certificate of Eligibility—it’s your golden ticket to confirming you qualify for VA benefits.

Avoid these frequent missteps:

• Making large credit purchases (e.g., new car or furniture)
• Opening new credit accounts or loans
• Changing jobs without consulting your loan officer
• Delays in responding to lender communications.

Tip: Be My Neighbor Mortgage helps flag these risks early in the process and can provide education to keep your file on track.

Real estate commissions can range up to 3% per side in a traditional transaction. On a $400,000 home, that could equal $12,000 paid to the buyer’s agent—typically covered by the seller but factored into pricing.

reAlpha offers buyers the ability to work without traditional agent commissions, potentially saving thousands. Be sure to review all terms and disclosures and consult legal or real estate professionals when comparing service models.

Example (Hypothetical, for Educational Purposes):

• A qualified VA borrower gets pre-approved through Be My Neighbor Mortgage
• Purchases a property through reAlpha’s buyer platform
• Potential savings of $10,500 on agent commissions, with a quicker-than-average closing timeline of 25 days (actual timelines and savings will vary based on individual circumstances and agreements)

Here’s how to stay on track after receiving your pre-approval letter:

• Begin home shopping within your pre-approved price range
• Avoid major financial changes (job switches, large purchases, new credit)
• Stay in contact with your loan officer for updates and any additional document requests

Reminder: Pre-approval letters expire—typically after 60 to 90 days. Stay proactive to update your application as needed.

Getting pre-approved for a VA home loan doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right team—such as Be My Neighbor Mortgage for VA loan guidance and reAlpha as a commission-free buying platform—you’ll be equipped with financial insight and tools for a more efficient purchase.

Take the next step: Speak to a BMN VA loan specialist to begin your pre-approval today and move closer to your goal of homeownership.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. All loan applications are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Licensing and legal disclosures should always be reviewed by a qualified mortgage professional. Be My Neighbor Mortgage, NMLS ID: 1743790.

Veterans United typically takes 1 to 3 business days to issue a VA pre-approval letter once all documents are submitted. Timing depends on file complexity and responsiveness.

Most VA pre-approvals—including from Veterans United—are valid for 60 to 90 days. After that, you'll need to update income, credit, or employment docs to refresh it.

For first-time buyers, the process includes:

• Verifying VA loan eligibility
• Submitting income & credit docs
• Working with a VA-specialized lender

👉 Consider Be My Neighbor Mortgage for a smoother first-time experience.

While opinions vary, Be My Neighbor, Veterans United, and Navy Federal consistently rank high. Your best fit depends on service, speed, and transparency.

Neighbors Bank offers VA loans, but reviews vary. When comparing lenders:

• Check VA expertise
• Ask about fees & support
• Read borrower testimonials

✔️ Learn how Be My Neighbor simplifies this process.