VA loans offer San Diego veterans and active-duty service members zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates. With local support from a VA mortgage specialist in San Diego, military families can buy or refinance with confidence—whether stationed near Camp Pendleton, NAS Miramar, or preparing for a PCS move.
Serving Those Who Serve
Hi, I’m Trevor Sanders, owner of SD-Loans. As a lifelong San Diegan and trusted VA mortgage broker, I’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of service members and veterans achieve homeownership across San Diego County—from Oceanside to Chula Vista.
If you’ve served our country, you’ve earned the right to own a home with benefits designed specifically for you. The VA home loan program makes that possible—with flexible qualifications, lower costs, and unparalleled support.
“San Diego veterans and military families give so much to our community. It’s my mission to make their path to homeownership simple, affordable, and stress-free.”
— Trevor Sanders, Owner of SD-Loans
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What Is a VA Loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It allows eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses to buy or refinance a home with no down payment and favorable terms.
At SD-Loans, I work directly with local lenders experienced in VA guidelines to make the process smooth from start to finish.
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Who’s Eligible for a VA Loan in San Diego?
You may qualify for a VA home loan in San Diego if you are:
- Active-duty military with at least 90 days of continuous service
- A veteran who meets service length requirements
- A member of the National Guard or Reserves
- A surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, I can help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)—a key first step in the VA loan process.
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Why San Diego Is Perfect for VA Home Loans
San Diego is home to one of the largest military populations in the country. With bases like Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Camp Pendleton, many service members choose to settle here permanently after serving.
VA loans are especially popular in our region because of:
- High housing demand and strong resale value
- Competitive jumbo VA loan limits that fit San Diego’s higher home prices
- A wide range of neighborhoods near military installations
From family homes in Scripps Ranch to ocean-view condos in Oceanside, VA loans open doors for our local heroes.
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The Top Benefits of a VA Mortgage in San Diego
Zero Down Payment
You can finance up to 100% of the home’s value with no down payment required—making homeownership possible sooner.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don’t require PMI. That can save you hundreds of dollars per month.
Competitive Interest Rates
Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, lenders offer some of the lowest rates available in the market.
Flexible Credit Requirements
Even if your credit isn’t perfect, VA loans provide more forgiving standards than most other loan types.
Reduced Closing Costs
The VA limits the amount you can be charged in closing fees, which keeps your out-of-pocket costs low.
Assumable Loans
If you sell your home later, your VA loan can be transferred to another eligible buyer—an attractive feature when rates rise.
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How VA Loans Compare to Conventional Mortgages
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional Loan |
| Down Payment | 0% required | 3%–20% required |
| Mortgage Insurance | None | Required under 20% down |
| Credit Flexibility | More lenient | Stricter |
| Interest Rates | Lower | Typically higher |
| Eligible Borrowers | Veterans, service members, spouses | All qualified buyers |
For military families in San Diego County, these advantages can make a major difference—especially when home prices hover near or above $900,000.
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Local Expertise Makes All the Difference
Every region has its quirks when it comes to real estate and lending.
As a VA mortgage broker in San Diego, I help clients navigate:
- Local property tax rates and Mello-Roos zones
- VA-approved condo lists (especially important downtown or in Mission Valley)
- Home inspections and appraisals specific to Southern California
Having guided military families through PCS relocations and first-home purchases, I understand both the paperwork and the personal stress that come with every move.
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Real-Life Example: Fast, Stress-Free Homebuying
I recently helped a Navy couple stationed at NAS North Island purchase their first home in Eastlake. They were first-time buyers and worried about qualifying with zero down. Within 24 hours, we had their COE verified, pre-approval in hand, and a competitive offer accepted in less than two weeks.
Because we handled everything locally—from underwriting to appraisal—they closed in under 21 days.
That’s the power of a responsive, San Diego-based broker who understands VA lending.
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VA Loan Limits and Jumbo VA Options in San Diego
As of 2025, the VA doesn’t cap how much a qualified veteran can borrow. However, lenders set internal guidelines.
In high-cost markets like San Diego, jumbo VA loans allow borrowers to finance homes well above $1 million—with no down payment for fully qualified applicants.
This is particularly valuable for veterans purchasing in areas like La Jolla, Del Mar, or Rancho Bernardo, where median home values exceed national averages.
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Refinancing with a VA Loan
VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)
Also called the VA Streamline Refinance, this program helps veterans refinance to a lower rate with minimal documentation and no appraisal in most cases.
VA Cash-Out Refinance
Use your home’s equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or investments—while still benefiting from competitive VA terms.
Both programs are ideal for San Diego homeowners looking to manage long-term financial goals without losing their VA benefits.
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PCS and Relocation Tips for San Diego Military Families
Relocating to or from San Diego? Here are a few quick tips from my years helping military families transition smoothly:
- Get Pre-Approved Before You Move. This gives you buying power and clarity on your budget before house hunting.
- Ask About Local Lender Speed. In San Diego’s hot market, fast underwriting can make or break your offer.
- Leverage Your BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). We can help structure your mortgage payment to align with your BAH for better budgeting.
- Explore Commuter Neighborhoods. Areas like Murrieta, Temecula, and Poway offer more home for your money with reasonable drives to bases.
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Common Misconceptions About VA Loans
“VA Loans Take Too Long”
Not true when you work with a local lender. At SD-Loans, we routinely close VA loans in as little as 21–25 days.
“You Can Only Use a VA Loan Once”
You can use your VA benefit multiple times, even after selling a previous home, as long as your entitlement is restored.
“VA Loans Are Just for First-Time Buyers”
Many seasoned homeowners use VA loans to upgrade, downsize, or refinance.
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Why Work with a Local VA Mortgage Expert
When you work with SD-Loans, you’re not calling a national hotline—you’re calling someone who lives and works here. I meet clients at Better Buzz Coffee in Hillcrest or near Camp Pendleton, because face-to-face conversations still matter.
You’ll always know where you stand, and you’ll never feel rushed or pressured. My goal is to make sure every veteran feels informed, respected, and supported.
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a VA Home Loan in San Diego
- Schedule an Intro Call – We’ll confirm your eligibility and discuss your goals.
- Obtain Your COE – I’ll guide you through getting your Certificate of Eligibility.
- Get Pre-Approved – Know exactly what you can afford.
- Find Your Home – Work with your realtor to identify VA-approved properties.
- Submit Offer & Appraisal – We handle the paperwork and coordinate inspections.
- Underwriting & Approval – Our local lenders work quickly to finalize the details.
- Closing & Keys in Hand! – Welcome home, and thank you for your service.
Learn more about the process here: VA Mortgage Loans San Diego and How to Qualify for a Mortgage in San Diego.
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Supporting Veterans Beyond the Loan
Homeownership is just one step in your financial journey. Many of my veteran clients return later for refinancing, real estate investments, or help securing generational wealth for their families.
At SD-Loans, I take pride in offering guidance long after closing day. My door is always open—whether you’re planning a move or just want to discuss future opportunities.
San Diego veterans — call Trevor Sanders for your VA loan options today.
If you’re stationed at Miramar, Camp Pendleton, or transitioning into civilian life, I’m here to help make your homeownership goals a reality.
Call/Text (619) 855-5061
“I believe every veteran deserves the peace of mind that comes with owning a home. My job is to make that process simple, affordable, and personal.”
— Trevor Sanders
