VA Home Loans in Houston, TX | Veteran Mortgage Services by Peyton Financial
As a veteran or active-duty service member in Houston, you’ve earned powerful homebuying benefits — and Peyton Financial Mortgage Inc (NMLS 355920) is here to help you make the most of them with a VA home loan. Our experienced broker, Roger Young (licensed in Texas and California, CA-DFPI271349), provides personal, one-on-one service. We guide you through every step – from verifying your eligibility to closing – so you can focus on moving into your new home. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a VA Loan and How Does It Work?
A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and issued through private lenders. It allows eligible veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses to buy (or refinance) a home with little or no down payment and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Since 1944, VA loans have helped over 25 million military members and their families buy homes. According to the VA, nearly 90% of VA home loans nationwide require no down payment. In short, VA home loans often offer better terms than conventional mortgages, making homeownership more accessible for Texas veterans.
Key Benefits of VA Loans
- No Down Payment: You can finance 100% of the purchase price. Unlike conventional loans (often requiring 3-5% down) and FHA loans (3.5% down), most VA loans let you buy a home with $0 down.
- No Mortgage Insurance (PMI): VA loans do not require PMI, saving you hundreds of dollars per month. Because many conventional loans with low down payments impose hefty PMI fees, this is a huge cost-saving for VA borrowers.
- Lower Interest Rates and Fees: VA loans tend to have lower interest rates and limited closing costs. The VA even caps the lender’s origination fee at 1% of the loan. Overall, VA loans can save you money over the life of your mortgage.
- Flexible Credit and Qualification: The VA sets no strict minimum credit score, and lenders often allow lower scores (around 620 or sometimes less). VA loans also allow higher debt-to-income ratios than conventional loans (up to ~41% vs. 36% typically). In practice, qualified military borrowers who might not meet conventional loan criteria can often be approved for a VA loan.
- Veteran-Exclusive Benefits: Only U.S. veterans, active service members, and eligible spouses can get VA loans. This exclusivity means the program offers unique perks (like funding fee exemptions for disabled vets). The VA funding fee (roughly 2–3% of loan) can be rolled into the loan amount, and certain veterans (e.g. those with service-connected disabilities) are exempt from the fee.
💡 Who Pays the VA Funding Fee?Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee, which helps sustain the loan program. This fee can typically be rolled into your loan amount. However, if you’re receiving VA disability compensation, you may be exempt.
- Assumable and Refinance Options: VA loans are assumable, so if you sell your home, another qualified buyer (veteran or not) can take over your loan at the same terms. Also, VA offers streamlined refinancing (IRRRL) and cash-out refinance options, making it easy to refinance later if rates drop or you need cash.
Am I Eligible for a VA Loan?
- Active Duty Service: At least 90 days of active-duty service during wartime, or at least 181 days during peacetime.
- National Guard/Reserve: At least 6 years of service in the Reserves/Guard.
- Honorable Discharge: Your service must have ended under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Surviving Spouse: A spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty (or from a service-related disability) may also qualify.
Why Choose Roger Young at Peyton Financial Mortgage?
- Personalized service directly from Roger Young, a broker who knows the Houston market inside and out.
- Clear answers and expert guidance on every aspect of the VA loan process.
- A proven track record of helping veterans across Texas and California become homeowners.
Start Your VA Loan Application Today
Whether you’re buying your first home in Houston or refinancing with a VA IRRRL, now is the perfect time to take advantage of your earned benefits. Get pre-qualified today or contact us for a free consultation with Roger Young. Let’s put your VA benefits to work for you.