VA Loan Checklist

Government-issued photo ID Social Security Number Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — obtain via VA.gov or ask lender DD-214 (Certificate of Release / Discharge from Active Duty) — veterans Statement of Service (active duty members, signed by commanding officer) NGB Form 22 (National Guard members) 2-year residential address history

Pay stubs — last 30 days W-2 forms — last 2 years Federal tax returns — last 2 years Military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) — if active duty Award letters for disability compensation, BAH, BAS If self-employed: 2 years business returns

Bank statements — last 2–3 months Sufficient reserves for closing costs (seller can contribute up to 4%) Investment / retirement account statements Gift letters (if applicable)

VA has no official minimum; most lenders require 580–620+ DTI typically 41% or less (higher allowed with strong residual income) Residual income calculation required (varies by family size and region) Bankruptcy: 2-year wait after Chapter 7 Foreclosure: 2-year waiting period

Signed purchase contract VA appraisal (lender orders — required for all VA loans) Property must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) Home inspection strongly recommended Property must be primary residence Condos: building must be VA-approved

VA Funding Fee: 1.25%–3.3% (can be financed; waived for disabled vets) No PMI — ever No prepayment penalty Entitlement: full vs. remaining entitlement affects loan amount Surviving spouses: obtain COE through VA with DEERS eligibility