VA Loans in Texas. Zero Down, No PMI, Built for Veterans
If you've served in the U.S. military, you've earned one of the best mortgage benefits available anywhere: a VA loan. No down payment. No private mortgage insurance. Competitive rates. And for eligible borrowers in Texas, it's often the best loan available — period. Russell Stout at Texas Mortgage Consultants specializes in VA loans and charges no lender fees. You've done your part — let's make sure you get every benefit you've earned
VA LOANS
- No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
- No Required Down Payment
- TX VET Program Available
- No Prepayment Penalties
What Is a VA Loan?
VA loans are available to:
- Active duty service members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
- Veterans who served the minimum required service periods
- National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability
Note: You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to use your VA benefit. We'll help you obtain it as part of the loan process.
VA Loan Benefits — Why It's the Best Loan for Most Veterans
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional | FHA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $0 | 3–20% | 3.5% |
| Mortgage insurance | None | PMI if <20% down | MIP for life of loan |
| Min. credit score | ~580–620 | 620 | 580 |
| Funding fee | Yes (can be rolled in) | No | Upfront MIP |
| Loan limit | No limit (full entitlement) | $806,500 | $524,225 |
| Best for | Veterans / active duty | Good credit buyers | Lower credit buyers |
For most eligible veterans, the VA loan is the clear winner — especially in Austin where home prices are significant and coming in with $0 down preserves your cash for reserves, renovations, or other investments.
VA Loan Requirements in Texas (2026)
Service Requirements (General):
- Active duty: 90 continuous days during wartime, 181 days during peacetime
- Veterans: Honorable discharge after meeting minimum service requirements
- National Guard/Reserve: 6 years of service, or 90 days active duty under Title 10
Financial Requirements:
- No official minimum credit score from the VA, but most lenders require 580–620+
- Residual income requirements (ensures veterans have enough left over after housing costs)
- Primary residence only — VA loans cannot be used for investment properties
- Property must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPR)
VA Funding Fee:
The VA charges a one-time funding fee in place of mortgage insurance. For most first-time VA buyers, this is 2.15% of the loan amount and can be rolled into the loan — so nothing out of pocket. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are exempt from the funding fee entirely.
VA Loan Limits in Texas
Since 2020, VA loans have no loan limit for veterans with full entitlement. That means you can purchase a $1M+ home in Austin with zero down if you qualify — something no other loan program offers.
Veterans with remaining (partial) entitlement from a prior VA loan have limits that follow the conforming loan limits ($806,500 for most Texas counties).
Austin's Veteran Community
Austin is home to a significant and growing veteran population, including veterans of all branches and generations. Texas as a whole has one of the largest veteran populations in the country — and VA loans are frequently used across Austin, Round Rock, Killeen (near Fort Cavazos), San Antonio (near Joint Base San Antonio), and throughout Central Texas.
If you're a veteran buying in the Austin metro, you've likely earned the right to purchase with zero down. Let's make sure you use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to put any money down on a VA loan? No — eligible veterans with full entitlement can purchase with $0 down, regardless of the purchase price. You may still choose to put money down to reduce your monthly payment, but there's no requirement.
Do VA loans have mortgage insurance? No. There is no monthly PMI or MIP with a VA loan. The VA funding fee is a one-time charge at closing (typically rolled into the loan) — not an ongoing monthly cost.
What is the VA funding fee? It's a one-time fee charged by the VA that replaces mortgage insurance. For most first-time users, it's 2.15% of the loan amount. It can be rolled into your loan balance. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10%+ are exempt entirely.
Can I use a VA loan more than once? Yes. VA entitlement can be restored after a prior VA loan is paid off, or you can use remaining entitlement to buy a second home. We'll pull your COE and walk you through exactly where you stand.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan in Texas? The VA itself doesn't set a minimum, but most lenders require 580–620+. As a broker with access to 40+ lenders, we can often find options even for borrowers on the lower end of that range.
How long does VA pre-approval take? Most pre-approvals are completed within 24–48 hours of receiving your documents, including obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility.
Our mortgage professionals are here to help!
Russell Stout | Texas Mortgage Consultants, PLLC NMLS# 220896 | Company NMLS# 1843758 | Texas SML License# 220896 8805 Lemens Spice Trail, Austin, TX 78750 | Equal Housing Lender Texas Mortgage Consultants, PLLC is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the federal government
