San Diego is more than just a beautiful coastal city—it’s also home to one of the largest military populations in the country. From the Naval Base to Camp Pendleton and everything in between, our community is filled with servicemembers, veterans, and military families who have proudly served our nation. As a San Diego mortgage broker, I believe our heroes deserve the opportunity to own a home in the place they help protect.
If you or your spouse are a current or former member of the military, you may qualify for one of the most powerful mortgage programs available: the VA home loan. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how VA loans work, who qualifies, and why they’re such a valuable resource for military families buying a home in San Diego.
What Is a VA Home Loan?
A VA home loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It’s specifically designed to help eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses become homeowners—with zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required.
Unlike FHA loans or conventional loans, VA loans are issued by private lenders (like us at SD-Loans) but guaranteed by the VA, giving lenders the confidence to offer more favorable terms.
Top Benefits of VA Loans for Military Families
✅ No Down Payment Required
This is a game-changer, especially in high-cost markets like San Diego. You can buy a home without having to save up 5–20% for a down payment.
✅ No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
Most buyers putting less than 20% down must pay PMI—but not with a VA loan. That’s a huge monthly savings.
✅ Competitive Interest Rates
VA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional mortgages, helping you save over the life of your loan.
✅ Flexible Credit Requirements
While credit is still considered, VA loans are known for being more lenient on credit scores than conventional programs.
Related post: The Impact of Credit Scores on San Diego Home Loans
✅ Reduced Closing Costs
The VA limits the fees and charges that can be paid by veterans, often reducing your overall cost to close.
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan in 2025?
You may be eligible for a VA loan if you meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You served 90 consecutive days during wartime
- You served 181 days during peacetime
- You have more than 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves, or
- You are the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected disability
To confirm eligibility, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)—and don’t worry, I can help you request this as part of our VA loan application process.
VA Loan Limits in San Diego
Thanks to changes in the law, VA loan limits have been removed for borrowers with full entitlement. That means you can borrow based on what you qualify for—without a cap—even in high-cost areas like San Diego. Source: VA.gov
For buyers with reduced entitlement (those with an active VA loan or past usage), the conforming loan limit in San Diego County for 2025 is $1,149,825, which may influence how much you can borrow without a down payment. For those needing higher financing, we also offer jumbo loans in San Diego.
The VA Funding Fee Explained
One unique aspect of VA loans is the VA funding fee, a one-time cost that helps keep the program running. It’s typically:
- 2.15% of the loan amount for first-time VA borrowers with no down payment
- 3.3% for repeat users
However, many veterans qualify for a waiver if they receive VA disability benefits or are surviving spouses. This fee can also be rolled into the loan, so you don’t have to pay it out-of-pocket.
How to Apply for a VA Loan in San Diego
At SD-Loans, we specialize in working with military families, and we understand the unique timeline and needs that come with PCS moves, deployments, and transitions to civilian life.
Here’s how we simplify the VA loan process:
✅ Step 1: Connect With Me for a Strategy Session
We’ll go over your eligibility, budget, and goals to determine if a VA loan is the right fit.
✅ Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
We can often pull this directly from the VA’s automated system on your behalf.
✅ Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for Your Loan
This gives you a clear idea of your price range and strengthens your offer when house hunting.
✅ Step 4: Find a Home and Make an Offer
We work with your realtor and ensure your pre-approval reflects the strength of your financing.
✅ Step 5: Finalize the Loan and Close
We handle the underwriting, appraisal, and closing process so that you can focus on planning your move and celebrating your new home.
Why Military Families Choose SD-Loans
As a local mortgage broker in San Diego, I take great pride in supporting our military community. We offer:
- Local expertise in San Diego’s housing market
- Flexible hours to accommodate your schedule and deployments
- Fast digital applications to get you pre-approved quickly
- Personal guidance every step of the way
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving on base, or transitioning into civilian life, I’m here to help make the process smooth, respectful, and easy to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Loans
❓ Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes! You can use your VA loan benefit multiple times throughout your life.
❓ What types of homes can I buy with a VA loan?
You can buy a single-family home, condo, multi-unit property (up to 4 units), or even build a new home—provided it will be your primary residence. You can learn more about the differences in property types on our conventional loan and FHA loan pages.
❓ How long does the VA loan process take?
It’s usually similar to other loans—about 30 days from accepted offer to closing, depending on the situation.
Let’s Get You Home—San Diego Style
San Diego is a special place—and you deserve to call it home. If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or military spouse looking to plant roots here, I’d be honored to help you navigate your VA loan options.
📞 Call/Text: 619-855-5061
Keys In Hand, New Chapter Unlocked
Let’s work together to make homeownership not just a dream—but your next mission accomplished.
Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you.
